Days out in North Yorkshire: The Guisborough 3 peaks walk.

The Guisborough 3 peaks is a 15K circular walk which passes through three of the biggest peaks in the North Yorkshire moors. Also known as the North Yorkshire three peaks, this route climbs Roseberry Topping, Little Roseberry and Highcliffe.

I've split this post into two sections which hopefully makes it easy to follow. Firstly a bit of admin about the walk. And secondly our experience and the route we took. So let's dive straight in.

_{[Thomas's Wood]}

Important info on the Guisborough 3 peaks walk.

How long will the walk take?

This is one of those how long is a piece of string questions. It'll take as long as it takes.

We walked the North Yorkshire three peaks in just under four hours taking two twenty minute breaks for dinner... And second dinner (because that's totally a thing on a hike).

I'd say we did the hike relatively quickly. There were points where we could have stopped for longer and there were parts where we could have stopped but didn't.

I think if you're totally new to the area you could easily make this a six hour trek. There's so much to see in North Yorkshire and you get some of the best views from the highest peaks. It's a sensational walk for views!

_{[Roseberry Topping]}

Where to start the Guisborough 3 peaks walk.

As it's a circular walk there are a number of different possible start points. However we started at the Guisborough forest visitors centre in Pinchinthorpe as we thought the cafe there would make an excellent finish point (and it definitely did). You can get to the visitors centre by popping the postcode TS14 8HD into your sat nav. Parking is chargeable at £4 per day.

You could also start at the bottom of Roseberry Topping or closer to Highcliffe in Hutton Village which is located just below.

_{[Roseberry Topping trig point]}

What fitness level do you need?

To complete the three peaks walk I'd say you needed to be moderately fit. There are a couple of steep inclines, especially at the beginning (if you walk the same way we did) however once you get on top of the moors you're winning!

The highest peak, Roseberry Topping sits at around 1000ft high. Steep steps take you up and down from the summit which in my opinion is the most difficult part of the hike. If you can manage it, the views are 100% worth it!

_{[Looking back at Roseberry Topping from Little Roseberry]}

What's the toilet situation?

I don't think I've ever titled a blog post 'what's the toilet situation?' - But I actually think it's a really important question.

Toilets can be found either in the Guisborough forest visitors centre or at the bottom of Roseberry Topping in the car park. Other than that, if you get caught short you'll be doing a wild wee in the North Yorkshire countryside. I would say however if you haven't parked at the visitors centre or at the bottom of Roseberry Topping, both toilet blocks are quite a trek from the circular route - So make of that what you will.

_{[Hanging Stone]}

Hiking the Guisborough 3 peaks.

We followed the All Trails Guisborough three peaks circular route for our hike. Using the app makes the route super easy to follow, but let me tell you a little bit more about it.

_{[Guisborough three peaks route]}

Roseberry Topping.

We started the North Yorkshire three peaks route from the Guisborough forest visitors centre. From here we headed up through Thomas's Wood passing Bousedale Farm on towards Roseberry Topping. The initial part of the walk for us ran through lush green woodland and farmland. For the most part it was easy to see which way to go as Roseberry Topping stands so tall, it's hard to miss it. With the summit in view we left the woodland and embarked upon the steep stepped climb to the top.

As I previously mentioned this was the most difficult part for me. I'm of average fitness and found myself having to stop a number of times to catch my breath. The views from the top however we so worthwhile. I've climbed Roseberry Topping a number of times now and never get sick of the views.

We stopped at the top for a little drink break and trig point photo opportunity. Depending on the time of day, or the route you take, Roseberry Topping would make an amazing picnic spot.

_{[North Yorkshire Moors from the Cleveland Way]}

Little Roseberry.

The path from Roseberry Topping to Little Roseberry is super easy to follow. It's basically a straight line from one summit to the other. You'll have passed it before turning up to Roseberry Topping.

This was the shortest distance between two peaks so we didn't feel like we needed to stop for very long at the top. We headed straight on over to our third and final peak - Highcliffe.

_[Highcliffe]

Highcliffe.

The route from Little Roseberry to Highcliffe follows the Cleveland Way. Again it's a really easy route to follow and passes both moorland and forestry. I really enjoyed this part of the walk as it felt like the Cleveland Way was a divide. Look to your right and theres the vastness of the North Yorkshire Moors. Look to your left and your overlooking woodland with views right the way across Teesside.

It's on this stretch of walk where you'll find a little hidden gem known locally as hanging stone. We stopped here for a picnic as there was nobody around. It was a lovely contrast from the more touristy Roseberry Topping. From this point you'll have Highcliffe (as well as the rest of Teesside) in sight.

Carrying along the Cleveland Way you'll approach Highcliffe from the west. A sort stepped incline takes you to the top where we had our second picnic stop of the day.

Thankfully to end the hike it's all downhill! A gradual decline through Guisborough forest takes you through Hutton Village (which has some of the most insane houses btw) and back to the visitors centre.

_{[Views from the top of Highcliffe]}

Would I recommend the North Yorkshire three peaks hike?

Absolutely yes! I would say you have to be moderately fit to complete the walk. We're generally quite fit and outdoorsy, however by the end we were most definitely ready for a soak in the bath.

The views (as I'm hoping the pictures prove) are 100% worth the achey muscles. You get some of the very best views of Teesside and North Yorkshire on this route. I'd recommend it to anyone!

I'd also recommend downloading All Trails! It's been both amazing and inspiring for us. I've personally lived in Guisborough for 20+ years and hadn't thought to complete this route. There were paths on this route I'd never stepped foot on!

_{[Guisborough forest & my lovely Willow]}

When's the last time you went out on a hike? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, are you enjoying my days out in Yorkshire posts? I'd love to cover more local days out on my blog. If you've got anything you'd recommend or want to see, just let me know.