Best natural monuments around Borrowby are found in a landscape characterized by its position in North Yorkshire, between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. The area features significant natural formations, including coastal headlands, cliffs, and historical quarry sites. These natural landmarks near Borrowby North Yorkshire offer diverse outdoor experiences. The region provides opportunities to explore varied terrain, from coastal paths to elevated viewpoints.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
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Far reaching views, another peaceful stretch of the Cleveland Way.
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Lots more history of these alum works at https://www.hidden-teesside.co.uk/2008/05/11/kettleness-alum-works/
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Stunning coastline views, but beware the cliff edges as somewhat prone to landslides
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This trig point on the northeast coastline near Saltburn by Sea offers breathtaking views to the north, encompassing Redcar and Saltburn, as well as stunning vistas to the south, overlooking the North York Moors coast.
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The headland at Kettle Ness was once quarried for alum, a chemical that was used in printing, paint and tanning industries. From this point, you will also get impressive views to the west along the coast, and of Runswick Bay in the distance.
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St Hilda is renowned to be the most famous Saint of the Anglo-Saxon times. She was a discinple of St Aidan of Lindisfarne, and the Abbess of Whitby. The church here is from the 18th century, though, built on the site of a previous one, probably from the 12th century. However, in the graveyard you will find St Hilda's Well (Grade II-listed), which was a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages (and now, of your own pilgrimage!)
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Terrific views from next to Far Rosedale (a building just north of Port Mulgrave): from here, looking to the south-east, you can make out the cliffs of Kettleness in the far distance.
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Beyond the coastal landmarks, the Borrowby area offers unique natural features like Gormire Lake, a tranquil lake fed by an underground spring, popular for wild swimming. The surrounding Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve features dramatic cliffs and rich woodland. Another notable spot is Cod Beck Reservoir, offering a scenic 1.5-mile walk through moorland and coniferous woods, designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Yes, several natural monuments in the area have historical ties. For instance, Kettleness Alum Quarry is a headland historically quarried for alum, offering impressive coastal views. Additionally, Warsett Hill Trig Point Viewpoint, while offering great sea views, also bears the scars and remains of 19th-century Ironstone mining, including an old Guibal fan house.
The natural monuments around Borrowby are renowned for their spectacular vistas. From Old Nab, you can enjoy extensive coastal views. View of Far Rosedale Cliffs provides terrific, far-reaching views of the Kettleness cliffs. Warsett Hill Trig Point Viewpoint offers breathtaking views out to sea and along the coast in both directions, encompassing Redcar, Saltburn, and the North York Moors coast.
Yes, Cod Beck Reservoir is a popular spot for families, offering an easy 1.5-mile walk around its edge with convenient parking and pleasant paths through woods. The broader region, including the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, also provides numerous opportunities for family-friendly outdoor exploration.
The area around Borrowby offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hiking trails, including a loop around Old Nab. For more active pursuits, there are running trails and mountain biking routes available in the wider region.
The natural monuments around Borrowby can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activity. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for hiking and wild swimming at Gormire Lake. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer dramatic, stark landscapes, though some paths might be more challenging due to weather conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Many natural areas and trails around Borrowby are dog-friendly, especially places like Cod Beck Reservoir, which is popular with dog walkers. When visiting specific natural monuments or nature reserves, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near cliff edges or in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife, to ensure safety and respect for the environment.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning coastal views from distinctive headlands like Old Nab and the peaceful, far-reaching vistas from spots like View of Far Rosedale Cliffs. The combination of natural beauty with historical elements, such as the alum quarry at Kettleness or the mining remains at Warsett Hill, also adds a unique layer of interest.
Absolutely. The dramatic cliffs and extensive coastal views from Old Nab and View of Far Rosedale Cliffs offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. Gormire Lake, with its tranquil waters and surrounding woodland, provides picturesque landscape shots. The historical elements at Kettleness Alum Quarry also add a unique subject for photographers.
Accessibility varies by location. While some viewpoints like Old Nab involve a steep uphill walk, places like Cod Beck Reservoir offer easy access to the water's edge and a pleasant, relatively flat path around its perimeter. For specific accessibility needs, it's recommended to research individual sites beforehand.
Yes, there are several circular walking options. For example, the Easy hikes around Borrowby guide includes an 'Old Nab and Well Bank loop from Staithes' which incorporates the distinctive headland. The walk around Cod Beck Reservoir is also a popular circular route, offering scenic views through moorland and woodland.
The diverse habitats around Borrowby support various wildlife. At Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, you might spot a range of birds, and the woodland is rich with lichens, mosses, ferns, and wildflowers like fleabane and common spotted orchid. Coastal areas, such as those around Old Nab and View of Far Rosedale Cliffs, are home to various seabirds. The broader North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales are known for their rich biodiversity.


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