Charity walk at Belvoir Castle to support Dove Cottage Day Hospice

A special charity walk will be held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Stathern-based hospice – visitors can choose from three walks of varying lengths and terrain which are all marked on a map available to pick up from the ticket office.

The hour-long Duke’s Walk is a three-mile circular route that takes in areas designed by Sir Capability Brown in 1780 which have been brought to life by the Duchess of Rutland after the plans were discovered in 2013.

Landmarks along the route include Lord Granby’s Cave and the Root and Moss House, as well as Frog’s Hollow, which boosts serene lakeside views.

All proceeds from a reduced £5 entry price will be donated to the hospice, which supports those living with palliative and life-limiting conditions, such as cancer, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s and COPD.

Dora Walls, fundraising Lead at the hospice, said: “2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the hospice and with less than four per cent of our funding coming from local government, we rely mainly on donations and support from our local community.

"We simply couldn’t have survived for the last 30 years without our community supporters behind us so are very grateful to Belvoir Castle for choosing to raise awareness of our services and donate to our cause in this way.”

With the £5 New Year’s Day Charity walk ticket and free car parking for those who take part, visitors will have access to Belvoir Castle’s formal gardens and stunning parkland.

Participants are encouraged to wrap up warm and bring the whole family along.

Dogs on leads are also warmly welcomed, ensuring no four-legged family members are left behind.

“People come to Belvoir Castle all year round to enjoy the beautiful scenery and views and the New Year’s Day Walk is a wonderful way to bring people together in one of the most peaceful and inspiring settings on the estate,” said Eleanor Melville, marketing manager at Belvoir Castle.

“We’re thrilled to be sharing the proceeds with Dove Cottage Day Hospice this year, supporting their incredible work that they do day in and day out.”

Go to www.belvoircastle.com/event to book places.