Roseberry Topping, a hill in the Tees Valley, formed by a combination of geological fault and a mining collapse in 1912, is locally popular with walkers as well as climbers, and had been chosen as a practice ahead of a bunch of us tackling the Yorkshire 3 peaks in July (I state now for the record that I only plan to take on one of the peaks!)
Roseberry Topping. Doesn't look that tough...
Something that's quite good about Roseberry Topping is that it's actually very quick to get to the top of it, half an hour and you're at the summit feeling as though you've accomplished something.
Obligatory summit photo
The walk we went on took in a good mixture of flats and slopes, with some bits that I was starting to struggle a little to climb, but with every top of a slope came a fantastic view which seemed totally different to other views already seen despite obviously being in the same area.
Taking a break from walking to do some push ups
As opposed to the entirely sensible clothing worn by everyone else, I had a challenge in that I needed something soft that covered my left arm, having had a tattoo the day before. So a pyjama top (complete with large chocolate stain) came into use for the day.
There was a photo frame, so we stood in it.
Taking a little breather.
Captain Cook's monument.
What is that white speck....
Of course, it's a nest for the lesser spotted Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The KFC box we found (picture above) was particularly confusing. We found it a good mile or two away from the nearest road, and we puzzled over who it was that wanted both to go for at least a small hike, and to eat a box of fast food after a reasonable distance.
Ice cream van that also replaces windscreens, an impressive multi-tasking ability
A well-deserved pint of cider!
The downside I discovered of a pyjama top is that it doesn't give the same protection to the neck as a collared shirt, and as I didn't put sun cream on... I suffered.
The day after - should have used sun cream, kids!
Anyway - I'm now looking forward to taking on 1 of the Yorkshire 3 peaks next month :)