Despite two named storms trying to quash the festive walking season, our groups around the UK have managed to get out there and enjoy some festive nibbles too.

Nordic Walking Saddleworth fielded 32 nordic walking Santas in the local Santa Dash organised by the Round table – the biggest group ever!

Instructor Caroline Fisher takes part very year and the Santas with poles  are a popular feature.

They all completed the event and then enjoyed some well deserved mince pies and mulled wine at the end.

At least their Santa Suits kept them warm, unlike quite a few groups whose special walks were cancelled due to storm Darragh.

Even the WALX HQ mince pie walk in Dorset was a casualty as Amber warnings advised everybody to only travel if necessary. At least there’s another walk with mince pies planned this week!

At least some, could still go ahead with the indoor Dinners and Parties during the stormy weekend which have become an annual affair for many groups. In fact, WALX Coast and Country enjoyed two lovely meals as the group is so large it needed events in both Littlehampton and Chichester this year.

Here’s Denise with some of the team at the Chichester group party.

Make sure you share your groups pictures with us too.

Nordic Walking Watford revealed the latest design for their annual Christmas card and it featured a lovely charcoal sketch of the leader Tracy Reeve taking the group up hill.

The lovely snowy scene titled ‘she marched them up to the top’ is set in Cassiobury Park and was drawn by Trevor Faulkner

All proceeds from the sale of the cards go to support the local hospice too. A lovely gesture and a card to keep for sure!

Not all of the walks are festive themed (yet) but many have had a distinct wintery feel – this stunning shot taken at Allestree Park in Derbyshire shows the group taking a moment to enjoy the snowy scene.

Our walks are not all about the exercise, connecting with nature, being with others and pausing to take time for yourself are all vital components too.

So, if you are finding it hard to get outside at the moment, think about moments like these and pop on the warm coat, boots and a hat.

Imagine how good it feels to be enjoying a lovely hot drink at the end knowing that you have boosted your metabolism, filled your lungs with fresh and given your mental health a vital tonic too!