THE sale of a Wye Valley rambling book has boosted a new Heart of Wales walking trail project.

Members of the Lower Wye Ramblers (LWR) were treated at their AGM at St Arvans Village Hall to a talk by Mr David Edwards, general manager of the Heart of Wales Line Development Company (DevCo), which is developing a 140-mile walking trail from Swansea via Craven Arms to Shrewsbury.

And Jackie Colclough, LWR chairwoman, presented him with a cheque for £1,011 to boost the scheme, and said members were looking forward to walking the trail, which broadly follows the general line of the Heart of Wales rail line, enabling walkers to access the path from numerous rail stations.

The trail, which is due to open in 2018, will enable ramblers to access some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Wales.

One of DevCo’s biggest challenges has been obtaining funding for the provision of ‘furniture’ such as gates, stiles, and waymark signs.

The donation came from the profits of sales of the LWR’s Lower Wye Rambles booklet, which since it was first published in 2003 has raised thousands of pounds for projects designed to improve the footpath network.

Jackie expressed thanks to those responsible for the booklet’s publication and distribution and those who continue to maintain the paths.

Mr Edwards said support for the new trail was being provided from a wide variety of sources, and DevCo hoped that in due course ramblers from all parts of the UK would take the train to enjoy the trail.

For further information on the Heart of Wales Line Trail, go to www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/trail.htm

If you are interested in joining the LWR on one of their walks or you would like to purchase a copy of Lower Wye Rambles, visit www.lowerwyeramblers.co.uk or contact Bill Price at [email protected]