Statistics show that eight of ten people in the UK suffer from the winter blues syndrome SAD. As one of the best ways to lift your spirits is exercise in the great outdoors, here are some walk suggestions that could fit the bill.

OUTDOORS lovers are being offered tips on the best winter bluesbusting walks in Hadrian’s Wall Country.

According to NHS Direct, eight in ten people in the UK suffer from winter blues, or sub-syndromal SAD, which starts as the days grow shorter and less light reaches our brains.

Getting exercise in the great outdoors is one of the best ways to lift your spirits, so Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd is offering some shorter strolls to help people get the most out of the reduced daylight hours.

There are a variety of leisurely circular walks on offer in Hadrian’s Wall Country, which can be done in a morning or afternoon. All provide breathtaking scenery and miles of wide open skies for that all-important daylight fix. To help preserve and conserve the wall, walks that explore the countryside, forts and museums are especially encouraged during the wetter winter months.

David McGlade, of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, says: “Hadrian’s Wall Country is famous for its inspiring natural scenery and fresh, clean air, so people can give themselves a boost with a range of carefully selected circular walks.

“More exercise will not just make you fitter at this time of year, there’s a good chance it will make you happier too.”

As well as self-led circular walks, there are year-round guided walks on offer and opportunities to spot wildlife.

The Roman Ring A path suitable for all seasons. The Roman Ring runs parallel and to the south of Hadrian’s Wall between Lanercost Priory and Halton Chesters. The Roman Ring can be walked as a circular route in conjunction with the Hadrian’s Walk Path National Trail, which is equal in distance to the entire coast-tocoast trail.

Gilsland Spa Popping stone (3.5 miles plus optional 2.5 miles to Birdoswald Roman Fort) A walk to Walter Scott’s Popping stone, where he is said to have proposed to his wife. This popular route takes walkers through the village of Gilsland, the Woodland Trust’s Irthing Gorge Wood and the option of taking an extended detour to Birdoswald Roman Fort.

Haltwhistle Burn to Cawfields, Northumberland National Park (six-mile circular walk) Highlights of this interesting circular walk include The Whin Sill, Caw Gap and the Lover’s Walk in the river valley.

Walkers’ accommodation: Slack House Farm, Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria.

Slack House Farm is a working organic dairy and sheep farm in open, countryside, overlooking Birdoswald Roman fort and Hadrian’s Wall. Birdoswald organic farmhouse cheese is made here and the farm has full organic status. Slackhousefarm.

co.uk Robin Hood’s Tree, Sycamore Gap, near Once Brewed (two miles) Sycamore Gap is a section of the wall between two crests west of Milecastle 38. As well as the wall, people come here to see Robin Hood’s Tree, named for its use in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner. It is also the site of the tallest piece of surviving wall.

Take a two-mile walk from the Once Brewed Northumberland National Park Visitor Centre along the wall to the tree. The tree can be seen from the B6318 (Military Road).

Walkers’ accommodation: Carraw Bed and Breakfast, Military Road, Humshaugh, Hexham, Northumberland.

A family-run working farm is sited on the foundations of Hadrian’s Wall, with a sublime hilltop setting overlooking the countryside of Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bed and Breakfast of the Year (Silver Award Winner), North-East England Tourism Awards 2008. Carraw.co.uk Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, near Bardon Mill (2.5 miles) Allen Banks and Staward Gorge estate are set on the steep valley sides of the river Allen. It is the largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland. People can explore the woods and see what wildlife they can spot on this gentle two-and-a-half-mile riverside walk, including red squirrels, roe deer, bats and otters. On a hill within Staward Wood are the remains of a medieval pele tower.

Walkers’ accommodation: Wydon Farm, Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

A 366-acre working farm on the National Trust Bellister estate and an ideal base for touring Hadrian’s Wall and Haltwhistle – “the centre of Britain”. Footpaths and a bridleway run through the farmyard and a Sustrans cycle way runs through part of the farm. Wydon-haltwhistle.co.uk Hadrian’s Wall, the frontier of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site spans the north of England, from Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast, to South Shields on the North-East.

A full list of walker-friendly accommodation is included in the official Hadrian’s Wall Country Where to Stay guide, which can be obtained by calling the Hadrian’s Wall Information Line, on 01434-322002.

For more information about Hadrian’s Wall Country and to plan your winter walking itinerary, visit hadrians-wall.org and nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall