THERE’S no better time to get out and about and walk off your festive excesses, so this year’s local Festival of Winter Walks is well-timed.

Once again, Colchester and Tendring Ramblers are doing their bit to support the Ramblers’ Association’s annual series of walks with a number of outings taking place over the New Year Bank Holiday.

The Colchester Ramblers are taking to the byways and footpaths of Wivenhoe for their Holiday Monday treat.

Starting from Elmstead Market car park at 10am, the eight and a half circular walk to Wivenhoe Quay for lunch, is open to members from both groups.

On Wednesday the Ramblers have two walks planned, one around Heybridge Basin, starting from Daisy Meadow free car park and lasting five miles, the other in Dedham. Meet at Dedham main car park for a nine-mile circular walk via Manningtree, using the Essex Way in the morning and the Stour Valley Path in the afternoon.

Both start at 10am, and for more details of any of the walks call 07772 749262.

Meanwhile the Tendring Ramblers are seeing in the New Year in Frinton. Starting at 10am on Sunday from the Leas car parking area at the end of Central Avenue, the morning-only walk is seven miles taking walkers to The Naze and back.

Call 01255 677368 or 07803 519517 for more details.

Two other great local walking traditions are worth revisiting, too.

On New Year’s Day, there’s Colchester Countryside Rangers’ traditional walk through High Woods Country Park.

It starts at 11am at the country park’s visitor centre, off Turner Road, and follows a three-mile route around the park, with mince pies and mulled wine at the end of it. For details, call 01206 853588.

Last, but by no means, least, former Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell will be leading his own annual New Year’s Day Walk.

It starts at Colchester Arts Centre at 10am and takes walkers on a fascinating two-hour stroll around many heritage highlights.

There's no booking required and to take part a £5 donation is asked for, which will go towards breakfast for homeless people project based at the former Holy Trinity Church.