A popular bus service linking Petersfield and Winchester with a host of Hampshire beauty spots is back on the road.

The hills will be alive with the sound of excited day-trippers this Sunday as The South Downs Rambler has returned.

The Sunday service will make the 75-minute journey every four hours with the first leaving Petersfield railway station at 10.50am.

It will take passengers right into the heart of the South Downs and the Meon Valley with stops including Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Old Winchester Hill, Exton, West Meon, Hinton Ampner and Old Cheesefoot Head.

The final service will leave Petersfield at 6.50pm with buses leaving Winchester Broadway at 9.20am, 1.20pm and 5.20pm.

While The South Downs Rambler has proved a huge success since its launch several years ago, users should note the service operated by Blue Star Buses has a different route this year.

The Rambler will not pass through Langrish or East Meon this time round with the route being diverted to take in QECP and Clanfield, instead.

But with single tickets remaining a princely £2 the service offers ramblers a great chance to explore some of Hampshire’s finest countryside at a minimal price and without a car.

The Hampshire Community Rail Partnership and its Three Rivers and Hills to Harbour counterparts are behind the scheme with services until September 15.

There will also be an August Bank Holiday Monday service, for more details look for leaflets at Petersfield station or visit https://hillstoharbourcrp.co.uk/