Rowan Tree House Bed and Breakfast in Sleights, Whitby

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Exploring the Esk Valley near Whitby

Exploring the Esk Valley near Whitby

Rowan Tree House Bed and Breakfast is perched on the edge of the Esk Valley. The River Esk winds its way for nearly 28 miles through some of the most picturesque countryside in the North of England. Sleights is just a couple of miles from it's mouth at Whitby and is the perfect place from which to explore the route of the Esk - as it runs past the villages and hamlets of the Esk Valley.

The Esk Valley Railway

At the bottom of the village of Sleights you'll find our railway station, on the Esk Valley line. Trains run 3 times a day to and from Whitby, running all the way up the Esk Valley and terminating at Middlesbrough.

It really is one of the most picturesque railway journeys in the country - passing through nearly all of the Esk Valley villages and hamlets, including:

  • Egton Bridge
  • Grosmont
  • Glaisdale
  • Lealholm
  • Castleton
  • Danby

Any one of these vilages can make the perfect place to hop off and explore the surrounding Esk Valley countryside - go for a wander along the river bank, or find a quiet village pub for a refreshing drink or bite to eat.

Wherever you get off you're bound to find peace and quiet - and feel like you've stepped into a slower and more relaxed pace of life! The Esk Valley villages are sleepy and quiet, making fantastic locations for a day in the countryside as you're also bound to see plenty of local wildlife and depending on the time of year new-born lambs and calves too!

The North York Moors Steam Railway

The North York Moors Steam Railway runs along the same line between Whitby and Grosmont - at which point it changes direction from the main line to Middlesbrough and heads further inland towards Pickering where it terminates.

The North York Moors Steam Railway runs regularly between March and October, with more services at peak times such as the summer holidays.

They run all kinds of special events throughout the year, including the War Weekends in Goathland and Pickering and the Steam Gala. The Santa Special is also a popular choice at Christmas time.

You can find out more about the North York Moors Steam Railway at their website, where you can also purchase tickets for their standard services as well as their special events:

http://www.nymr.co.uk

Esk Valley Pub Lunches and Picnic Spots

While we love providing a heart English Breakfast for our guests, we can't provide meals during the day but are more than happy to make recommendations for excellent places for lunches and evening meals.

While there are plenty of options in Whitby, and our local pub and fish restaurant are pretty good too, there are many excellent pubs and restaurants in the Esk Valley. Here are some of our recommendations:

  • The Wheatsheaf in Egton - an excellent pub serving excellent food, seasonal and locally produced meals, find out more at www.wheatsheafegton.com
  • The Arncliffe Arms in Glasidale - this cosy village pub has always had an excellent reputation for serving good quality meals - find out more at www.arncliffearms.com
  • The Fox and Hounds at Ainthorpe is in a wonderful location, just next to Danby and serves wonderful meals - find out more here www.foxandhounds-ainthorpe.com

If you're happy to take a picnic and venture into the countryside then we can really recommend just about any of the Esk Valley villages. All have their unique character and charm, and there are plenty of benches and grassy greens to spread out your picnic blanket on and enjoy dining 'al fresco'!

In many of the villages you'll find local bakers and butchers serving home-made food so you can always supplement your picninc with something even more delicious while you're out. Or, should the mood take you, find a quiet cafe to enjoy a slice of cake in during the afternoon - what could be better!

Waterfalls and Local Landmarks

The Esk Valley is full of secret spots and is perfect for a bit of exploration. One of our favourite places for a gentle amble is Goathland and Beck Hole. Park in Goathland and then head down the 'rail trail' towards Beck Hole. You can either continue on into Beck Hole itself (and go for a pint) or turn left at the Station House and head along the footpath which winds it's way through the woodland to the Mallyan Spout waterfall (picture above). Beyond the falls you'll find a steep set of steps which lead back up to the road, turn left and head back into Goathland.

If you go to Glaisdale, stop at the very bottom of the village and have a look at Beggar's Bridge - this is also a good picnic spot, just next to the railway station.

Or, head to Danby and go to the Danby Moors Centre. Ok, it's hardly a picturesque landmark, but it's full of useful local information, is great for children and especially good for bird watchers or those interest in nature.

Bed, Breakfast and ... Beautiful Esk Valley Scenery!

Whatever you plan to do whilst visiting Yorkshire, the Esk Valley is sure to delight. And at any time of year too. In the summer enjoy the lush green landscape, through the autumn hear the crunch of fallen leaves under foot. The Esk Valley is particularly beautiful on a frosty day in Winter when the warm pubs and cosy cafes really come into their own. Visit in spring and hear and see the new-born lambs in the fields, the daffodils bursting into life and the gurgle of the passing river.

Whatever the time of year, make sure you plan a trip up the Esk Valley, whether by train, car or even on foot - you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for reading,

Phil and Dee

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