These include four-mile walks around Farnham’s new and old parks on Boxing Day and the Bourne Woods on New Year’s Day, and typically start between 10am and 11am, ending up more often than not with the option of a friendly local hostelry.
Farnham Ramblers has a large and growing membership of more than 500 members and is one of the most active in the country, offering more than 400 walks over the past year.
It also has a reputation for being a very friendly club, with walks regularly attracting visitors as well as club members.
So, as Chris Hodge, chairman of Farnham Ramblers, said: “If you’re looking to build up an appetite, work off the seasonal excesses, stay healthy or simply want to enjoy the local countryside in convivial company, simply check our website
(farnhamramblers.org.uk) for a walk which suits you.
“No booking is required – just turn and join us on the day and you’re sure of a festive welcome!”
Here we round up five of the best Ramblers winter walks taking place over the next month:
* Saturday, December 22 - Real Ale Trail, visiting four pubs between Bentley and Farnham. The linear walk starts at Bentley crossroads and follows a route across south Farnham, finishing in the town centre. Bring a packed lunch and bus pass if you have one. Start time: 9.45am (estimated finish time 4pm). Start place: Meet at the bus stop outside Accessorize, 6 West Street, Farnham. The bus takes 11 minutes to get to Bentley. Distance: six miles. National grade: leisurely. Contact: Jerome H (01252 725980).
* Boxing Day, Wednesday, December 26 - Walking Farnham new and old parks. Undulating circular walk. Open countryside very close to Farnham. Start time 10.30am (estimated finish time 12.45 pm). Start place: Farnham Park Golf Club car park. Distance: 3.8 miles. National grade: leisurely. Contact: John P (07939 601174).
* Thursday, December 27 - Millbridge, Frensham. Exploring a permissive footpath leading to Pierrepont Farm then onward to walk around Frensham Little Pond. Lunch stop by The Tern Cafe (best to bring lunch as they may not be open) then walking to St Mary’s Church, Frensham along well-used trails and passing water meadows back to the starting point at Hollowdene. Start time 10.15am (estimated finish time 2.30pm). Start place: Hollowdene recreation ground car park, Frensham. Distance: 6.5 miles. National grade: moderate. Contact: John P (07939 601174).
* Monday, December 31 - Around Hankley Common, Thursley, Surrey. A gentle New Year’s Eve walk from the Lions Mouth car park towards the River Wey and then around the edges of the common and golf course, passing the Atlantic Wall and back to the car park. No roads or stiles. Circular walk. Start time 10.30am (estimated finish time 12.45pm). Start place: Meet at Hankley Common Lion’s Mouth car park (Thursley end of Hankley Common). Distance: four miles. National grade: leisurely. Contact: Michael A-B (07900 842581).
* New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1 - Farnham. New Year’s Day walk from the Bourne Green through to Bourne Woods and commons. Undulating. Local pub option The Fox close by Bourne Green. Circular walk. Start time 11am (estimated finish time 1.30pm). Start place: Parking and start of walk at Bourne Green cricket club car park off Cricket Lane. Distance: four miles. National grade: leisurely. Contact: John P (07939 6011740).