Best natural monuments around Beadlam are found on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. The area features rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque river valleys. Beadlam serves as a gateway to the expansive North York Moors National Park, which includes heather moorland and extensive dales. This region offers diverse natural attractions for exploration.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Beadlam.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
"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")
0
0
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
0
0
following on the trip there is a beautiful downhill forest path
0
0
Highest cross on the moors, great views across Spaunton Moor when the weather allows.
0
0
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
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
1
0
The Trig Point offers commanding views north across Helmsley and East Moors. On a great public footpath running from Clark Bank / Cowhouse Bank to the east, along the ridgeline at the northern tip of Rievaulx Moor, following Helmsley Bank, Rievaulx Bank, Ayton Bank and then towards Newgate Bank to the west. One of my favourite places due to the number of parking and routing options in the surrounding areas.
0
0
Around Beadlam, you can explore a variety of natural and historical sites. These include ancient woodlands, scenic river valleys, and moorland viewpoints. For instance, you can visit Ana Cross, a prehistoric burial mound with a wayside cross offering views over the moors, or Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods, a tranquil lake popular for walks.
Yes, the area around Beadlam features several natural monuments with significant historical context. Ana Cross is a prehistoric burial mound dating from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age, topped with a medieval wayside cross. Another notable site is Sheriff's Pit, the remains of an old ironstone mine that has since been reclaimed by nature, offering views across the valleys.
For stunning views, consider visiting Ana Cross, which provides lovely vistas over the moors, especially when the heather is in bloom. Roppa Edge trig point offers absolutely amazing views north across Helmsley and East Moors. Additionally, Caulkley Bank Trig Point provides far-reaching views of Ryedale.
Yes, there are family-friendly options. Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is a lovely lake perfect for a family walk or jog. The Caulkley Bank Trig Point is also considered family-friendly, offering a seat to rest and enjoy the views of Ryedale.
The area around Beadlam, including the North York Moors National Park, offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and general cycling. For example, explore options in the Road Cycling Routes around Beadlam, Gravel biking around Beadlam, or Cycling around Beadlam guides.
The natural monuments around Beadlam offer beauty throughout the year. However, if you wish to see the heather in full bloom, summer is particularly photogenic, especially at spots like Ana Cross. In summer, the fields near Caulkley Bank Trig Point also abound in red poppies.
The diverse natural settings around Beadlam provide habitats for various wildlife. Duncombe Park, a 300-acre estate near Beadlam, is a National Nature Reserve known for rare insects and fungi. At Sheriff's Pit, birds like the ring ouzel have a long association with the site, and rowan trees have been planted to provide them with berries.
Many natural monuments are integrated into popular walking routes. For instance, Roppa Edge trig point is located on a great public footpath running along the ridgeline of Rievaulx Moor. The Riccal Dale area, a scenic river valley, also offers popular hiking routes like the Riccal Dale and Nawton Tower loop, providing an immersive experience in the local landscape.
The terrain around Beadlam varies from gentle woodland strolls to more challenging moorland hikes within the North York Moors National Park. Many natural monuments, such as Ana Cross, are accessible via wide tracks. Some routes, like the Rievaulx Bank and Newgate Bank loop in the National Park, feature significant elevation gain.
Yearsley Woods is home to Higher Fish Pond, a lovely lake that is a popular spot for walking and jogging. The woods themselves offer a tranquil forest environment, perfect for those looking for a peaceful natural escape. While maps might show two ponds, only this one remains, with the other having reverted to marshland.
The natural monuments around Beadlam are highly appreciated by the komoot community. They have collectively received over 40 upvotes and more than 30 photos have been shared by visitors, indicating a strong positive reception for the scenic landscapes and historical sites in the area.


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