ENTRIES are now being invited for the 2020 Bath Rugby Walk in aid of Dorothy House and Bath Rugby Foundation.

The Bath Rugby Walk will return on Saturday, March 7 raising funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care and Bath Rugby Foundation.

Once again, the route will follow the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath between the two charities, starting at Dorothy House’s Winsley base at 11am and ending at The Recreation Ground home of Bath Rugby in Bath city centre.

Last year over 530 people took part in the walk and raised £45,673.

Once at The Rec, walkers will be able to enjoy a well-earned drink and a pie while watching Six Nations action together, with Ireland v Italy at 2.15pm and England v Wales at 4.45pm.

Men and women aged 12 years and over are invited to take part and help raise vital funds equally for both the Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Mark Osland, the organiser of the Avon Road Amigos team from Devizes, said: "We started out doing the Bath Rugby Walk with only six walkers several years ago and our team has grown with 18 of us walking one year, we're easy to spot as we always dress up in Mexican sombreros and ponchos."This year will be our sixth Bath Men's Walk and I'm looking forward to a return to my old form after a hip operation last year."It is always a memorable day out for us and I'd recommend the walk to anyone who likes a bit of rugby and a day out with pals."

Emily Knight, DHHC's event fundraiser, said: "We're looking forward to a big turn out for this year's Bath Rugby Walk, which is always an important fundraiser for both charities."

Halena Coury, head of fundraising at Bath Rugby Foundation, said: “The Bath Rugby Walk is always a highlight of our year, seeing so many people walking along the canal path in great spirits.

"The money raised by walkers makes a huge difference to the lives of young people in Bath, many of whom have had the toughest start to life.

"The fact that this money is raised by people having a lovely time – with a bit of light exercise thrown in, is a bonus.”

Victoria Dulley, who took part in the 2019 Bath Rugby Walk as a member of the St John’s Foundation team, said: “Last year’s Bath Rugby Walk was a brilliant occasion and the whole St John’s team had a great time.

"We all encourage everyone in Bath to take part – you’ll have a lovely day and help raise money for Dorothy House and Bath Rugby Foundation.”

Once again Thrings solicitors are the event’s lead sponsor, along with partners Chunk, Bath Ales and Thatchers.

If your team is between 12 and 20 people and you’d enjoy a private space to watch the Six Nations you can even reserve a box at Bath Rec.

Entry is £25 for men and women aged 18 and over. For children aged 12-17 and students with a NUS Card the cost is £17.50.To sign up go to www.bathrugbywalk.org.uk