Rambling fans need to make sure their walking footwear is in tip-top condition as there are a whole 31 days of walking activities planned across the country in May during National Walking Month.

The brainchild of Living Streets and Walk England, the month aims to get people out and about in their local area, getting some exercise and fresh air as they appreciate their surroundings.

Within the month, there is also Walk to Work Week, which is currently ongoing, and Walk to School Week, which starts on Monday, so no one has any excuses for not pulling on their walking footwear for a stroll at least once over the period.

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, said: "Getting fit and active doesn't have to mean costly gym sessions, or marathon running attempts - there is a free and easy way to work more exercise into your daily routine, and it is often overlooked - give yourself a daily dose of walking."

As well as encouraging people to do their daily commute on foot, the month is aimed at getting people out and about in the countryside, and local regions are doing a lot to promote their areas to walkers.

Why not try a stroll across Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, South Wales, or a walk around Bluebell Hill in Rochester, or one of the other stunning walks on offer in the UK countryside to really get you in the National Walking Month spirit.