Best natural monuments around Great Busby are located within and around the North York Moors National Park. This village in North Yorkshire, England, provides access to various geological formations and scenic landscapes. The area features distinctive hills, rocky outcrops, and moorland summits. These natural features offer opportunities for outdoor activities and provide expansive views.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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Until 1912, Roseberry Topping had a smooth, sugarloaf‑like peak. A geological fault combined with underground mining caused a massive collapse, giving the summit its modern jagged profile. The climb up from the car park is steep and can be very busy, even before sunrise in winter where you can see a small procession of torches slowly ascending.
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This is where I realised wearing new boots for a hike this long was a BAD idea!
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Lots of view points, people rock climbing and the up and downs test you as they are short, but a touch punchy for their short elevation!
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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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A scheduled monument first listed in 1968, the barrow to the east of the track is quite prominent, the other two are on the west side of the track. Bowl barrows, the most numerous form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period to the Late Bronze Age, with most examples belonging to the period 2400-1500 BC. They were constructed as earthen or rubble mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered single or multiple burials. The barrows each have an earth and stone mound which is round in shape. There are other similar barrows in this area of the Hambleton Hills. Many of these lie in closely associated groups, particularly along the watersheds. They provide evidence of territorial organisation marking divisions of land; divisions which still remain as some parish or township boundaries.
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Judging from the number of recommendations, photos and tips, this is a hugely popular spot. If you can, get up there nice and early (I started 5.30am in May) to catch the rising sun and see the stones in a mix of sunlight and shadow, both from afar and close up. Spectacular rock formations and views all round.
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More spectacular views. The approach from the west is easier with a more gentle incline than the approach from the east, which involves a series of twisting turning steep steps, good safe footing but hard going both up and down.
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Near Great Busby, you can explore several distinctive natural monuments. Roseberry Topping Summit is known for its unique pyramidal shape, often called the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn', offering spectacular views. Another notable spot is The Wainstones, a fierce-looking rocky outcrop on Hasty Banks with far-reaching views across to Middlesbrough and the Tees.
Yes, the area around Great Busby features historical natural monuments. Three Howes Barrows are ancient funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age, providing insight into prehistoric territorial organization. Additionally, the area around The Wainstones has a small collection of rocks with prehistoric carvings, though these can be difficult to discern due to erosion.
The natural monuments near Great Busby offer expansive and breathtaking views. From Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, you can see the distinctively shaped Roseberry Topping, the undulations of the North York Moors, and the Tees Valley. Round Hill Summit, the highest point in the North York Moors, provides spectacular north and south views across vast fells.
For a family-friendly option, Cod Beck Reservoir offers a scenic and tranquil walk of approximately 1.5 miles around its edge, traversing moorland and woodlands. While some summits can be challenging, many paths around the natural monuments offer varying difficulties, allowing families to choose suitable routes.
The natural monuments around Great Busby are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous walking and hiking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult. For running enthusiasts, there are several running trails around Great Busby. Cycling is also popular, with options for both general cycling and road cycling routes available.
The North York Moors, where many of these natural monuments are located, can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant flora and longer daylight hours, ideal for extended walks. Autumn brings stunning colors to the moorland. Even in winter, the bleak scenery can be beautiful, though conditions may be more challenging, requiring appropriate gear.
Yes, the region is rich in geological features. Roseberry Topping's distinctive pyramidal shape is a result of geological faulting and erosion, making it a unique landmark. The Wainstones are also a prominent rocky outcrop, showcasing the area's rugged geology. These formations provide excellent examples of the natural forces that shaped the landscape.
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular and far-reaching views from the summits and viewpoints. The dramatic shapes of landmarks like Roseberry Topping and the ruggedness of The Wainstones are often highlighted. Many appreciate the sense of peace and the opportunity for challenging yet rewarding hikes, connecting with the natural beauty of North Yorkshire.
While Great Busby itself is a village, accessing some of the more remote natural monuments directly by public transport can be challenging. It's advisable to research specific bus routes to nearby towns or trailheads, as many visitors opt for personal vehicles to reach starting points for hikes to places like Roseberry Topping or The Wainstones.
The villages and towns surrounding the North York Moors, such as Great Busby itself, Stokesley, and Great Ayton, offer various options for cafes, pubs, and accommodation. It's recommended to check local establishments in these areas for dining and lodging before or after your visit to the natural monuments.
Many of the walking trails and natural monuments in the North York Moors are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock and ground-nesting birds. Always ensure your dog is on a lead where required and follow the Countryside Code. Cod Beck Reservoir, for instance, offers a pleasant walk suitable for dogs.


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