By Tony Johnson

Published 24th Sep 2024, 06:00 BST

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.

Roseberry Topping domintates the skyline with heather in full bloom on Great Ayton Moor near Stokesley in the North York Moors National Park, photographed for The Yorkshire Post by Tony Johnson.

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.

Roseberry Topping: Yorkshire's Matterhorn and its stunning carpet of heather

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