1. Raby Castle
Meeting Point: Raby Castle
We begin the Big Smile in the magnificent grounds of Raby Castle. We follow a broad path through the grassy landscape where Red and Fallow Deer herds live wild. We pass the impressively maintained medieval castle, built between 1367 and 1390 by John Neville, the 3rd Baron Neville de Raby.
We wander through Ladywood and then up towards Raby Home Farm and then Shotton enjoying the beautiful countryside home to some superb flora and fauna.
Eventually, we leave the Raby estate and find ourselves heading over Cockfield fell, common land pock marked with evidence of human habitation including flint arrowheads dating back to 8000BC.
We skirt around Cockfield itself and back through the estate to finish back at Raby Castle in a wonderful start to the Big Smile Walks.
Distance: 20 km ( 12.47 miles)
Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆
Sponsored By: The Ramside Hall Hotel
1. Raby Castle
Meeting Point: Raby Castle
We begin the Big Smile in the magnificent grounds of Raby Castle. We follow a broad path through the grassy landscape where Red and Fallow Deer herds live wild. We pass the impressively maintained medieval castle, built between 1367 and 1390 by John Neville, the 3rd Baron Neville de Raby.
We wander through Ladywood and then up towards Raby Home Farm and then Shotton enjoying the beautiful countryside home to some superb flora and fauna.
Eventually, we leave the Raby estate and find ourselves heading over Cockfield fell, common land pock marked with evidence of human habitation including flint arrowheads dating back to 8000BC.
We skirt around Cockfield itself and back through the estate to finish back at Raby Castle in a wonderful start to the Big Smile Walks.
Distance: 20 km ( 12.47 miles)
Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆
Sponsored By: The Ramside Hall Hotel
2. A Cotherstone Loop
Date: 22/06/2021
Meeting Point: Middleton-in-Teesdale Cricket Club, DL12 0TG
8:30am registration for 9:00am departure
We begin and end our walk in the picturesque market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale. Heading through town, we join the Teesdale Way, and follow the river through pleasant countryside before climbing up through woodland to Toft House, and on to Eggleston.
Crossing the river, we pick up the Teesdale Way again, this time taking us through Romaldkirk and down to where the Tees meets the River Balder at Cotherstone. From here, we pick up the Tees Railway Walk, which brings us back to Middleton-in-Teesdale.
A slightly longer route, encompassing woodland and dales in an area of outstanding natural beauty, makes this trek a good challenge, and a great addition to the Big Smile Walks.
Distance: 24.4 km ( 15.16 miles)
Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆
Walk & Talk Trust is Authorised and Regulated by the Charity Commission (1190409).
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered in England and Wales (CE022530).
Registered office : 20 Lindsay Road, Durham, DH7 7RG
