Captain Cook Monument

Captain Cook Monument stands on Easby Moor above the village of Easby, close to Great Ayton in North Yorkshire. This stone obelisk, raised in 1827 to honour James Cook, sits 324 m above sea level inside the North York Moors National Park and makes a rewarding short hike.

What is the monument on Easby Moor?

Cook grew up in this district, which is why local people chose these hills to remember him. The obelisk is built of rough-faced sandstone and rises roughly 15 to 18 m, with a polished granite plaque dated 1827 on its west face. Robert Campion, a banker from Whitby, paid for it. According to the Captain Cook Society, a public appeal for donations drew no response, so he covered the whole bill himself. It has been Grade II listed since 1966.

The structure has needed repairs over the years. In 1895 it was repointed, the cap was mended, and a plaque and fencing were added. In 1960 lightning split it almost down the middle; it was repaired within three months and fitted with a lightning conductor.

How do you get there?

The shortest approach starts at the Gribdale Gate car park. From Great Ayton, follow Dikes Lane and the Gribdale Terrace road, then cross a cattle grid. There is a picnic area at the car park. From here it is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way, around an hour on foot. The path climbs through woodland, then opens onto moorland where the obelisk appears on the skyline.

Longer options:

• Loop from Great Ayton (about 7.5 miles, roughly 4 hours), starting at the tourist information centre, which has a small car park.
• Route from Newton-under-Roseberry (about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours), passing Gribdale Gate and following the Cleveland Way. The descent from the monument is steep.
• Combined walk with Roseberry Topping, the conical hill nearby, often done in a single outing with the obelisk.

The Cleveland Way National Trail crosses the moor, so the monument fits naturally into a longer trek. Two listed boundary stones line the path up.

What can you see from the top?

The hill overlooks Easby, Great Ayton and Little Ayton. On a clear day you can pick out the Cleveland Hills, the flat ground around Teesside and neighbouring Roseberry Topping. The summit is exposed, so expect wind even when the valley is calm.

When should you visit?

The walk works all year, but crisp spring and autumn days give the clearest views. In late summer the heather turns the moor purple. Gribdale Gate can fill up, so arrive early at weekends. Bring waterproof footwear and a windproof layer, and expect mud after rain.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The obelisk stands on open moorland in a national park and can be visited free of charge. You cannot go inside it.

How long is the walk? About an hour each way from Gribdale Gate. Loops from Great Ayton or Newton-under-Roseberry take three to four hours.

Is it suitable for families? The short route from Gribdale Gate is described as suitable for families with younger children. Parts of the descent are steep, so keep an eye on little ones.

Is this the same monument as the ones in Whitby or Marton? No. Cook is commemorated in many places. This obelisk is on Easby Moor near Great Ayton, where he spent part of his boyhood.