The cold weather is upon us but that is no excuse to put your walking clothes away as this is still a great time of the year to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Just make sure you have the correct kit for the conditions.

Yes November is almost over and Advent will begin and we can all get organised for that annual event The Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks. Running between December 21st and January 5th next year, there are 954 routes available for you to try across the entire UK. The Festival itself has taken place for over twenty five years so it’s about time you all got involved.

We all make New Year’s Resolutions to get fitter, well here’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead of the game. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover or re-discover the pleasures and benefits of walking and begin the task of getting rid of all that Christmas excess. It’s free, fun and open to everyone, with the walks being led by Ramblers and Walking for Health volunteers. The walks are designed to show Britain at its best in winter while getting you to be more active. The large majority of the walks are family friendly so no excuses, and are short enough so you don’t get too tired on your first trip out. However, there are longer hikes for the more seasoned walker to enjoy too.

Remember that walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise, so let’s get started. You can find the list of walks on the Ramblers’ website.

So when you have treated yourself to some new winter boots and walking clothes from the website, the Festival gives you the ideal opportunity to use them and to get everyone outside this winter and be that little bit more active too.