Round Hill Summit (Highest Point of Urra Moor)
Round Hill Summit (Highest Point of Urra Moor)
Highlight • Summit
Round Hill Summit (Highest Point of Urra Moor)
Hiking
4.8
(66)
Running
5.0
(4)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
January 5, 2024
Hiking
The views north and south are spectacular, and whilst the summit views don't boast craggy rock faces that are common to this area, the vastness of the surrounding fells provides a real sense of peace.
April 15, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Round Hill Summit (Highest Point of Urra Moor)
4.8
(65)
200
hikers
13.3km
04:08
470m
460m
Embark on the Wainstones, Cold Moor & Urra Moor loop for a moderate hike through the dramatic landscapes of the North York Moors National Park. This 8.2-mile (13.3 km) route, typically taking around 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete, features a significant 1531 feet (467 metres) of elevation gain. You will traverse varied terrain, from established moorland pathways and grassy footpaths to rocky sections and potentially boggy heather on Cold Moor and Urra Moor. The trail offers superb panoramic views over the surrounding plain, stretching towards Middlesbrough and Roseberry Topping, and into valleys like Bilsdale and Raisdale, with the prominent sandstone crags of The Wainstones serving as a striking visual anchor.
Planning your visit requires you to be prepared for mixed conditions. The terrain can be rocky in places, and sections through the heather on Cold Moor and Urra Moor may be wet and boggy, even during summer months. While the trail is generally considered moderate, it includes several steep ascents and descents, particularly around The Wainstones and Hasty Bank. Always wear appropriate outdoor clothing and suitable walking shoes or boots, as visibility can sometimes be poor and conditions can change quickly in the North York Moors.
This loop takes you to Urra Moor, the highest point in the North York Moors at 1490 feet (454 metres), where you can find a trig point and prehistoric remains like Billy's Dyke. You will also encounter The Wainstones, impressive sandstone crags popular with climbers, which hold ancient human history including Bronze Age carvings. The route follows a significant portion of the well-maintained Cleveland Way, and on Cold Moor, you can explore the Bronze Age burial mounds known as the “Three Howes.”
4.6
(45)
186
hikers
Embark on the Ingleby Incline and Round Hill loop from Clay Bank, a moderate 7.5-mile (12.1 km) hike through the North York Moors National Park. This route takes you across varied terrain, from open moorland and fields to dense woodland, including sections of the Cleveland Way and old railway trackbeds. You will encounter the challenging Ingleby Incline, a steep ascent that leads to spectacular panoramic views of Bilsdale, Middlesbrough, Teesside, and even the distant coast. The trail's highest point, Round Hill, offers a sense of peace from the vast fells, making this a rewarding experience that typically takes around 3 hours and 34 minutes to complete, with an elevation gain of 1070 feet (326 metres).
This loop is considered a challenging yet rewarding experience, requiring a good level of fitness due to the significant climb up the Ingleby Incline. Be prepared for potentially boggy sections on the moorland tracks, so water-resistant walking boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety. It is also wise to carry adequate water, especially given the strenuous nature and duration of the hike. Sure-footedness is important, particularly when navigating the steep gradient of the incline.
The Ingleby Incline itself is a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering, once a self-acting railway built in the 1860s to connect ironstone mines with main railway lines. As you hike, look for carved benchmarks, initials, and figures like "Stovepipe Hat" and "Bird Man" in the rocks, left by the workers. Beyond the incline, you will find historical marker stones, such as the Face Stone and Hand Stone, near the summit of Urra Moor. The route also features Maiden Spring, a natural spot to refresh your water supply, adding to the unique character of this historic and scenic trail.
3.7
(3)
14
hikers
Embark on a difficult 11.1-mile (17.9 km) hike through the North York Moors, gaining 1327 feet (405 metres) in elevation over approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes. This loop from Chop Gate takes you across expansive heather moorlands, where paths can be hard to spot, and offers ridge walks with rocky outcrops. You'll reach Round Hill, the highest point in the park at 1,490 feet (454m), providing vast panoramic views. The trail then descends into the lush, green, and wooded Tripsdale valley, a distinct change from the open moorland.
This difficult route requires very good fitness due to significant elevation changes, including a sharp ascent right from Chop Gate. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents throughout the journey. While the paths are mostly accessible, sure-footedness is important, and walking poles are advised for the steeper sections. The best time to experience the full beauty of the moorland is in late summer when the heather blooms purple.
Urra Moor, the highest moorland in the North York Moors National Park, offers a vast and peaceful landscape. This area is rich in ancient history, featuring barrow graves, cairns, and rock carvings that are thousands of years old, including the intriguing "Face Stone." Parts of this loop also merge with sections of the well-known Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast long-distance trails, adding to its notable character.
Details
Informations
Elevation 450 m
Weather
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Sunday 7 June
15°C
7°C
82 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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