Wessex Wanderer Railway Walks

Starting from stations between Bristol and Weymouth

Welcome to Wessex Wanderer Railway Walks

008 Chetnole

P6110743 Coast

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.


The Route

 


Sponsorship

 

Severnside CRP

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Our walks

2024 Walks Programme is in preparation


Our next walks: 

Our first walk of 2024 - 

Wednesday 03 April 2024 - A Bit of ‘This’ and Plenty of ‘Thats’ in Bath

A circular 5/6 miles walk including Parks and Gardens, the unique Georgian canal in the heart of the city and a River, with some snippets of history thrown in from time to time for good measure.

One or two slopes, a few steps here and there, and some muddy paths (but not ankle deep). More information

 

Wednesday 17 April 2024 - A Linear Walk - for a Change

A linear walk of 13 miles from Chetnole to Maiden Newton passing through beautiful villages, past elegant manor houses and parkland. More information

Saturday 20 April 2024 -Tiptoe Through the Bluebells

A circular 6 mile walk from Avoncliff through flowery meadows, along the river and canal. Past pretty Iford Manor. More information


LeisurelyWednesday, 3rd April, A Bit of 'This' and Plenty of 'Thats' in Bath, 6mi / 9.7km
StrenuousWednesday, 17th April, A linear walk - for a change, 13mi / 20.9km
ModerateSaturday, 20th April, Tiptoe through the bluebells, 6mi / 9.7km

News

Walks Leaders Wanted

Many thanks to our Walks Leaders past and present for supporting our railway walks. Our next programme of walks is in preparation and offers of walks would be greatly appreciated.

Please use the Walks Submission Form to submit details of walks. 


Annual Report

The 2023 End of Season meeting was held on Saturday 28 October.

2022-23 Annual Report


Ramblers Navigation Videos

A new series of easy-to-follow instructional videos, designed to help everyone feel comfortable finding their way in the outdoors. More information

 

Ramblers Groups

Wessex Wanderer Railway Walks are supported by the following :

Avon Area Ramblers - Swindon & Wiltshire Ramblers - Somerset Ramblers - Dorset Area Ramblers 

Join the Ramblers

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As a Ramblers Member you can
  • be part of Britain’s biggest walking charity
  • join a community of over 110,000 members
  • enjoy a wide range of membership benefits
  • choose from 38,000 led walks a year across England, Scotland and Wales
  • help us continue our charitable work to protect Britain’s footpaths and promote walking.

How to join Ramblers.

  • Go to Ramblers main website www.ramblers.org.uk and click the link 'Get Involved' then the link 'Become a member'
  • This gives lots of information about membership fees and says something about the sorts of walks on offer.
  • Usually when people become members they become a member of a Group local to where they live so that they are circulated with the Group's walk programme and other related material.
  • However, as a Rambler member you would be entitled to walk with any Group in the country.
  • Finally, remember that before you actually decide to join, you are entitled to three free walks. This helps you to experience what is on offer particularly the grades of walks.

Ramblers News

Latest news and updates

Latest stories, views and opinions on walking

Cotswold Outdoor

As a Ramblers Member, there's a 15% discount available at Cotswold Outdoor on full-price items.

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Rail Enquiries

 National Rail Enquiries

Trainline

GWR - home page

GWR Timetables - 10 December 2023 to 1 June 2024

Rail Partnerships

Severnside Community Rail Partnership - covers routes radiating from Bristol Temple Meads. More information

South Wessex Community Rail PartnershipFrom Somerset South to the Sea. More information

TransWilts Community Rail - supports the Swindon to Westbury service route. More information

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Help support your group by booking your walking holidays with Ramblers Walking Holidays, or Adagio and nominate your local walking groups name when booking to ensure your group receive vital funds through the walking partnership.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024