ON Boxing Day, more than a third of us will go for a family walk.
One study found that strolling down a tree-lined street can make you feel seven years younger.
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It can also improve heart and eye health, boost your mood, help with immunity – and in just 30 minutes you can burn up to 300 calories.
Here, Jane Atkinson looks at winter walking . . .
Join a group
COMBINING a walk in the fresh air and a meet-up with someone else has many health benefits.
Socialising can ward off loneliness and isolation which are linked to heart disease, diabetes, depression, arthritis and chronic stress.
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And by joining a walking or ramblers group you can guarantee some of your fellow strollers are joining for the same reasons as you.
I was surprised to find so many in my local area when I searched.
They are aimed at different levels, with long or shorter distances.
The best bit is they are often free and somebody else has usually planned the route so you don’t have to navigate.
The British Heart Foundation has some guides to get you started.
For more information, see bhf.org.uk.
Carry your kit
IF you are an experienced walker and go for long hikes with a backpack, that’s great.
But for those starting out who aren’t going on long-distance treks, you usually just need your coat, a drink, your phone and keys – all of which you can have neatly stored around your waist.
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I have tried out this nifty little bum bag from Gymshark.
It clips on around you, which I love because then you are not weighed down.
It also means that you can use it when running or even day to day.
It has a small front pocket, adjustable strap, is a matte PVC material and 22cm long so you can easily fit in a chunky phone.
The Everyday Waist Pack comes in black or pink for £20. See uk.gymshark.com.
Keep warm
AFTER trialling this coat I have realised that not all puffers are equal.
The Kathmandu Epiq puffer jacket is a clever thing.
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It manages to be super-lightweight thanks to a duck down filling, but is water repellent and manages to keep you warm without overheating.
It comes in two lengths and I tried the longer one which is more knee-length than ankle grazer, so it is good for muddy terrain.
It scrunches up into a tiny ball and comes with its own bag that you can shove it into and carry with a cord when you are walking.
The design features a two-way zip, chin guard to keep out the wind and stretch cuffs which aren’t overly long so they get in the way.
Sadly it comes with a hefty price tag but it will last for years. One to watch in the January sales.
£275, kathmandu.co.uk.