CHRISTMAS is a precious time spent with families.

Bearing that in mind, and given all the excesses of the season such as feasting, it also brings with it the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and savour the fresh air and scenery with a stroll outdoors.

Conscious of the approaching holidays, the Ramblers Association are encouraging us all to pull on our boots this Christmas and take time to stride out.

Walking is fantastic exercise and despite the wealth of walks around our area it can be difficult choosing the right one.

Here is a round-up of some of the well-trodden walks around our area, and beyond, from the Ramblers Association. There is something to suit all abilities and, hopefully, will inspire you and yours to get and about during the festive season.

Exploring the 'Old Paths and Ways around Bronte Country' will be particularly appealing for Bronte enthusiasts. This circular walk of Haworth's historic village, involves treading along moorland paths and following in the footsteps of the famous Bronte siblings.

This six mile 'moderate' stroll lasts three hours and includes a steep climb beside the falls, along tracks, quiet lanes and ginnels used by local inhabitants over centuries.

Take a pleasant stroll from an old industrial town and savour the sights around Bingley - the Goit Stock Valley, Harden and the beautiful St Ives Country Park.

This eight mile 'moderate' walk lasts four hours and along the way participants will pass the Goit Stock waterfalls while following pathways to the stunning parkland to savour an excellent vantage.

A walk with variety awaits participants of the 'Saltaire, Shipley Glen and 5 Rise Locks Circular.' The eight mile 'leisurely' stroll lasts three hours and 30 minutes and the sights include the world Heritage site of Saltaire, a beautiful rocky and wooded glen, open farmland, urban woodland and a landmark canal with its spectacular stairway of locks. The walk returns along the River Aire.

Over in Leeds there is the opportunity to stride out on an 'easy' two hour stroll around Leeds' Civic centre and canal. The 4.7 mile route explores some of the city's many historic sites including the Town Hall and Leeds City Museum.

'Elland Back Again' is an organised walk with Calderdale Ramblers setting off from Elland Town Hall at noon on Sunday December 27. The four mile post-Christmas Day and Boxing Day antidote to over-eating consists of a short walk around the leafy areas of Elland and Blackley.

Festive dress is encouraged for the Three Villages Heritage Walk, an organised group stroll setting off at 9.45am on Sunday December 20 at the former Colne Carpets car park, Lowther Lane, Foulridge.

The 11 mile leisurely walk will be led by Bury Ramblers and has been devised by Colne Connected. It links the three villages of Foulridge, Laneshaw Bridge and Trawden and visit Wycoller and Colne too.

The beautiful Dales is a popular destination all year round. Why not step out and explore Simon's Seat and Troller's Gill from Appletreewick? This 8.4 mile 'moderate' walk lasts four hours and 30 minutes and includes a brief stroll along the River Wharfe before a short, sharp climb to Simon's Seat and passing the ravine of Troller's Gill on the return before a pleasant walk back across Appletreewick pasture.

Wakefield and District Ramblers will lead 'Coley Valley Eventually' a nine mile 'moderate' walk setting off at 10.30am on Saturday January 2 from the Ship Inn, Horbury Bridge (nearest postcode: WF4 5NT).

* For more about the walks visit ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route

So with plenty of inspiration for where to stride out - what are you waiting for..?