AFTER two years, the South Downs Rambler is back for the summer.

The South Downs Rambler bus will run every Sunday from July 10 to September 11 (plus the bank holiday Monday on August 29) allowing the public to explore the South Downs Way between Winchester and Petersfield.

The summer route and bus service was created in partnership by the South Downs National Park Authority, Hampshire County Council, Three Rivers Rail, Cross Country Trains and Bluestar.

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Mark Miller, Rail Officer for Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership said: “We are pleased to announce the return of the South Downs Rambler bus linking Winchester and Petersfield Stations, enabling passengers to enjoy the beauty of the countryside along the South Downs Way.

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“Criss-crossing the course of the South Downs Way it enables passengers to hop on and off the bus throughout the day and enjoy one of the south's best loved long-distance footpaths. It also links railway stations (for those visiting from further away), local attractions, stunning countryside, pretty villages, country pubs and much more.

“We welcome you to have a great day out in Hampshire's South Downs National Park.”

The bus operating between Winchester and Petersfield stops at tourist attractions such as the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, the views at Cheesefoot Head, the gardens of Hinton Ampner, the Iron Age fort at Old Winchester Hill, the Langrish House Hotel and a number of traditional village pubs and villages.

Drivers of the South Downs Rambler have considerable knowledge of the South Downs area and are on hand for local guidance.

The South Downs Rambler operated by Bluestar been funded by the Three Rivers and East Hampshire Community Rail Partnerships and Cross Country Trains.

To find out more about times and prices go to southdowns.gov.uk/travelling-around/south-downs-rambler-bus/.

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