Fancy a walk to burn off all that turkey?
FREE festive walks are on offer this Christmas for those who want to get out and enjoy the local landscape or make new friends.
The Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks is back and takes place from Friday, December 21 to Sunday, January 6.
Local Ramblers groups are offering a great selection of free walks to give everyone the chance to enjoy magical winter landscapes in good company and to meet new friends at a time of year when many people can feel lonely or isolated.
Ramblers’ research from last winter found that nearly half (46%) of adults surveyed said they sometimes felt socially isolated or lonely, and more than a third (35%) said there were days over the Christmas period where they didn’t see anyone.
Tompion Platt, Ramblers director of advocacy and engagement, said: “Winter is a wonderful time to go walking and enjoy the cold crisp air and striking frosty landscapes, and of course it’s a great way to burn off the effects of Christmas overindulgence.
“But we also know that the festive season can be a particularly difficult time for people who are on their own, and a sociable walk with a welcoming group is a great way to get out and about and meet people. Our Ramblers groups have hundreds of walks organised during our Festival of Winter Walks. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy the company – and perhaps a mince pie and a festive drink too.”
During the festival, supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, there are hundreds of walks planned across the country, so there is something for everyone, from short festive strolls to more strenuous walks.
Locally, the free walks begin with a leisurely four-mile walk around Llantwit Fardre on Saturday, December 22. Join Taff Ely Saturday strollers for a short pre-Christmas wander around Llanwit Fardre. Dogs are welcome.
On Sunday, December 30, there is a moderate 10-mile walk around the Garth and Craig yr Allt.
This circular ramble is a great way to round off the year, with some lovely views from Craig yr Allt. Meet up with the Cardiff Ramblers in the city centre for a car share to the start point.
A moderate 9.5-mile walk from Penderyn to Sgwd yr Eira takes place on Saturday, January 5. If your New Year’s resolution is for more exercise, this January ramble through waterfall country with the Merthyr Valley Ramblers is a lovely way to start.
Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support the Ramblers with their Festival of Winter Walks, which we know will help thousands of people discover the joys of walking.”
Visit ramblers.org.uk/ winter for more details and for hundreds of free group walks taking place across the country.