Gift! Celebrations! Walks Galore!

This Christmas the Ramblers’ Association is urging people to wrap up warm, step and join thousands of merrymakers up and down the country in celebrating the 20th anniversary of their annual free Festival of Winter Walks with its biggest ever walking festival. It is sponsored by Nature Valley Snack Bars.
Between Boxing Day and 4th January 2009, over 700 walks will be held around England, Scotland and Wales, covering every region in the country and tailored to suit every age and ability. Fun, free and available to all, the walks have one aim; to get as many people walking as possible!

This year the Festival will be sponsored by Nature Valley and supported by TV presenter and keen walker Ben Fogle. Ben Fogle comments: “Walking is a perfect way to escape and unwind after a hectic Christmas. There are thousands of beautiful routes around the country; what better way to introduce yourself to the delights of walking than stepping out in the crisp air of a winter’s day on a free, festive Winter Walks stroll?”

This year, there will be hundreds of first-timer friendly walks (slow pace, five miles and under), themed walks, guided walks, and, for the hardier, plenty of 15 mile yomps through the hills.

Festival organiser, Mariusz Wilczynski, comments: “The traditional winters’ day walk is a magical experience; warm scarves, crisp clean air, a festive atmosphere. Why not make new friends, stroll off Christmas Day chocolates and keep the winter walking tradition alive by joining a Ramblers’ Festival walk!

He continues: “Just 30 minutes’ brisk walking a day, five times a week, can help protect you from heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis, some types of diabetes and colon cancer. It can also help older people gain strength and balance to reduce bone fractures. These fun and friendly festival walks provide first time walkers with an excellent opportunity to get into the swing of regular strolling.”

This year walks will include:
• An ice-cream pilgrimage in Mirfield, Yorkshire
• Themed city walks, London
• Hundreds of strolls of 5 miles and under

Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks for details of walks in your area, turn up, and enjoy the stroll!

*Nature Valley offer: 50 New Year packs up for grabs, visit www.naturevalley.co.uk to find out more. Thousands of Nature Valley Snack Bars will also be given away at selected walks.