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TueDec 17

Festival of Winter Walks – December 17, 2024

The Festival of Winter Walks is celebrated annually during the holiday season from the third Saturday of December to the first Sunday of January. This year, it takes place from December 17 to January 1. This festival is organized by the Ramblers and has been part of the U.K. festive season for over 30 years now. It aims to encourage more people to get walking, especially in green, nature-dense areas to take in the wintery beauty of Britain. The walks are generally free and open to anyone to join. Each walk is different, allowing participants an option of the kind of views they want to take in when they participate.

History of Festival of Winter Walks

The Ramblers is a charitable organization that aims to protect the ability of people to enjoy “a sense of freedom and the benefits that come from being outdoors on foot.” It brings individuals and groups together to enjoy walking and ensures the protection and expansion of the infrastructure of these areas. The organization’s initial objective was to ensure access to the countryside for the general public.

By law, the Ramblers organization in England and Wales needs to be consulted before there are any changes to walking paths. The organization has hundreds of volunteers looking after thousands of miles of walking paths. The organization also works to protect the places their walking paths cross, mainly in the countryside and in urban green spaces. They do this through active collaboration with other organizations with similar goals, as well as local communities.

Take this holiday season to enjoy the wonders of nature and get together with friends and family members. What better way to celebrate the holidays than enjoying yourself outdoors? Not only is it a great cause, but it’s a great way to be active!

Festival of Winter Walks timeline

January 1, 1935
The Ramblers Association

The Ramblers Association is established.

1938
The Ramblers in Liverpool

The first Ramblers office is set up in Liverpool.

2000
CROW

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act secures public access to mountains, moors, heaths, and downland.

2011
Breach Out Campaign

The Ramblers launch Breach Out to contest the Forestry Commission’s plans to sell off publicly-accessible woodlands.

Festival of Winter Walks FAQs

How much does it cost to join Ramblers U.K?

An individual annual Ramblers membership costs £35.85.

What is the average age of Ramblers?

The average age of Ramblers members is 55.

Who is president of the Ramblers?

Stuart Maconie is the president of the Ramblers.

Festival of Winter Walks Activities

  1. Join a walk

    Join a Ramblers walk this holiday season. Enjoy the outdoors and celebrate with friends!

  2. Volunteer

    Volunteer with the Ramblers to help the organization with its mission. Any time spent will be appreciated.

  3. Talk about it on social media

    Help spread awareness by talking about the festival on social media. Start an online conversation.

5 Interesting Facts About Walking

  1. Popularity

    Walking is the most popular exercise in the United States.

  2. Average speed

    The average walking speed is 3.1 miles per hour.

  3. Average distance

    On average, a person walks about 65,000 miles during their lifetime.

  4. Mood elevation

    Walking helps boost your mood by increasing blood flow to the brain.

  5. Curbing emissions

    Walking for about 10 miles per week, instead of traveling by vehicle, would save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Why We Love Festival of Winter Walks

  1. It’s a great opportunity to walk

    Walking is great for you. The Festival of Winter Walks is a good opportunity to get some more walking in.

  2. It can be a good break

    The holidays can be a bit overwhelming. The Festival of Winter Walks offers a break from the hustle and bustle.

  3. It contributes to the Ramblers' mission

    The Ramblers have a very noble mission. Participating in the Festival of Winter Walks ultimately helps it.

Festival of Winter Walks dates

Year Date Day
2022 December 17 Saturday
2023 December 16 Saturday
2024 December 21 Saturday
2025 December 20 Saturday
2026 December 19 Saturday
December
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 

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