A NORMALLY closed section of Raby Castle’s parkland is to open for a charity dog walk next month.
The Bath Wood area of the deer park is usually closed to the public, but Raby Estates will allow access for those who sign up for the fundraising dog walk which will help pay for a community bus for Staindrop.
Morris Race, who is part of the group trying to start the community transport scheme, said people without dogs are also welcome to take part in the event on Sunday, November 7. He said those taking part should meet at the castle car park at 10.30am. He added: “We will go through to Lady Wood and up to Bath Wood, which no-one else is allowed in, and then come back to the car park to complete the route.
“There is a cottage in Bath Wood that always reminds me of Hansel and Gretel.”
Mr Race warned that not all sections of the route are Tarmac and people should wear comfortable walking boots.
He said: “It will be a lovely autumnal walk before all the leaves disappear. Raby is allowing us access for free because we are a charity and they are providing a guide to lead the way. The walk will be about an hour long.”
Tickets for the walk cost £8 and are available from Staindrop’s Wheatsheaf Inn or from the village Post Office.
About £1,400 has been raised for the transport scheme with much of the cash being generated through a beer and music festival held at Staindrop Masonic Hall in August.
Mr Race said: “We raised £1,100 thanks to our sponsors and those who attended.
“I was amazed how many people turned out, we were lucky. I go to an open mic in Newton Aycliffe once a week and it is empty. There is a lot of nervousness out there, and rightly so.”
With the help of the County Durham Community Foundation the group is currently being registered as a charitable organisation at Companies House. Once this is completed the committee can start applying for funding for the transport scheme.
