A Lively Local in Castleton

When I was a teenager and into my early twenties - 30 years ago - I lived in the pretty Esk Valley village of Castleton and just a few doors up the high street from the Downe Arms.

And I know my Father had enjoyed going to "the Downe" since at least the end of World War II when he returned from six-year's of duty in Africa, Italy and Austria.

The Downe Arms is A Handsome Stone-Build Pub on the High Street in Castleton.

So the Downe Arms - located in the centre of Castleton - was our local pub.

As a large family, we've celebrated many-a birthday, Christmas, and New Year's Eve in the Downe over the year's.

And I couldn't count how many times we must have had Sunday dinner in the pub!

The Downe Arms

The Downe Arms was fully renovated - but not "themed" - in 2013 and given a new lease on life in a stylish and authentic manner by new owners Jon and Yvonne.

So today you'll discover a lovely traditional Yorkshire Pub and restaurant - with the benefits of real Ales, fab food, open fires, good accommodation, and great views from the beer garden up Danbydale.

The Downe is both child-friendly and dog friendly; and like a lot of historic Inns on the North York Moors - it is popular with walkers, cyclists, and holiday-makers.

The area is also popular with Angler's who come to the region to catch wild Salmon in the River Esk - which runs through Castleton in the valley below the Downe Arms.

The View from the Downe Arms Beer Garden is Spectacular.

The Downe offers visitors to the North York Moors five cosy and comfortable rooms on a B+B basis; and all having private en-suite's.

One room is suitable for families and the other four are "doubles".

On the beer front, the bar serves Black Sheep, Doombar and Strongarm - my favourite - plus changing guest beers every month.

In recent times, the Downe has also been promoting live music on at least one Saturday each Month - which I think can only be a good thing - but be prepared if that's not to your taste.

For accommodation reservations, restaurant bookings, or more information, contact Jon or Yvonne at the Downe Arms on 01287 660223.

The Downe Arms is Located in Castleton in the Heart of the North York Moors.

A Nice Walk from the Downe Arms

There are numerous pleasent walks available from the doorstep of the Downe Arms.

One option is to simply stroll up and down the High Street.

But for more active walkers, I'd recommend the following 4-5km walk.

Directly across the road from the Downe Arms you'll see a set of steps leading up to an area known as Primrose Hill.

Walk up the steps and through the short path between the cottages.

In olden days, there was a Cheese Fair held on the green here - take a look at the marker stone as you pass through.

John Wesley - the Methodist - Preached at Primrose Hill in 1772.

Once through the houses, follow the path steeply down hill - you'll see the old Norman-era Motte (Castle) on your right.

In the valley below you'll pass the village cricket field on your left before reaching the River Esk.

There is a nice stone bridge across the River Esk which is worth a look; but take the road to the left and keep going all the way round the cricket field.

For visitors with children, there is also a nice community children's pay area next to the cricket pitch.

Keep on this road which starts to rise up after leaving the valley bottom.

About 1km further on you'll come to a cross roads.

Take the left turn and walk steeply uphill to bring you back to the top-end of the village.

Turn left at the junction.

As you walk down the High Street to bring you back to the Downe Arms, you'll pass the ancient Quaker cemetary on the right-hand side at the top of the village.

Getting to Castleton

The Downe Arms is in the centre of Castleton (postcode = YO21 2EE).

Castleton is the largest village in upper Eskdale and is accessed off the A171 Guisbrough to Whitby Road via the turn-off at Lockwood Beck.

Castleton is also on the train line between Middlesbrough and Whitby; so you can take the train from all stations on the line.

From Rosella Cottage in Rosedale Abbey, take the New Way out of the village to joint the Blakey Road at Ralphs Cross on the highest part of the surrounding Moors.

In good weather, stop to admire the view from high up there; it's probably the best view in England and not to be missed!

You can see the North Sea to the North and East and on a very clear day - you can see the Minister in York and the Cooling Towers at Drax Power Station almost 50-miles away.

Turn right and you'll head downhill almost the whole way into Castleton about six-miles distant.

In Springtime, please watch out for new born lambs which can be on the roadside - or on the road itself.