A specialist helicopter team have been safely manoeuvring tonnes of stone and aggregate required for the final phase of footpath restoration work at Roseberry Topping in the North York Moors.

Better surfaces and drainage are the primary aims on the much-loved feature, which will have a total of six footpaths improved this year after a recent planning application was approved by the North York Moors National Park.

The heavy materials have been lifted into the areas required for the teams on the ground to carry out the essential work.

The partnership between the National Trust and North York Moors National Park has enabled expert teams to work closely across the two organisations to ensure visitors will be able to continue to enjoy walking on and around the famous landmark.

The National Trust and the North York Moors National Park Authority are repairing footpaths leading to the summit of Roseberry Topping. A helicopter was used to lift tonnes of stone and aggregate from a nearby farm to the designated drop zones. Picture: James Hardisty.

placeholder image — The National Trust and the North York Moors National Park Authority are repairing footpaths leading to the summit of Roseberry Topping. A helicopter was used to lift tonnes of stone and aggregate from a nearby farm to the designated drop zones. Picture: James Hardisty.

Work already completed includes the main walking route from Newton under Roseberry, from the edge of Newton Woods to the summit, and the woodland path through Cliff Ridge Woods, which links Great Ayton railway station to the summit, a distance of just over 0.6 of a mile.

The work on the six paths this year will see a further 0.9 of a mile improved which, given the steep and exposed nature of much of the terrain, takes a huge effort from the teams working on the ground.

Gail Buzzard, General Manager for the National Trust said “We’re delighted to be commencing the final stage of works.

"For many locals, Roseberry Topping is a symbol of home and it matters to me that residents and visitors can safely access and enjoy their time walking in the area.”

A helicopter was used to lift tonnes of stone and aggregate from a nearby farm to the designated drop zones. This year, contractors are working on six paths totaling over 1,400 metres. Picture: James Hardisty.

Diversions will be in place for safety and visitors are kindly asked to stick to the designated routes during this time.

As well as improving access, the restored paths will help protect Roseberry Topping by reducing erosion where heavy footfall wears away the surface, leaving bare ground vulnerable to water run-off during heavy rain.

Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “With significant work already carried out on key routes to the summit, it’s great to see real progress being made and to be working with the National Trust to protect this special hill and improve the experience for those who visit.”