Get walking this winter

RIAS is encouraging people to beat the bulge this Christmas by being more active. The over 50s insurer has joined together with the National Trust to promote a range of walks that open up the great outdoors to young and old alike; a perfect way to walk off the Christmas turkey while spending more time with the family!

The walks can be downloaded free from the National Trust’s website NationalTrust, providing an invaluable guide with easy to follow directions, maps and points of interest along the route. They cover some of the most beautiful parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland including coastal, woodland, upland and riverside routes, making exercise a pleasure that can be had by all the family.

Janet Connor, Managing Director of RIAS, says: “Walking is a great way to exercise for all ages. It is a fun – and a sociable activity for family and friends to take part in at this festive time. Through our sponsorship of the National Trust walks, we hope to encourage more people to take pleasure in our beautiful countryside by going for walks on a crisp winter’s day to watch the wonders of our wildlife. These walks are not just for the Christmas period, they are perfect to get 2008 underway – a great New Years’ resolution for all of us.”

The National Trust has some great downloadable walks perfect for Christmas including: Harting Down in West Sussex, one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland owned by the Trust; Ashridge in the Chilterns, with its rich variety of wildlife including the renowned red kite; and Dedham Vale in Suffolk, the famous location for John Constable's idyllic pastoral paintings.

RIAS selected the National Trust, which has 3.5 million members and 49,000 volunteers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as a partner due to its relevance to the interests of primary market, the over 50s. As a respected and trusted brand, the National Trust fits well with the RIAS philosophy of offering quality and reassurance to their policyholders.

For more information on the RIAS/National Trust walking initiative visit NationalTrust.org.uk