THE Andover Ramblers’ new programme of walks is now well under way, with walks planned all around the Andover area, as well as further afield.

In addition to the wide range of locations visited, the group is also offering a greater variety of walks, in terms of distance, grade of walk and type of walk.

These include: figure of eight, car-free, morning only, and walks that make better use of public transport.

The ramblers also hope to introduce some themed walks in 2009, for example like television and film locations.

The shorter walks on Saturdays in the local area are still proving very popular, and despite the poor weather in recent weeks the group has organised some excellent longer walks out of Cranborne in Dorset, and Dinton and Avebury in Wiltshire.

In September a number of members spent a long weekend walking parts of the Brecon Beacons.

Led by their chairman, Ted Diggins, they began with a nine-mile walk up onto the Black Mountain.

The following day’s eight-mile walk took them up onto Corn Du, Pen y Fan and Cribyn.

Their final eight-mile walk was the very popular waterfalls walk near Pontn-eddfechan.

Here they took the opportunity to visit the Sgwd Y Eira, the waterfall of snow, where a natural path passes behind the waterfall offering walkers a most unusual view of the curtain of water.

During the next few months a number of excellent walks is planned.

Details of all the group’s activities, including forthcoming walks, weekends away, and social events, can be found by visiting their award-winning website at www.andoverramblers.hampshire.org.uk, or by phoning the group secretary, Nesta Baird, on 01264 336788.

Copies of the programme are available from Millets, High Street, Andover, tourist information centre, Church Close or Andover library.