Best natural monuments around Nawton are found within North Yorkshire, an area characterized by its diverse landscapes, including the nearby North York Moors National Park. The region offers a blend of designed natural spaces and more rugged, expansive moorland environments. Visitors can explore significant natural features and historical sites that integrate with the natural setting. The area provides opportunities to experience both serene woodlands and elevated viewpoints.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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"Each of these crosses can tell its own story and what motivated people to erect "their" cross at this spot. (...) These wayside crosses were erected as visible signs and attract the attention of many people. The cross is a symbol of life. It stands as a sign of our Christian hope and aims to direct our gaze to Jesus Christ, who has overcome death (...). The cross is a part of our lives, just as it was a part of the life of Jesus. So I hope that many people... will seek out the wayside crosses, whether as places of silence and respite before God, or as places of community gathering, prayer, and praise." (Source: Dean Rainald M. Ollig in: "Wayside Crosses... Small Sacred Monuments as Signs of Popular Piety")
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Photographer @Jessica Mather had the misfortune of not being able to enjoy the view offered by the ANA CROSS site during her run here due to the weather conditions. However, more than two dozen photos of the small sacred monument and the panorama offered by the prominent location can be seen on the hiking highlight of the same name =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/2252418
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Just off the Cleveland Way and about halfway between Carr Ridge to the west and Bloworth Crossing to the east, spectacular views all around on a clear day.
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following on the trip there is a beautiful downhill forest path
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Highest cross on the moors, great views across Spaunton Moor when the weather allows.
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Sheriffs Pit is the location of an old iron mine. The views here are mint, you can see for miles through the valleys at the side of the double track
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See the Landofiron.org.uk website for more engaging details on the Sheriff's Pit and other surviving elements of the Rosedale Mines and Railway.
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The wayside cross marks a medieval route way across the moor between Lastingham and the site of Rosedale Priory. A deeply incised hollow way skirts the western side of the barrow heading towards the modern village of Rosedale Abbey. The current cross, which at one time was known as Ain or One Howe Cross, but now more generally as Ana Cross, dates to 1949 when the original medieval cross was removed to the crypt of Lastingham Church. It was repaired in the summer of 1998 after its collapse in the winter of 1995. More details at ancientmonuments.co.uk.
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Around Nawton, you'll discover a mix of expansive moorland viewpoints, historical sites integrated with nature, and tranquil forested waterscapes. Highlights include the highest point in the North York Moors National Park, Round Hill Summit (Highest Point of Urra Moor), and the serene Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods.
Yes, several natural monuments around Nawton have historical significance. Ana Cross marks a prehistoric burial mound and an old moorland crossing. Another interesting site is Sheriff's Pit, which consists of the remains of an old ironstone mine, now being reclaimed by nature and offering great views.
For spectacular views, head to Round Hill Summit (Highest Point of Urra Moor), which offers extensive vistas across the fells. Another excellent spot is Roppa Edge trig point, providing commanding views north across Helmsley Bank and Rievaulx Bank.
Yes, Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is a lovely, family-friendly spot. It's a tranquil lake within a forest setting, perfect for walks and jogs with children.
The area around Nawton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as those mentioned in the Running Trails around Nawton guide. For cyclists, there are gravel biking routes in the Gravel biking around Nawton guide and road cycling options in the Road Cycling Routes around Nawton guide.
The natural monuments around Nawton are beautiful year-round. However, for particularly photogenic views, consider visiting in summer when the heather blooms purple across the moors, especially around sites like Ana Cross.
While not a wild natural monument, the Nawton Tower gardens and woodlands offer a significant natural element. This site features extensive woodlands and diverse plant collections, including rhododendrons and azaleas, set within an 18th-century designed landscape with historical structures. The gardens are open to the public.
Visitors frequently appreciate the vastness and sense of peace found at high moorland points like Round Hill Summit. The blend of historical elements with natural beauty, such as at Ana Cross, and the tranquil forest settings of places like Higher Fish Pond, are also highly valued.
Many of the natural monuments, especially those within the North York Moors National Park, can be incorporated into longer hikes. For example, Round Hill Summit is located on the popular Cleveland Way national trail, offering opportunities for extended walks.
Yes, natural monuments like Sheriff's Pit, an old ironstone mine site, are being reclaimed by nature and are known to attract birds such as the ring ouzel. Forested areas like Yearsley Woods, home to Higher Fish Pond, also provide habitats for various local wildlife.
Accessibility varies by site. For instance, Ana Cross is noted to be 'not far from the road' with 'wide tracks to access,' making it relatively easy to reach. Other moorland summits may require more strenuous hiking. It's always best to check specific route details for terrain and difficulty.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Nawton: