Walking it off after Christmas and new year – what I have learned about where to look and some decent places to go

I think we can all agree that many people spend far too much time sat down, be it in the home, at work or in the car.

And if you are not quite ready to step on the accelerator and go running, simply putting one foot in front of the other is a decent way to start.

And here in Shropshire and the borders we have some fabulous open spaces to explore.

By far the best way of getting going is to find a walking group and joining in. But don't forget to get the right clothing and footwear. I've known people who turn up for muddy walks wearing trainers, which is less than ideal!

But you will need to research the ethos of the group before joining. Some might expect a level of activity that you are not up to yet.

Before moving to Shropshire I was very much aware of one or two groups that would leave you behind if you could not keep up.

Being stuck in the middle of an area you don't know is not the best introduction to group walking.

Luckily I found one where they didn't leave anyone behind.

But where do you start out? If you haven't discovered the MeetUp app, now's the time to use that platform.

A quick look shows a number of groups in the county, including Pathfinders and Telford Walkers.

Both are friendly groups and focus on shorter walks. They will also describe what you can expect, so if you aren't up to climbing hills just yet, give those a miss.

A great resource for information on walking groups in the county is the Telford & Wrekin Council website.

One group that appeals to me is Rail Rambles but I haven't joined them yet. They organise guided rambles which start and finish at a railway station in either Wales or the Welsh borders. The walk is likely to be six to 10 miles long.

Be aware that there is a huge difference between a six-mile walk on the flat and six miles up and down hills. Start off with short walks and build up.

Struggling with six miles to go on a ten-miler will put you off, and give you muscle aches that leave you sore and struggling the next day.

Remember too that a mile is easy in a car or a train but will take 20 minutes if you walk at an average pace. A decent length walk could take most of the daylight hours, especially at this time of year.

One flat area for walking that I would recommend is around the Meres and Mosses of north Shropshire, although it is likely to be wet and muddy underfoot, especially at this time of year after all the rain we have had. But the countryside is fascinating and you can see a wide range of wildlife.

Be aware though that the roads can be narrow and car parking limited.

Those not wanting to travel too far from home should also look at the range of walks around their town or parish. Many will have books or guides to the walks in the area.

In the county town, look for a book called 20 Walks Around Shrewsbury which will introduce you to routes in and around the area.

One of the walks will take you around the new beaver enclosure being built off Hubert Way. The beaver path can take you on a half-hour walk around the site of special scientific interest that is the Old River Bed. Parking is free along Hubert Way.

There are also plenty of walks around Telford and Wellington in particular, which has an active Walkers are Welcome group who organise regular walks.

If countryside views are your thing and you don't want the hassle of jostling for a place at the Longmynd, in Church Stretton, then how about Clun and Bishop's Castle?

There are some stunning views at all times of the year around Clun, and plenty of guides as to the best places to go.

One of my favourite spots is just over the border in north Wales, at Llangollen. 

At any time of the year parking could be an issue in the picturesque town, so if that is a problem for you, how about taking the train from Shropshire to Ruabon station and getting one of the frequent buses from there? There is also plenty of parking and the charges don't cost the earth.

There are buses on the number 5 route from the main drag outside the station to Llangollen that take 20 minutes. Or a less frequent T bus from the station forecourt.

Once in Llangollen you should look at getting up to Castell Dinas Bran – or Crow Castle as some know it.

It's quite a hike if you are not used to steep stretches of path. But the views are spectacular from the summit and you can either come back down the hill or continue on a longer walk.

Doing the longer walk at night with a walking group and seeing the full glory of the night sky is a joy to behold, especially for a townie like me.

So there are plenty of options out there for walkers of all abilities and ages. Hopefully this should give a pointer for people who are looking to take their first tentative steps.

Good luck, happy walking - and perhaps I'll see you along the way as I wheeze my way along.