For great day out walking, let the train (and us) take the strain so you can enjoy a great time exploring the countryside, seaside, market towns and sites of interest along the beautiful Heart of Wessex, Bristol to Weymouth railway line.
The Wessex Wanderer Rail Walks programme normally offers free public guided walks which start from stations on the line. The programme consists of circular and linear walks of various lengths to suit all tastes and take place from May to October each year.
Whether you are travelling north or south, the start time of the walks takes into account train times in both the directions. The walks are led by experienced members of the Ramblers from across the four Areas of the Ramblers covered by the line (Avon, Wiltshire & Swindon, Somerset and Dorset).
The programme of walks began in 1995, and were organised by Peter Gould, in an effort to boost usage of the train when the line between Westbury and Weymouth was under threat of closure, and what better way to access a walk.
The programme gradually developed from the original six summer walks, to what was going to be a bumper programme of 40 walks to celebrate 25 years of walks, but this was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic in 2020.
As we began to recover from the effects of the pandemic we were able to offer a modest number of walks in 2021 and eighteen walks were offered in 2022.
For 2023 we had a full programme of walks arranged, however several walks were cancelled due to the Rail Workers ongoing industrial action. The numbers joining in the walks were mainly on the lower side, the weather also being a factor.
Let's hope 2024 is a better year and we can enjoy our walking adventures.
Our 2024 programme is in preparation.
The Wessex Wanderers is a Ramblers FlexiGroup and is supported by the South Wessex and Severnside Community Rail Partnerships and Great Western Railway.
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