Walk off your Christmas dinner!

This Christmas, the South West will host over one hundred festival strolls to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks (26 December–4 January 2009).

Free and open to everyone, the Festival includes over 700 led walks held up and down the country in towns and countryside alike.

The South West walks – many of which are themed and family friendly – vary hugely in length and tone, ensuring there is a stroll to suit all tastes.  These walks include a novel event which draws up to 60 walkers to the Cornish coast to toast in the New Year.

Ruth Wembridge, RA Head of Membership, said: “There’s nothing nicer than wrapping up warm, heading out into crisp winter air, and celebrating the festive season with other merrymakers on an energising walk.

She continues: “The Festival is also a great launch pad for those who have decided to improve on their health and fitness in 2009 and just need a little bit of encouragement. It takes just 30 minutes of walking per day to stay fit, so you’ll soon stroll of those extra mince pies or box of chocolates!”

You don’t have to be a member of the Ramblers to take part in the festival, but anyone who attends a walk and wants to join will receive a 20 per cent discount off membership. And at just £27 a year it’s a lot cheaper than joining a gym!

For full walks details please log on to www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks