
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
Disclaimer
Heritage 100 - County Durham Walks : Disclaimer & Waiver of Liability
By participating in any of the Heritage 100 - County Durham Walks, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
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Personal Responsibility & Safety: All walking routes, self-guided trails, and organised group walks are undertaken entirely at your own risk. You are solely responsible for assessing your physical fitness, health, and walking abilities before attempting any route.
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Assumption of Risk: Outdoor walking involves inherent hazards, including but not limited to uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, unpredictable weather changes, road traffic, and livestock. Heritage 100 - County Durham Walks accept no liability for any personal injury, illness, loss, or damage to personal property incurred during or as a result of participating in a walk.
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Navigation & Conditions: Route descriptions, maps, and GPS files are provided for general guidance only. Path conditions, access rights, and landmarks can change over time. Participants must exercise their own judgment, pay attention to local signage, and adhere to appropriate safety precautions.
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Equipment & Preparation: You are responsible for wearing suitable footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, as well as carrying adequate water, food, navigation tools, and a charged mobile phone.
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Supervision: Children under the age of 18 and accompanying dogs must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
