If you're anything like me, the chances are you're reading this with a belly full of turkey, roast potatoes and pigs in blankets (or the vegetarian, vegan or gluten free equivalent).

The natural temptation in such a situation is to sink further into the sofa, stick on some leave-your-brain-at-the-door TV and wait until some stomach capacity opens up for the inevitable turkey sandwiches or second helping of Christmas pudding.

But if you're able to lift more than the finger you're currently using to scroll through this on your phone or tablet, let that serve as the motivation to get up and go for a good walk before the sun sets.

Somerset may not benefit from the greatest bus or rail services in the country, but we are quite simply spoilt for choice when it comes to getting around on foot or by bicycle (at least in certain area).

Whether you're stomping through puddles on a woodland path, hiking along the coast or using a flat and level cycle route, there is a huge network of public rights of way, cycle routes and permissive paths just crying out to be explored over the festive period.

Over the last 12 months, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has been bringing you live-streams from exciting active travel projects across Somerset, providing new and improved links between communities which make it easier to commute, get healthier and explore our amazing county.

So, as we move through the 12 days of Christmas and slowly grow sick of both turkey and tiresome relatives, why not get out and see more of Somerset with 'the 12 walks of Christmas'?

We've arranged them so you can try one every day – but feel free to mix and match depending on your preferred terrain.

Christmas Day – King's Sedgemoor Drain, Bawdrip

The King's Sedgemoor Drain is one of Somerset's main flood defences, taking water out of the River Parrett (via the River Sowy) and transporting it safely into the Bristol Channel without sending it all through the centre of Bridgwater.

By parking at Parchey Bridge, you can easily explore a lengthy section of this artificial river using National Cycle Network route 3 – with the path being smooth and wide enough to pass on a bike in either direction.

At the Bradney end of the path (near the Environment Agency depot), visitors can either visit the Peasey farm shop for a tasty bacon sandwich (except on Christmas Day) or head on the quieter roads towards Bridgwater.

Those wishing for a longer walk can continue to follow NCN route 3 towards Cossington and Woolavington, following the former trackbed of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway as it winds north towards the Gravity enterprise zone.

Boxing Day – The Stop Line Way, Chard to Ilminster

The Stop Line Way (also known as National Cycle Network route 33) runs for 75 miles from Weston-super-Mare to Axminster.

The route is named after the Taunton Stop Line, a military defence constructed in 1940 to limit the progress of the Nazis if they successfully invaded the British mainline during Operation Sea Lion.

The route from Ilminster to Chard is almost completely off-road, following the trackbed of the former Great Western Railway line past the beautiful Chard Reservoir.

The Ilminster to Donyatt section will be enhanced in the coming years, with Persimmon Homes South West contributing to improvements as part of its development of 360 homes on Canal Way.

If you enjoy this expedition, consider joining The Friends of the Path group to maintain the route for future generations.

December 27 -The Strawberry Line, Cheddar

Numerous new sections of the Strawberry Line multi-user path have been delivered over the last 18 months, including a new bridge to join two sections in Shepton Mallet or a short section near the new Lidl store in Wells.

But the latest addition to the route is the most interesting, extending the existing terminus south of Station Road past Kings Academy and down to the southern edge of Cheddar.

The section included a 30-metre bridge over the Cheddar Yeo, constructed by volunteers in the space of a week, and a new connection with the Draycott Park estate – making it easy to do a short circuit of the village.

Whether you do this short loop or attempt the ride all the way from Yatton railway station down to Cheddar, this is not to be missed.

December 28 – The Steam Coast Trail, Dunster to Blue Anchor

The Steam Coast Trail is intended to eventually provide an unbroken active travel route between Minehead and Williton, building on existing footpaths and cycle routes.

Two off-road stretches are currently open – a short section north of Washford railway station, and the longer section from Dunster Beach car park to the seafront at Blue Anchor.

While most of the path is hard-standing, the eastern section runs along the shingle beach – meaning you may need to use one of the spades provided along the route to clear your path following heavy wind or rain.

Most of the path is set far enough back from the beach, but it never hurts to double-check the tides before you travel.

In the future, two short sections will be built in Williton as part of the Station Fields housing development – so you'll soon be able to explore even more of west Somerset on foot.

December 29 – The Willow Walk, Glastonbury

The Willow Walk lies on the western edge of Glastonbury, forming another section of both the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway and NCN route 3.

Thanks to a generous grant of £147,000 from the Glastonbury town deal, this short section of path has been raised out of the River Brue floodplain and widened to make exploring it much safer.

The bridge onto Common Moor Drove has been vastly improved with new beams and a smoother ramp up on either side, and the entire route is lined with gorgeous willow trees

The route provides stunning views of the Mendip Hills, and is within close reach of the Avalon Marshes collection of nature reserves for those wishing to venture further afield.

December 30 – Frome's Missing Links, Great Elm

Like the Steam Coast Trail, the Frome's Missing Links project is being spearheaded by willing volunteers to close the gaps between existing footpaths and cycling routes.

The longest section which is now open to the public begins on Welshmill Lane, a short distance from the Cheese and Grain music venue and other local car parks and heads north towards the railway line – crossing working farmland in the process.

The newest section in Great Elm link up with the Colliers Way active travel route, providing an unbroken cycling route between Frome and Radstock.

There is now only a short section lift to complete before the northern 'missing link' is completed – with work also moving behind the scenes on the southern link, which will provide a safer route under the A361 towards Longleat.

New Year's Eve – The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Maunsel

This historic canal runs for 14 miles between the Firepool regeneration site in Taunton and the Northgate Docks in Bridgwater.

Either terminus is a good place to begin, with the tow-paths being kept in reasonable shape by the Canal and Rivers Trust and there being a number of car parks nearby.

By starting in the middle, however, you can take in the solar system walk, with the scale model of the Sun and the planets stretching off in either direction.

While the tea rooms at Maunsel Lock may not be open on Christmas Day, there are plenty of benches along the route where you can rest and take a drink.

There will be plenty of investment at either end of the canal in 2026, with the completion of the Firepool boulevard route in Taunton and the regeneration of the Northgate Docks as part of the Bridgwater town deal.

There are also new developments plans at the Bridgwater end, with a new solar farm near Fordgate and a new campus for Hinkley Point C workers in Huntworth – so enjoy the views from these sections of the towpath while you still can.

New Year's Day – The River Parrett Trail, Muchelney to Langport

As the name suggests, the River Parrett Trail runs along the entire length of the river, from its source in Cheddington to the Bristol Channel near Bridgwater.

The section from Muchelney to Langport is especially picturesque, starting a short distance from the village's historic abbey and ending on Cocklemoor, where there are plenty of picnic tables, benches and even a table tennis table.

For those feeling ambitious, the route intersects with the South Somerset Cycleway, which provides an 80-mile loop across the former South Somerset district (and a small section over the border into Dorset).

If you're feeling especially brave, you can even try swimming in the river – and there are plenty of life belts along the banks if you or someone else runs into difficulty in the cold winter waters.

January 2 – The Coleridge Way, Over Stowey to Crowcombe

The Coleridge Way straddles the Quantock Hills, commemorating the life and work of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of Britain's greatest poets.

The footpath is a long and challenging one, so if you're not feeling too able or adventurous, it's best to stick to the short stretch between the Quantocks car park near Over Stowey and the Crowcombe viewpoint.

This section section will require hiking boots for part of it, especially following rain, and be respectful if you encounter any sheep as you move along the route.

If you're wanting more Coleridge after your trip, be sure to head up the road to Watchet to see the sculpture of the Ancient Mariner near the marina.

And if you're reading this before New Year's Eve, be sure to take part in the official consultation about how the Quantock Hills should be managed over the next five years.

January 3 – The Windsor Hill Greenway, Shepton Mallet

The Windsor Hill Greenway has been slowly taking shape since 2022, transforming another section of the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line to open up the area north of Shepton Mallet for walking and cycling.

The main body of the route runs from the A37 Whitstone Hill (near Collett Park) over two viaducts and through the Windsor Hill tunnel, providing atmospheric views of the town and local countryside.

The latest section to be opened takes the route further north towards Thrupe Lane, making it easier to visit the nearby tea rooms and travel onwards to Radstock.

Further improvements along the route are planned in the coming years, including an extension east towards the A361 Charlton Road and a link down from the Bath Road viaduct towards the cemetery.

January 4 – The Mineral Line, Washford to Watchet

This section of a former historic former railway line once transported iron ore from the Brendon Hills in the heart of the Exmoor National Park.

The line begins near Washford Village Hall, where there is sufficient parking (with an honesty box on the hall door), and ends a short walk from Watchet seafront with its quirky shops and distinctive sculptures.

Following the closure of the B3191 Cleeve Hill, this walk is one of the best ways to access Watchet from the west, taking in views of the former paper mill site in the process.

The route also runs alongside the West Somerset Railway heritage line, so if you time it right (and turn up on the right day) you may catch a glimpse of a steam train.

Twelfth Night – The former Grand Western Canal, Wellington

The Great Western Canal once ran between Taunton and Tiverton and include the historic Nynehead boat lift near Wellington.

While much of the Somerset leg of the canal has disappeared from view since its closure in 1867, this section remains open as a footpath (albeit one which is very muddy underfoot and quite narrow in places).

Walkers can either park in the Lidl car park and walk towards Tonedale Mill from the west, or park near the Mill and carry out the same journey in reverse.

As Wellington's new railway station is constructed, with new housing on either side of the railway line, this route will be enhanced through the delivery of the Grand Western Greenway.

This route will eventually run all the way from Wellington to Taunton via Nynehead and Bradford-on-Tone, providing a safe and scenic alternative to the A38 for pedestrians and cyclists.