Revive yourself with a warm winter walk

After overindulging during the festive period, it’s time to blow the cobwebs away and enjoy a bracing walk in the countryside. Visit Kent and Explore Kent have joined forces to suggest six warming walks for people to enjoy

Wye Downs You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to impressive sights on this circular walk encompassing the beautiful village of Wye. Trek up to the Wye Crown, which was cut into the chalk of the North Downs to mark the coronation of King Edward VII, explore rolling fields and farmland before drinking in the views of the Devil’s Kneading Trough – the largest and most famous of the steep-sided dry valleys that characterise the hills of the Downs.

Have a break: the New Flying Horse is the perfect place to refuel or to indulge, with excellent food, beautiful gardens and lovely rooms for the weary. The White Cliffs Of Dover Breathe in that bracing sea air and feel on top of the world as you conquer one of England’s most striking landmarks.

Take the South Foreland Lighthouse walk along the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover, a gentle four-mile route with stunning sea views and plenty of history.

The signposted route includes Langdon Hole, Fan Point and the imposing lighthouse – all vital parts of England’s defences in the Second World War – and the surrounding countryside is a joy to behold.

Have a break: stop at Mrs Knott’s Tearoom for a brew with a view, or head to Walletts Court Hotel and Spa for a sumptuous afternoon tea or gourmet lunch. Bedgebury Pinetum For a choice of easy or challenging woodland walks, you can’t beat the sights and scents of Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.

A light dusting of snow or a sharp frost transforms the pinetum near Goudhurst into a winter wonderland, and the forest is perfect for a long crisp walk to set you glowing.

During the winter months, conifers come into their own so you will have an entirely fresh perspective on the pinetum.

A 12-mile circular route takes in the picturesque village of Cranbrook or you can take the easier 1.7-mile route around the trees.

Have a break: fuel up at the Bedgebury Cafe in the forest’s visitor centre, or call into The George Hotel in Cranbrook for outstanding food and beautiful views. Viking Coastal Trail Chase sunsets and drink in coastal scenes that must be seen to be believed on the Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet.

If you don’t fancy the full 32-mile route, take the onehour walk from Margate to Broadstairs and enjoy the same views that delighted J.M.W. Turner and Charles Dickens.

Call into Margate’s Turner Contemporary art gallery for a spot of culture, enjoy spectacular scenery at Botany Bay and the surfers of Joss Bay, and stroll along the sandy beach of Broadstairs.

Have a break: Sands Hotel for afternoon tea with a view; The Royal Albion Hotel for a rewarding pint above the sands; or pitstop at Botany Bay Hotel for edge-of-theworld scenery. Shorne Woods Country Park You don’t have to venture into the wilderness for a wonderful wintry walk – head to one of Kent’s fantastic family-friendly country parks for a chance to blow away the cobwebs and have some outdoor fun.

Shorne Woods Country Park in Gravesend is bursting with activity trails and walking routes to suit all abilities, with its own fishing lake, a new children’s play area, sensory garden and bridle paths.

Have a break: head to the eco-friendly cafe for locally sourced sustenance, or bring your own warming nibbles for a picnic Teynham Take an intriguing trip through orchards and fruit fields on this lovely walk through Teynham.

The area’s famous orchards are a delight all year round, and offer a tranquil 5.5-mile circular walk past grazing sheep and lush fields. A hidden gem of a walk!

Have a break: bag a seat by the inglenook fireplace and a warming drink at the Plough Inn – live music most Sunday afternoons.

Trek up to the Wye Crown cut into the chalk of the North Downs