There is no better reason to step outside and explore some of Kent’s beautiful countryside than Get Walking Week, which starts on Saturday, May 4.

The Ramblers are inviting people to join them on guided short walks – all five miles or less. Hundreds of Ramblers groups across Britain are joining in the fun, including some of Kent’s groups., who are holding several walks around the county.

Benedict Southworth, Ramblers chief executive, said: “Walking has endless benefits, especially brisk walking: it’s good for your health, it lifts your mood, it is a fun, social activity that almost anyone can do without any specialist gear or equipment, it’s easy to fit into busy lifestyles, and you can start slowly and build up gradually – just to name a few.”

The festival runs until Saturday, May 11.

Some of the Get Walking Week rambles

Sunday, May 5

Ham Green and Upchurch Walk: 10am, meet at creek end of Lapwing Drive, Lower Halstow; East Lenham and Lenham Heath Walk: 10am, meet at Lenham public car park; Ightham Walk: 9.30am, meet at Ightham Mote National Trust car park; Cowden Station Walk: 10am, meet Cowden Station, Tunbridge Wells; Dartford Central Park and Brooklands lake: 11.30am, meet Dartford Central Park, town centre

Monday, May 6

Gordon Promenade Walk: 9.30am, meet outside the Promenade Cafe, Gravesend

Tuesday, May 7

Spekes Bottom Walk: 9.30am, meet at junction of Star Lane/Darland Avenue, Gillingham; Catkin Woods Walk: 9.45am, meet at Tunbury Hall car park in Catkin Close, Walderslade; Riverside Country Park: 10.15am, meet in the main car park; Cuxton Woodland Walk: 10.30am, meet at Cuxton Library; Darenth Country Park Walk: 10.30am, meet Darenth Country Park

Thursday, May 9

Pump Lane Greenspaces Walk: 9.15am, meet on corner outside surgery in Pump Lane, Rainham; Three Villages Walk: 9.15am, meet outside the village hall in Mallards Way, Lower Stoke

Friday, May 10

Matfield and Paddock Wood Walk: 10.30am, meet at Matfield Village Green

For information visit www.ramblers.org.uk/getwalkingweek