FOR many, winter is synonymous with nights in; cosying up on the sofa with a hot drink and Christmas films.

But for others, it is the season when some of the best walks are brought to life – providing stunning panoramic views.

“There’s some walks you wouldn’t dream of doing in the summer,” said Fred Fee, of South Gwent Ramblers, who has been walking for more than 20 years.

During the other seasons, he explains, the heavily leaf-laden trees often obscure much of the views that walks around this part of South Wales offer, he said.

“There’s trees in the way in the winter,” Mr Fee said. “But in the winter there are some tremendous views”.

And what is better than a long walk to alleviate the stress of preparing everything for the festive period – or even to get some fresh air and away from the stuffy heat of indoors.

This winter Ramblers Cymru are also urging people to take part in its annual ‘Festival of Winter Walks’ when its routes, normally reserved for paying members, are made available to all.

The walking charity will be leading many free walks across the country from December 19 until January 3. They have a selection from shorter strolls to heartier rambles.

Director of Ramblers Cymru, Angela Charlton, said: “Winter is one of the best times to go out for a walk in Wales.

“There’s something truly magical about putting on your hat and gloves, heading out with your loved ones and perhaps even being the first person to leave footprints in the snow.

“Our popular Festival of Winter Walks is our Christmas gift to the nation, so that everyone can enjoy the wonders of a winter walk.

“Our walks during the festival are free, fun, friendly and open to everyone, so wrap up warm and join us as we enjoy the season the way we know best, on our feet.”

Let’s Walk Cymru, a health walking scheme funded by the Welsh Government and run by Ramblers Cymru, is leading the shorter walks during the festival – for people who want to step out at their own leisure.

Mr Fee, from the South Gwent Ramblers, has also recommended his best winter walks in the area.

He said: "If you want to take photographs, wait until after a spell of rain or snow has just cleared - the visibility is often then at its best.

"The walks are always best done in fair weather anyway. At any other time they demand some knowledge of hill-walking.

"In bad weather, you can very quickly end up being enveloped in cloud and rain with little visibility."

The two walks he has suggested, Blorenge and Skirrid, should both be done in walking boots, he said, with good outer clothing which is warm, waterproof and wind-proof.

He added: "Remember that it is usually windier and quite a bit colder on these exposed hilltops."

1) The Newport Wetlands Loop 2.4 miles/3.9 km

A walk round the Newport wetlands is perfect for a crisp, winter day when the views of the Severn Estuary are spectacular and clear. This leisurely circular route goes around the wetlands. It also is a perfect opportunity to spot some wildlife; autumn and winter is the best time of year for birdwatching at Newport wetlands when migratory wildfowl and wading birds begin to arrive. This walk is perfect for families, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Dogs restricted.

2 - Twmbarlwm walk, Saturday, December 19 at 10am. 6.5 mile/10.5 km.

The Merthyr group of Ramblers Cymru is opening this walk to newbies as part of the ‘Festival of Winter Walks’. The circular walk starts at the visitor car park at Cwmcarn Forest onto Twmbarlwm. The hill, around 2 km to the northeast of Risca, boasts stunning views over the Bristol Channel.

3- Goose and Cuckoo walk, January 1, 2016, 10am. 8 miles/12.9km.

For those whose heads will not be too sore on New Years Day, the Risca-based Islwyn Ramblers are opening up their walk for those who would like to try it. The rambling group have a lively programme of weekend and mid-week walks led by local experts to suit all abilities, including what they call “light and leisurely” to “mountain goat division”. The January 1 walk begins at 10.30am at Goytre Wharf carpark after meeting at 10am at Blackvein Road carpark.

4- A magical mystery walk, Tuesday, December 29 at 10am. 8 miles/12.9km.

Give a surprise Christmas present to yourself with this mystery circular winter walk organised by the Pontypool group of Ramblers Cymru. Led by Peter Hedges, walkers will set off from the car park at Pontypool Leisure Centre. The destination is a secret.

5- Skirrid.

"Skirrid is a favourite of mine," says Fred Fee, of the South Gwent Ramblers.

The car park and starting point is quite high so part of the walk is already done. It is steep to ascend but viewers are quickly rewarded with open views of the Gwent countryside.

When you reach the ridge, you’ll gain an impressive panoramic view of the Black Mountains on your left. For directions from Newport, head up the A4042 to Abergvenny. At the big roundabout just before Abergavenny take the exit for the A465 Hereford road. Take the next left then turn left at a T-junction onto the B4521 Skenfrith road. The road rise gently, then bears left and up steeply. It levels out after bearing right and the car park appears quite suddenly on your left.

Mr Fee said: "The car park is shaped like a deep layby and at its entrance a track goes back next to the road and then veers sharp right and up a slope between fields.

"The track is then blocked by a gate and to its left is a a stile. Cross the stile and admire the carved bench - its a real work of art. "Follow the track steeply upwards through a wood, ignoring all the other tracks leading from it. You will reach a gate. Go through the gate onto a flatter track. Keep an eye out for a fork on the left which takes you ever more steeply up into a gully. At the top of the gully turn right into the path which soon bears left and onto the main ridge."

6- Blorenge.

Fred Fee, from the South Gwent Ramblers recommends this one which he said provides "beautiful panoramic views on a good clear day". It is tricky to get to - but worth it. The car park is on the Blaenavon to Govilon and Abegavenny mountain road (B4246).

For directions, Mr Fee said: "From Newport, take the A4046 dual carriageway to Pontypool, turning onto the left onto the A472 Crumlin road.

"Turn right at the first roundabout onto the A4043 to Blaenavon. Follow this road into Blaenavon to the junction with the B4046 where you turn right. The road rises steeply for quite a while. When it levels off keep an eye out on your right for a metalled narrow road off to your right which takes you to a car park by two telecoms masts.

"At the right hand side of the rear of the car park at the masts, a well made track carries on to the Blorenge where you get a aerial view onto Abegavenny and a panorama of the nearby Black Mountains.

"There is a rocky outcrop about half-way along the track. Keep straight on over the outcrop favouring its the right-hand side and pick up the path which is clearly visible beyond."