Captain Cook's Monument
A short walk from Gribdale Gate, up on Easby Moor, is the well-known local landmark of Captain Cook's Monument.
The inscription on the monument reads:
In memory of the celebrated circumnavigator Captain James Cook F.R.S. A man of nautical knowledge inferior to none, in zeal prudence and energy, superior to most. Regardless of danger he opened an intercourse with the Friendly Isles and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere. He was born at Marton Oct. 27th 1728 and massacred at Owythee Feb. 14th 1779 to the inexpressible grief of his countrymen. While the art of navigation shall be cultivated among men, whilst the spirit of enterprise, commerce and philanthropy shall animate the sons of Britain, while it shall be deemed the honour of a Christian Nation to spread civilisation and the blessings of the Christian faith among pagan and savage tribes, so long will the name of Captain Cook stand out amongst the most celebrated and most admired benefactors of the human race.
The site provides panoramic views along the curve of the Cleveland Hills, down into Great Ayton, across to Roseberry topping and back deep into the North Yorkshire Moors. There are infinite possibitities for walks including the monument, from the short stroll up the hill from Gribdale Gate and back again, to a deeper exploration, through Kildale, or across to Guisborough, or straight down the hill to Easby. The Cleveland Way long distance national trail includes the monument.