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The annual Festival of Winter Walks kicks off this Boxing Day, December 26, and runs through to January 2 2008.

The walks make up Britain's biggest walking festival, which is now in its 19th year and the walks are free and open to everyone.

All in, the festival features over 600 walks up and down the country.

More closer to home, in Dorset there's 12 different walks to choose from across the county.

Take your pick from an amble along the northern shores of Poole harbour, an exploration of the rural village of Buckland Newton or try a bracing walk around Upton Country Park.

Wrapping up warm

Ruth Wembridge, the Ramblers' Association Head of Membership, says of the walks: "There's nothing nicer than wrapping up warm, heading out into crisp winter air and celebrating the festive season with other merrymakers on an energising walk.

"It's also a great launch pad for those who have decided to improve on their health and fitness in 2007 and just need a little bit of encouragement."

Anyone can take part in the walking festival, and more details on all of the walks can be found on the Ramblers' website.