AN army of more than 500 men will step out today on the Bath Men’s Walk to help raise over £60,000 for two local charities.

Those taking part on the eight-mile walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath from Winsley to the Recreation Ground in Bath will be in for a tasty treat along the way.

The Three Daggers pub and microbrewery at Edington are taking their beers on the road and will be providing sustenance for the charity walkers at Bathampton.

The two-hour starts off at 12pm from Dorothy House in Winsley following registration at 11am.

The walk finishes at the Bath Rec, where walkers will be treated to a screening of today’s ‘Super Saturday’ Six Nations rugby action, a pie and a pint.

The Three Daggers pub is sending its beer bus to the start of the walk in Winsley and then, once the men have headed off in the direction of Bath, the bus will make its way to Bathampton to make sure the walkers, who will have earned a beer by that point, get their just rewards.

As well as putting smiles on the faces of the walkers, both Dorothy House and Bath Rugby Foundation will benefit directly - for every beer sold the pub will make a £1 donation to the fundraising effort.

Sian Swift, Business Development Manager at The Three Daggers, said: “The Three Daggers are delighted to support both charities and make a contribution from beer sales to these two great causes. We are looking forward to a wonderful day and hope everybody enjoys the beer!”

Dale Hattey, Events Manager at Bath Rugby Foundation said: “By the time the walkers reach Bathampton they will certainly have earned a drink and we’re so grateful to the Three Daggers for the kind offer of £1 donation for every beer our walkers buy.”

In addition to the beer on offer from the Three Daggers, Dorothy House has also received a donation of a rugby ball, signed by the England team which defeated Australia at Twickenham in November, along with a signed programme from the same match, which will be raffled off.

Once they reach the Rec, walkers will be able to sit back and watch both the England v Ireland match at 2.45pm and Wales v France at 5pm.

Participants will receive a free t-shirt, pie and a pint or soft drink included in the entry price. Delicious bacon or sausage sandwiches, burgers and soup will be available to buy before the walk, kindly provided by The Rotary Club of Devizes.

Last year, thanks to the efforts of all who took part, Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care, raised over £61,000 between them to support their much-needed work for the local community.

Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser, Dorothy House Hospice Care said: "Last year's Bath Men's Walk was a great success with over 580 men and boys taking part.

"It's always an important fundraiser for both charities and the vital funds raised for Dorothy House help us provide patients and their families with specialist palliative and end of life care.”