THERE is no better way of blowing away the Christmas cobwebs that taking a brisk walk in the countryside - and there is plenty of attractive countryside to choose from in Worcestershire.

Over the last few days, the Worcester Ramblers have been holding their own winter walking festival and, although the festival is over, there is no reason not to try out some of their routes for yourself.

One of them starts at Colletts Green, near Powick and comprises a 16km (10 mile) route through Braces Leigh, Smith End Green to Leigh Church and back via Bransford and through Lord’s Wood.

It is described as moderate, with some stiles.

Another, starting at Worcester Woods Countryside Centre on the eastern boundary of the city, is described as a classic beginner’s walk.

The route goes east, skirting the new development at Swineherd Way, and then under the M5 motorway, where a green lane takes walkers uphill to give excellent views of the Malvern Hills and Bredon Hill.

Heading north at Old House Farm, the route crosses pasture and then the gardens of historic Spetchley Hall gardens, and then turns west across the deer park.

From there it heads north across A44, Round Hill, North Hill and M5, returning to the countryside centre via the meadow nature reserve.

The third starts at Willersey Village Hall, with a 14.5km (9 mile) moderate-grade Cotswold walk through attractive countryside including the National Trust viewpoint on Dover`s Hill. The terrain is varied, and includes a steep ascent and descent, and is muddy in places.

The fourth starts at St Peter’s Church, Martley, covers 11.3 km (7 miles), and passes through orchards, wooded ridges and the Teme valley.

There are some magnificent views, weather permitting, some gently undulating sections and some steeper sections.

For more details on these and many other walks, as well as other Worcester Ramblers activities, visit worcesterramblers.org.uk.

The Ramblers organise varied programmes of walks in Worcestershire and beyond.