​HAPPY new year! Tonight’s the night for making worthy resolutions and if yours is to improve your health, get out into the fresh air more, save money and spend more time with the family, what better than to stride out with our Wondrous Walks.

Devised by the Ramblers’ Thanet representative Colin Bridge, the walks have all been tested, photographed and points of interest like natural beauty spots and pubs noted.

They all start at places where the car can be parked too.

Colin said: “It’s the time of year when dark evenings and the rush and bustle of one year’s end and the beginning of the new can make life seem hectic. Traffic jams, garish lights, crowds and the crush of shopping seems far from the quiet of the waiting countryside with dormant fields white with frost giving rest to passing flocks of geese or lapwing.

“Yet they are still there – on our doorsteps. Between the rain, snow and winds there have been several bright, crisp sunny days recently and there will be more.

“Leave the crowds, lace up those boots, slip into a warm coat and head out for a walk.”

The first Wondrous Walk for 2010 returns to the beautiful village of Minster and its splendid surroundings.

“This is a figure-of-eight walk which starts from the railway station, loops off to the east, then returns close to the station to explore the paths off to the west. If time is limited just stroll around half the walk, or stop off at the Bell pub for a break in the middle.

“There are excellent views on the eastern section, surprisingly quiet and secluded paths, and the attractive old village centre around the parish church and abbey.”

However long you stroll for, above all enjoy it and log on to www.thisiskent.co.uk/thanet for map, full directions, photos and details of our previous five Wondrous Walks.