The last four walks in this year’s Wessex Wanderer series of public guided walks from stations along the Heart of Wessex railway line, which runs from Bristol-Weymouth through Wiltshire, begin on Saturday.
The programme of walks has been running for over 20 years and is organised and led by members of the Ramblers. You do not have to belong to the Ramblers to come on the walks. Funding has come from the four Ramblers’ Areas involved, Avon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire, with support from the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership and First Great Western. Programmes are available from Tourist Information Centres or by looking on www.wessexrailwaywalks.org.uk There is no need to pre-book. It is very important to check the times of the trains, and to wear stout footwear, bring plenty to drink, a picnic lunch and waterproofs. No dogs are allowed on the walks except registered assistance dogs.
Saturday’s walk is a moderately paced circular walk of six or 12 miles from Bruton, via Wyke Champflower to Castle Cary and returning via the Leland Trail and Cole. Walkers may join/leave at Castle Cary.
Suitable trains are the 8.39am from Bristol Temple Meads, calling at all stations, arrive Bruton 9.48am, return train 6.38pm. More info from the walk leader on 0117 979 3828.
On Wednesday there is a 7/8 mile medium paced walk from Portland – bus used to/from Portland and for possible shorter walk(s). Catch the 8.41am from Bristol Temple Meads to arrive Weymouth 11.03am, return train 5.30pm. Further information from walk leader on 0117 979 3828.
Saturday, October 10 sees an 10/11 mile medium paced walk from Westbury to Avoncliff via Rode, Tellisford and Fairleigh Hungerord. Walkers may opt out at Rode (half way point) and use the bus to either Frome or Bath Spa.
Suitable trains are the 8.39am from Bristol Temple Meads, arrive Westbury 9.26am. return train 4.53pm or from the Weymouth direction the 8.46am from there arrives Westbury 10.16am, return train at 5.19pm. Further information from walk leader 0117 933 4998.
Finally on Wednesday, October 14 there is a moderately paced linear six-mile walk from Bruton to Castle Cary via Pitcombe and Knapps Hollow, with industrial archaeology to see and time to explore in the afternoon. Lunch options include pubs, cafes or alfresco.
Suitable trains are from Bristol Temple Meads, 8.41am, arrive Bruton 9.53am, return trains 2.22pm or 4.10pm.
Susan Blake, Shaston Crescent, Dorchester, Dorset
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