Ref. 28411-43A brisk winter's walk is one of the best ways of getting rid of the excesses of the festive season. And one group of ramblers has found a way to make it fun. BHAVANI VADDE reports.

IT'S the time of year for resolutions about a healthier lifestyle and the hope of a new start.

Quitting smoking, doing more exercise and taking up a new hobby are three promises people frequently make to themselves as New Year approaches.

More than likely, these good intentions will fall by the wayside a few weeks into 2004.

But a local ramblers' group has come up with a publication that could help you keep up with at least two of these pledges.

The North East Wiltshire Group of the Ramblers' Association has published a book called 10 Walks from Village Pubs near Swindon.

It aims to combine a bit of fun, in the form of a pint, with gentle exercise in picturesque settings.

Pat Crabb, the author and chairman of the group, came up with the idea two years ago.

She said: "One of the aims of the Ramblers' Association is to encourage people to walk in the countryside because it has so many health benefits as well as being enjoyable.

"There are always people who like going to pubs and would like to do a short walk.

"There is so much lovely countryside around Swindon and hopefully this book will introduce new people to it."

She claims the hobby the walking bit, not the alcohol drinking bit can reduce blood pressure, the chances of heart disease, body weight as well as help with mental well-being.

Pat recommended the Ogbourne St George walk as being suitable at all times of the year.

"Some areas can be difficult in winter but on that walk there are no bits that are particularly soggy or muddy. It is an attractive village with some lovely views.

"A lot of people like going for walks on Boxing Day and New Year's Day during the long holiday," she added.

With this in mind the group has organised a guided walk on New Year's Day, starting at the Calley Arms in Hodson.

The Ramblers' Association was founded in 1935 with the aim of preserving the countryside, protecting footpaths and rights of way as well as encouraging more people to take up the hobby.

There are several walking clubs in Swindon and the group is one of five in Wiltshire which are part of the Ramblers' Association.

The North East Wiltshire Group has around 380 members although many of them are not regular walkers with the group.

Pat explained a lot of people join in order to support the charity's broader aim of protecting the environment.

The association has paid staff at its headquarters in London, which lobbies the government on rural issues.

Whereas locally, volunteers do more practical things like clearing footpaths and mending stiles and encouraging local authorities to allocate sufficient money in the budget to carry out their duties.

Alan Morton, 64, of Wells Close, Chiseldon, has been a member of the Ramblers' Association for eight years and often goes walking by himself.

He tried out some of the walks in the book to make sure the directions were clear to people.

He explained why rambling is such a nice hobby: "It is a wonderful release, especially for someone like me who has worked in a factory all my life.

"It is great for my health, it is a natural thing to do as a human being but sadly not enough people do it.

"You just get a feeling of well-being in the fresh air."

His favourite walk to date has been along the coast of the Isle of Wight.

"When you come from Wiltshire, it is always nice to be by the sea," he added.

The New Year's Day walk starts at 11am and everyone is welcome but please don't take dogs.

The walk is free and there is no need to book a place. Just turn up wearing warm clothing, stout footwear and waterproofs if rain is forecast.

Participants are eligible for a 20 per cent reduction on joining the Ramblers' Association.

Membership will bring a yearbook, giving information about long distance footpaths and places to stay all over the country, a quarterly colour magazine and local newsletters.

The 10 Walks from Village Walks near Swindon walk is on sale at the Information Centre, Regent Street for £2. For details of opening times call 01793 530328 or 466454.