As always, I’ll be nipping out to my favourite foodie pubs in the Cotswolds and Chilterns with my partner and loyal Welsh Springer Spaniel, Chester. A 4-5 mile amble makes the food seem that much more justified!

My favourite Yuletide pub walk is in the hidden Hambleden valley, just off the M40 near Stokenchurch. The Hambleden Valley reveals pretty villages, historic churches, cosy country inns, abundant wildlife and endless walking. You’re in the homeland of the Brakspear beers of Henley and the Chiltern Valley Vineyard, Winery & Brewery in Hambleden.

The Bull & Butcher in Turville offers a range of fresh handmade pies and a roaring fire. The village is where they filmed the Vicar of Dibley and you’ll spy the hilltop windmill which features in the opening scenes of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Yes I know I’m showing my age!! There’s a superb four-mile (three pubs!) walk from Turville to Fingest to Frieth that my ex-BA Jumbo Captain buddy Paul now takes all his international visitors on. Check out the walk guide.

I’ll usually meet friends in Cookham on Thames. There are flat walks along the Thames river path and after a stroll, on Cookham’s High Street you’ll find wine heaven at the Old Butcher’s Wine Cellar. Shop by day, bar by night, unwind as grey days predominate with a variety of unusual and unique wines sourced from all over the world. There are 16 wines by the glass that change weekly as well as the option to choose any bottle from the shelf (just pay a £7 corkage charge). Food is also available. Open Thursday to Sunday.

A decent Cookham gastro pub for a lazy lunch is The White Oak. A welcome change from turkey but still offering proper naughty comfort food – there’s an excellent roasted pork belly usually.

You’re also not a million miles away from the foodie heaven of Bray, and Eton, Windsor & Marlow have plenty of treats to offer, with great pubs, winebars and eateries.

But if you really want to blow away the cobwebs and give the dog a fine run out, the Ridgeway Path is hard to beat in South Oxfordshire. Anywhere out near Waylands Smithy and the Uffington White Horse will offer uninterrupted winter panoramas.

This circular walk isn’t too taxing and gets you in the locality of three great pubs with fine fine food. Check out any of The Greyhound at Letcombe Regis, The Plough at West Hanney and The Eyston Arms in East Hendred for proper English country cooking.