A NEW 14-mile walking route was opened in Dursley by the leader of Stroud District Council.

The Dursley Lantern Way, mapped out by Dursley Welcomes Walkers, was officially launched on Saturday by Cllr Geoff Wheeler in the town centre.

Cllr Wheeler made an opening address to walkers and supporters gathered by Dursley’s Market Hall, wishing everyone an enjoyable walk and praising the efforts of the walking group.

“Congratulations to Dursley Welcomes Walkers for their latest initiative for walkers in mapping out the 14 mile Lantern Way through the local town and parishes,” said Cllr Wheeler.

“The organisation is adding to its previous successes such as the Walking Festival and the programme of health walks in association with the district council, to make Dursley a centre for walkers, both local and from further afield.”

A free printed leaflet produced by Dursley Welcomes Walkers indicating the route and alternative routes and options is available at various outlets in the area including the offices of Cam Parish Council and Dursley Town Council, Dursley Pool, Dursley Heritage Centre and Courtyard Health and Fitness. Alternatively, the leaflet can be downloaded from www.dursleywelcomeswalkers.org.uk.

Chairman of Dursley Welcomes Walkers Chris Cherry said: “It would not have been possible to offer the leaflet for free if it had not been for the much appreciated sponsorship from Magnox and the National Decommissioning Authority.”

Chris added that a previous project funded by Magnox provided first aid training (supplied by Barnwood Training and funded by the Magnox socio-economic fund) for some of the group’s Walking Festival walk leaders.

A spokesman for Magnox said: “We’re pleased to support this project in encouraging visitors and local people alike to enjoy the natural beauty of the Dursley area and in being able to offer skills training to local volunteers which can be used in the wider community.”

The 2015 Dursley Walking Festival will have a programme of 18 walks ranging from short to long and with some including photography and bird watching.

There will also be three social events over the festival weekend which non-walkers are invited to join.

The Festival will run from October 1 to 4. The programme of walks is now available on the Dursley Welcomes Walkers website and a printed programme will be available soon.