In the ACT, more than 60 per cent of adults and about one-quarter of children are overweight or obese, which can lead to an increased risk of chronic disease such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

In the modern world, our increasingly sedentary lifestyles have resulted in less physical activity and the higher intake of high energy foods, which, together, significantly increase the likelihood of becoming overweight or obese.

Imagine going to visit the doctor and instead of a script for medications, you leave with a "park prescription", outlining a program of exercise and activity to be undertaken in a local park.

Summer is a perfect time to explore Canberra's national parks and nature reserves with your own "park prescription", and what better way to experience the recreational opportunities on offer than to walk some of the ACT's fantastic tracks.

Here, in the bush capital, we are fortunate to have a huge variety of parks on our doorstep, ranging from nature reserves to the rugged majestic landscape of Namadgi National Park.

These natural areas not only nurture and protect our precious fauna and flora, ecosystems and habitats, but also keep our water supply pure. Our conservation estate also provides an ideal outdoor setting where you can enjoy a range of recreational activities in a healthy, natural environment.

Walking is a low impact way to get fit while also exploring our beautiful parks. I could wax lyrical all day about the ACT's walking trails but I'll limit it to what I think are the top five trails to explore.

The Booroomba Rocks walking trail within Namadgi National Park offers a 2.5-kilometre, one-and-half-hour walk that takes visitors through tall forests to a stunning natural viewing platform created by massive granite boulders that overlooks southern Canberra. The walk, which has some steep sections, can be accessed via the Honeysuckle road.

The Shepherds Lookout to Molonglo River walk is a gentle 3.5-kilometre, two-hour walk that meanders across the hills west of Belconnen to the sandy shores of the Molonglo River. The newly upgraded lookout offers fantastic views over the Murrumbidgee to the Brindabella mountains. Parts of the walk are dog friendly, and family friendly picnic spots are available. The walk can be accessed via Stockdill Drive in Holt.

The Gibraltar Peak trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a moderate eight-kilometre, three-hour walk. Starting from the valley floor at Dalsetta, the trail passes through groves of Xanthorrhoeas, along ridge lines and across mountain saddles to the peak of Gibraltar rocks and some of the best views of Canberra.

If you are looking for something closer to town, the Kambah Pool to Pine Island walk offers a one-way, seven-kilometre, three-hour meander along the flowing Murrumbidgee River. The walk follows the Murrumbidgee River upstream from the Kambah Pool recreation area through the Red Rocks Gorge, occasionally dipping to the water but also offering beautiful views from several natural lookouts.

For the more adventurous walkers, the Camel's Hump trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers two difficult walks: a 19-kilometre eight-hour option or a shorter 11.5-kilometre, six-hour trip. The trail offers a demanding trek through some of the more remote areas of the nature reserve. Travelling along the slopes of Johns Peak to the rocky outcrop of Camel's Hump, walkers are rewarded with the best views across the Tidbinbilla Valley.

While I encourage you to get out and explore our beautiful parks, you should also ensure you are prepared for your walk by having suitable clothing and enough water and food should the conditions in the mountains change. Letting family and friends know your intended route is a good idea in case of an emergency.

Some trails in the ACT can also be remote, so I would strongly recommend walkers intending to trek through more isolated areas hire a personal locator beacon. These are available for hire from the Namadgi Visitor Centre on 6207 2900.

For more information about the myriad of walking trails, visit www.tams.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

Over this festive season, I hope you are able to explore our beautiful bush capital and connect with nature.