More and more of us are facing the impact of stress, overworking and the demands of everyday life.

For example, in a 2018 poll by YouGov for the Mental Health Foundation, 74 per cent of UK adults reported having been so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

For many people, lack of exercise, being stuck indoors due to desk-bound jobs or being disconnected from green spaces can be big factors. Such feelings often come into sharper focus during the festive season, when staying on top of all the preparations, and pressures to party and be sociable can also pile in and stress us out.

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, then here’s the ideal festive uplift gift – the Festival Of Winter Walks, which will run from December 20 to January 5. It’s organised by the Ramblers, the charity which helps everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk.

Ramblers groups across the UK will offer a warm welcome on hundreds of free festive walks. No matter where you live, and whether or not you’ve walked before, they’ll offer the chance to enjoy the wonderful winter landscape in good company; to relax, unwind and stress-bust, and to make new friends at a time of year when many people can feel anxious, stressed or isolated.

There will be fun winter-themed walks that the little ones will love; leisurely strolls under five miles for people new to walking; and longer walks for those that want more of a challenge. For those of you who may be short on time or want a gentler stroll, there will be Ramblers’ health walks.

Visit the website to find walks near you, where you can download the Festival of Winter Walks guide from December 20.

Top tips: Try a short, group walk if you’re not seasoned walker.

Slow down and enjoy your wintry surroundings.

Take and share some photos on your phone: tag @RamblersGB Pack a flask of tea, coffee or hot spiced apple juice.

Challenge younger walkers to find the crunchiest leaf, or gather pinecones to paint at home.

ramblers.org.uk