THE Swindon and Northeast Wiltshire Ramblers have organised a series of seasonal strolls, beginning on Saturday.

The free Festival of Winter Walks is celebrating its 30th year, and is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery, with seven walks planned before January 7.

Dawn Burt, of the Swindon and Northeast Wiltshire group, said: “Winter is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy your surroundings in the fresh air and the Festival of Winter Walks offers an easy way to head out for a winter wander with friends and family. Also, if you feel like you’ve over-indulged on turkey and mince pies, It’s a great way to help you kick start those New Year fitness resolutions too.”

The walks are:

  • Saturday, December 23. Wroughton Circular six-mile moderate walk. Meet 10.30am Ellendune Centre car park Wroughton. Bring lunch.
  • Sunday, December 24. Somerford Keynes, Ewen, Thames Path & Kemble Mill, six-mile leisurely walk. Meet 9.30am Marlborough Road/Pipers Roundabout Swindon or 10am Neigh Bridge Country Park.
  • Tuesday, December 26. Tan Hill Way, Huish, Oare, West Wick & Martinsell Hill, seven-mile moderate walk. Meet 10am Marlborough Road/Pipers Roundabout Swindon or 10.40am Clench Common car park. Bring lunch.
  •  Saturday, December 30, Salthrop, Quidhampton Wood & Basset Down, 5.5-mile moderate walk. Meet 10am Marlborough Road/Pipers Roundabout Swindon, or 10.15am Ellendune Centre car park Wroughton. Bring a drink and a snack.
  • Sunday, December 31. Woodhenge, The Cursus, Stonehenge Down & Normanton, nine-mile moderate walk. Meet 9.30am Marlborough Road/Pipers Roundabout Swindon, or 10.30am Amesbury Recreation car park
  •  Monday, January 1. West Woods New Year Walk, four-mile moderate walk. Meet 10am Marlborough Road/Pipers Roundabout Swindon, or 10.30am Clatford Bottom car park West Woods. Bring a drink and a snack.
  • Saturday, January 6. Great Copse, Wichelstowe, Old Town Railway Path & Lawn Woods, four-mile easy walk. Meet 10am Marlborough Road/Pipers Roundabout Swindon.

For more information, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winter.