The Ramblers’ Association (RA) is offering everyone the chance to get rid of the effects of one too many mince pies over the festive season.

Its Festival of Winter Walks starts on Boxing Day and runs (or rather walks) until 2 January, so you can shake off the effects of your New Year hangover too.

There are walks taking place across Britain: from Aberdeenshire to Cornwall; Norfolk to the Lleyn Peninsula.  Frances Warneford, of the association, said: “Most of the routes are between four and seven miles.

“Longer ones are generally arranged in a figure of eight format so walkers can stay for either the whole day or half a day.

“More than 400 special strolls, many with a seasonal theme, are planned. If you get sick of watching re-runs on the television and want to try something a bit different, why not take part – for free.”

And speaking of mince pies: the RA has a handy reckoner on its website to help you calculate how far you need to go to get rid of the extra calories you’ll consume during the festive binge. Two miles walking will burn off your mince pie.

You’ll have to go 13 miles to walk off your Christmas dinner and each glass of mulled wine will add 2½ miles. The average person puts on 5lbs in the four-week Christmas period, so there’s every reason to get your boots on.

Festival co-ordinator Mariusz Wilczynski said: “The festival is a great launch pad for those who have decided to improve their health and fitness in 2007 and just need a little bit of encouragement.

“There’s nothing nicer than wrapping up warm and heading out into beautiful crisp winter air with friends for an energising walk.”

You don’t have to be a member of the Ramblers’ Association to join the walks. Anyone who does join the association after participating can get 20% off the membership fee.

To find the nearest walks to your location, visit the RA website.