T'is the time of year for over indulgence.

Entertaining and getting together is part and parcel of the festivities so it is as traditional as the season itself that come the New Year people will be signing up to gyms to get back in shape for the summer.

The period between Christmas and New Year can often be a time for contemplation; when we think about the year ahead and often make resolutions - probably one of the most popular is keeping fit.

So what better way to get the New Year off to a good start than to spend the holiday away from the workplace with family and friends on a stroll around Yorkshire's beautiful surroundings....

From picture postcard villages in the Dales to far-reaching breathtaking views of beyond, God's own county has it all and it is there for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.

To help you on your way, the Ramblers' annual Festival of Winter Walks, which is now in its 30th year, returns from December 23 to January 7 offering a selection of free walks in Yorkshire to give you some strolling inspiration.

This year's Festival of Winter Walks is supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery and offers something for everyone, from short festive-themed strolls with a sociable refreshment to more strenuous and challenging strides.

Of course, it may whet your appetite to join the Ramblers Association and explore the many benefits of walking around the great outdoors.

Here are just a few happening near you.....

West Riding Ramblers are hosting a 'Santa Hat Saunter' at 9.30am on Christmas Eve. Participants can take their Santa hats for this festive walk from Bramhope to Otley Chevin enjoying the 'Surprise View' across Wharfedale along the way. There will be a sandwich lunch in the pub at the end of the walk. Those taking part are asked to meet at The Royalty car park, Otley Chevin. Contact the group leader to pre-book the lunch. For more information visit ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route/walkdetail.aspx?walkID=3934707.

'Hang an 'Odd Sock' for Christmas, is the theme of a 6.5 mile amble with the Doncaster Ramblers along paths and tracks around the 16th century Hodsock Priory and gardens.

Participants are asked to meet at 10am on December 23 at the RAF memorial on Blythe village green (TD6 9BQ). At the end of the walk there is a festive lunch to look forward to in one of Blythe's historic coaching inns.

To find out more, or to get involved, visit ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route/walk-detail.aspx?walkID=3932157

If you fancy striding out further afield then Pocklington Ramblers will be stepping out for a nine mile Boxing Day stroll from Millington Church (YO42 1TY) at 10am. To get involved visit ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route/walk-detail.aspx?walkID=3933338

Huddersfield Ramblers are inviting us to 'See out the old' with a 10 mile circular walk around Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nutter Lane Birstall. Participants are asked to meet at 10am on New Year's Eve in the lower car park by the information centre. To find out more visit ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route/walk-detail.aspx?walkID=3927367

Fancy a walk with 'A bit of history?' Bradford Ramblers are hosting a night-time stroll between Bradford and Halifax at 7pm on Thursday January 4 followed by an after-walk drink. Participants are asked to meet at the junction of Swalesmoor Road and the Queensbury Halifax Road (A647) on the Bradford boundary (BD13 2NN). To find out more visit ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route/walk-detail.aspx?walkID=3914120

Some of the Rambler Routes in Yorkshire are available for free for people who want to do self-guided walks. Here are the details:

Brimham Rocks, N Yorkshire, The Druid’s Playground, 9.3 miles (moderate): http://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/routes-and-places-to-walk/about-ramblers-routes/route-detail.aspx?routeUID=2371

Whitby, N Yorkshire (linear), 16.6 miles (moderate): http://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/routes-and-places-to-walk/about-ramblers-routes/route-detail.aspx?routeUID=4711

Or for more activities and information visit ramblers.org.uk/winter. You can also download a Ramblers Route from the organisation's online library.