A walking event was launched in Winchester and dozens of local and visiting ramblers turned up for the inaugural event. 

The Winchester Walking Event was held on June 15 and 16, organised by The Ramblers and Winchester City Council.

Richard Eve, Ramblers group chair, said: “Despite some very challenging walking conditions, it was great to see so many people coming out and enjoying these walks with us and over the weekend, and coming back with huge smiles.

"Several walkers even came back for repeat walks.

"We also had the opportunity to have many positive conversations with people over the weekend about walking, the countryside and rights of way issues."

Winchester walkersWinchester walkers (Image: Winchester Ramblers)

The Winchester Ramblers are currently compiling their July-Sept walk programme, featuring five walks every week across various distances, mid-week and weekends.

Anyone is welcome to join for up to three taster walks, including this weekend’s (June 22-23) Marathon.

Mr Eve added: “We hope that this Walking Weekend will be the springboard to an annual Winchester Walking Festival, and there are already exciting plans to link in with the South Downs Way Arts and Walking Project in 2025, featuring a Walking Exhibition at The Arc in Winchester.”