Roseberry Topping: Yorkshire's Matterhorn and its stunning carpet of heather
A thick, bushy carpet of heather in full bloom and glowering skies frame probably the most recognisable landmark on the North York Moors.
The ancient feature has become separated from the North York Moors plateau over millennia, the 320-metre hill’s distinctive conical shape is said to be a relatively recent sight.
The sandstone “topping” has been likened to the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
Local legend has it that a giant called Wade fashioned the landmark by throwing earth far and wide.
However, the formation is widely accepted to have been caused by a rockfall four months after the Titanic sank in 1912, due to nearby alum and ironstone mining.
Nevertheless, the hill had been a popular attraction for many centuries before the collapse.
In 1726 Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe called the Cleveland Hills landmark Roseberry Torp, while in the 12th century it was named Odin's Hill, after the Norse god of war.