For more than 25 years, through snow, sleet, rain and under clear winter skies; in parks, forests and on mountain tops, the footsteps of thousands have trekked the countryside each year as family, friends and avid walkers step out to enjoy the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks.

This year, the Ramblers is once again providing wintery walks for everyone to enjoy in Yorkshire and Humber, with two weeks of free festive rambles led by our volunteers from December 21 to January 5.

Whether it is a merry jaunt to the pub on Christmas Eve, a festive Boxing Day walk to burn off the mince pies, or a lengthy hike to start the new year on the right foot, there are hundreds of free walks to suit everyone across the country with the Festival of Winter Walks.

For the first time, Walking for Health – run by Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support — will offer a programme of short walks for people new to walking, or people who would like to get started with the help of supportive and friendly volunteers. Ramblers chief executive Benedict Southworth said: “There is something wonderful about walking over the festive season; the company of family and friends, exploring beautiful winter landscapes under clear skies or the fun of being the first to make tracks in the snow, all of these things make getting out and about at this time of year even more of an adventure.

“Our Festival of Winter Walks is as popular as ever after 25 years. So, put on your winter coats, wrap up warm and join us again as we head out to enjoy the season the way we know best, on our feet.”

For more information about the Festival of Winter Walks, and to browse the full details of festive walks on offer, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks

You can also download one of the expert walking routes from Ramblers Routes at www.ramblers.org.uk/ramblersroutes

To find a short walk near you, visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

 

Festive winter walks

A Walk in The Howardian Hills
Date: Sunday, December 22
Start time: 10am
Distance: 10 miles
Description: Join the Ryedale Ramblers for a walk in the Howardian Hills in the build up to Christmas.
Start from: Hovingham Village Hall car park

A walk in Yorkshire Wolds
Date: Thursday, December 26
Start time: 10am
Distance: 9 miles
Description: A Boxing Day walk with the Pocklington Ramblers to walk off the mince pies.
Start from: Market Weighton car park

A walk in the Yorkshire Wolds
Date: Wednesday, January 1
Start time: 10am
Distance: 10 miles
Start from: Millington Church
Description: A wonderful walk in the Yorkshire Wolds with the Pocklington Ramblers on the first day of the new year.