THIS walk combines two of the most iconic land marks in the North York Moors; Captain Cook’s Monument and the instantly recognisable Roseberry Topping.

Perched on the banks of the River Leven, Great Ayton lies on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and has some excellent walks from its centre. There are plenty of parking places to the east of the village, take the road from the post office marked to the station. At the station cross the lines and almost immediately take the lane to your right. After 200 metres turn left on a path till it meets another lane over a stile, turn right and follow this up hill, until it arrives at Ayton Bank Woods. After entering via a gate follow the wall to your right till it meets a forest track left and follow this all the way to Captain Cook's Monument.

Built in 1827 the monument stands an impressive 60ft high and is built as a memorial to the great explorer and circumnavigator Captain Cook. A popular and admired figure both in his home area before he headed south and then to his fellow sailors on his adventures he was much mourned on his death. The monument stands on the clearing of Easby Moor, with some views available above the top of the forest. From the monument head for the forest track to the north and follow this for half a mile downhill to a road and parking area. You are now on the Cleveland Way and being a national trail is well signposted.

Carry on over the road and follow the Cleveland Way across the moor, still heading north. After three quarters of a mile meet a stone wall, pass through and carry on east and downhill with the looming bulk of Roseberry Topping soon blocking out any sun. The hill is an unusual landmark in its prominence and shape. It may only be a 1,050ft high but it is shaped like the Matterhorn (steep sided and pointy) in complete contrast to the flat moorland which surrounds it. It is a popular walk and many of the paths are paved for erosive protection, not something the young Captain Cook would have bothered about when he explored these slopes. From the bottom of the slope it is a 200ft steep climb to the summit. The view is extensive and varied; from the North Sea to the housing estates of Teesside and from the nearby forestry to the vast sprawling moors further afield. It is a good summit.

From the summit a path drops steeply down the slopes, initially south west and then south as it meets Newton Wood. Follow the path in the woods, bearing right so you continue downhill and turning in a westerly direction. Cross the railway line, turn immediately left and follow a faint path that leads in to the northern outskirts of Great Ayton.

Fact file

Distance: Roughly 6.5 miles

Height to Climb: 350 metres (1,150 feet)

Start: NZ 563108. There is plenty of parking near the centre of Great Ayton and the Royal Oak.

Difficulty: Medium. The paths and lanes are very good but there is some short but steep climbs during the walk.

Refreshments: The Royal Oak is our pub of choice but there are other hotels and cafes in Great Ayton.

Be prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL26) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company in the Yorkshire Dales:

•Jonathan has written his own book, the “Dales 30” which describes the highest mountains in the Dales

•He also runs 1 Day Navigation Courses for Beginners and Intermediates

• If you do not want to learn to use a map and compass Jonathan and his professional guides will show you the best of the Dales and Moors,

To find out more details on any of the above and details of the 100s of walks in the Yorkshire Dales & Moors visit his popular website, Where2walk.co.uk https://where2walk. co.uk/