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
Sherburn Hill
Starting on Front Street in Sherburn Hill, this walk quickly transforms from urban landscape to stunning rural beauty, with many surprises along the route.
Take in the magnificent panoramic views of the Durham valleys, and explore the grounds of the picturesque 12th century St Laurence church, before descending through the heart of the maize fields.
Look to the skies as you traverse arable farmlands, birds of prey are plentiful in this area, particularly buzzards soaring above in search of prey.
The route then heads through Sherburn Village before ascending the exposed outcrops of white stone, known locally as "Chalk Hills" to finish back on Front Street. Here you'll find the friendly Sherburn Hill community Hub where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink (PS they also have a car park).
Distance: 7.1 km (4.4 miles)
Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆
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