The Ramblers' winter walks aim to burn off the Christmas excess

First, an apology and a warning: this story contains the word Christmas.

It must be the sudden nip in the air, but everyone’s talking winter, and the Ramblers are no exception. The campaigning charity will next year celebrate 75 years of existence and it plans to get its celebrations underway with a series of free winter walks.

The Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks will start straight after the Christmas pud has subsided with a set of hangover-busting walks led by experienced members of the group. The walks are all free and will range from strolls suitable for toddlers and grandparents to yomps aimed at seasoned hikers.

Ben Fogle with his dog Inca

Antarctic explorer Ben Fogle, president of the Campaign for National Parks, will join one of the 700 walks, which will take place between Boxing Day and 3 January. He said: “Walking is a perfect way to escape and unwind after a hectic Christmas, and a stroll in the crisp winter air is a perfect way to kick away those Christmas calories.

“With so many wonderful routes all around the country, it really is the ideal time to explore the beautiful winter landscape. We’re urging everyone in Britain, whatever their age, stage or level of walking, to get out and join in the Festival of Winter Walks.”

The walks will be staged across England, Scotland and Wales and many follow a theme, such as fancy-dress strolls, tipsy toddles and cake walks. The Ramblers say at least 300 of the walks will be shorter than five miles and more than 100 will be aimed at people in their 20s and 30s.

The charity has also teamed up with Nature Valley to provide free snack bars on some of the walks.

Details of the festival can be found on the Ramblers’ website.