A NEW season of Wessex Wanderer walks starting from stations along the Weymouth to Bristol line has been launched for 2014.

The programme has been running for 20 years and is organised and led by members of the Ramblers.

You do not have to belong to the Ramblers to go on the walks and funding has come from the four Ramblers’ Areas involved – Avon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire, with support from the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partner-ship and First Great Western.

Programmes are available from local Tourist Information Centres or by looking on wessexrailways. org.uk The details of the first two walks are Saturday, May 17, for a six-mile, leisurely-paced circular walk including a guided tour of Frome.

This must be booked in advance by May 2 as places are limited.

Book through Ann Light on 0117 9798628.

People should catch the 8.46am from Weymouth, returning on the 3.46pm.

Then, on Wednesday, May 21, there is a medium-paced five-mile or 8/9 mile circular walk from Bath Spa taking in the Cotswold Way, Prospect Stile (shorter option – use Park & Ride at Lansdown from here using bus pass), Grenville Monument and Lansdown. Meet the leader outside station and catch the 8.53am from Weymouth, returning on the 5.07pm.

Further information is available from 01202 731363.