THE National Trust is helping people to explore the beautiful Wiltshire countryside and other nearby delights next weekend.

Alongside the likes of Lacock, The Courts garden and Stourhead, the National Trust cares for around 25 thousand hectares of the UKs finest landscapes.

On June 28 and 29 the first ever Wessex Walking Weekend takes place. It's a chance to explore these areas with the experts who care for them, or on your own using one of the Trust's downloadable route maps.

Katharine Davies, Communications and Marketing Manager for the National Trust's Wessex Region, said: "The festival has been devised with casual walkers and families in mind.

"We want to make it easier for you to enjoy the countryside on your doorstep and, we hope, learn a little more about what it takes to look after it.

"It's easy to overlook how much the Trust has to offer away from the great houses and formal parks and gardens we manage. Wessex Walking Weekend will be a chance to explore an area of countryside you maybe haven't seen before, with a little help from us to set you on your way and explain what you could be seeing."

Properties running guided walks within Wiltshire over the weekend include:

  • Stourhead Estate Walks Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June 11am-4pm: Free guided walks will be available at various times over the weekend, subject to volunteer availability. The walk offers a fascinating insight into the history of this world-famous landscape garden or venture into the countryside areas of this 2,650 acre estate to discover the wilder side of Stourhead.

    Paths are steep and uneven in places and the estate tours do pass over stiles. Dress appropriate for English weather and wear suitable shoes/boots.

    Meeting place: Visitor Reception

    Booking details: Booking not needed

    Cost: Free

    Contact: Leanne Clements, 01747 842004

  • Stonehenge Flowering Fields Sunday 29 June 3pm - 5.30pm: Join us on a walk to explore the diversity of downland flora and wildlife. Find out about the National Trust's role in a huge project to put ploughed land back to species-rich chalk grassland within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Accompanied children welcome. Dress for the weather and wear stout footwear.

    Meeting place: Woodhenge car park - found by following signs from the A345 near Amesbury.

    Cost: Adult £3 Child £1.50

    Booking: Advisable on 01672 539167


For details on all of the walks available nearby visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wessexwalkingweekend