‘Roseberry Topping is a cone at which someone has taken a swipe, a topping without a top, Yorkshire's own Matterhorn. A mound of red sandstone 320 metres high, its shape had long made it distinctive, visible from across the Vale of York as far as the Pennine dales. Then, in 1912, a geological mishap occurred. Either some subterranean earthquake or centuries of mining led the peak to collapse, leaving a raw wound of cliffs and rocks.
The summit offers views over Teesside, the Vale of York and most of the North York Moors. Most spectacular is towards Teesside with, on a clear day, the Cheviots in the far distance. In the middle distance lies the industrial belt of Thornaby, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar. All this is seen over a landscape of strange serenity '
Extracted from ‘England's 100 Best Views' by Simon Jenkins, to be published by Profile books in October 2013 (£25 hardback)
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A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family homeHadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
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Some Like (to quiz when) It Hot: Country Life Quiz of the Day heatwave special, July 11, 2025If you're struggling to keep cool — and who isn't? — our Quiz of the Day will at least take your mind off the soaring temperatures.
