5 winter walks

Stuffing your face with chocolates and sitting with your feet up in front of the box can play havoc with the waistline. Get out and about and get some fresh air by going on a refreshing winter walk.

KEW GARDENS Twice-daily hour-long tours highlight winter flowers and scented plants and leave from the Guides' Desk at Victoria Gate Visitor Centre (11am & 2pm) from Boxing Day until Sun 4 Jan. Tempt children with the promise of a ride on the steam traction engine (10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3.45pm, £2, child £1). When you un-deck your Christmas tree and bring it along for recycling (Mon 29 Dec-Sat 31 Jan - Brentford Gate entrance only), you can get into the gardens for free. Kew Gardens, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey (020-8332 5655). £7.50, under-17s free. www.kew.org.

ASHRIDGE ESTATE Take a nature-watching stroll through one of the most scenic areas of the Chiltern Hills on the Buckinghamshire/Hertfordshire border. It's organised by the National Trust and pre-booking is essential. Ashridge Estate, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, Herts (01494 755 572). Quote booking code E137. Sun 28 Dec, 10am, £4.

LEEDS CASTLE An afternoon Winter Treasure Trail through the grounds of Leeds Castle with prizes for the winners. Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent (01622 880 008). Sat 27 Dec-Sun 4 Jan, treasure trail from 2pm, £9.50, concs £8, child £6, under-fours free. For Christmas opening hours visit www.leeds-castle.com.

FIRST-FOOTING AT DEVIL'S DYKE A not-too-challenging three-mile walk over the South Downs - and the great views should blow away the cobwebs and inspire resolutions for 2004. Meet six miles north of Brighton, at the stone seat on top of the dyke by Devil's Dyke pub, Devil's Dyke Road, Poynings, Sussex (01273 857 712). Thur 1 Jan, 2pm-4.30pm, free, but donations welcome. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.