Romford Recorder readers have pin-pointed their favourite spots for a winter stroll, amid a spirited debate on Facebook.

Readers rated strolls around Bedfords Park and Raphael Park most highly, with some residents offering unique trail routes.

One reader, Noel Dolan, recommended an ambitious journey across multiple parks for those fancying a longer walk.

He said: "If you fancy a nice little walk, Bedfords Park through Rise Park through Raphael Park through Lodge Farm Park."

Mr Nolan added a warning: "Obviously you take your life in your own hands crossing the A12 between Rise Park and Raphael Park."

Other readers echoed earlier recommendations for Raphael Park, and the Saturday Parkrun even got a mention.

Hainault was another suggestion, favoured by Andy Horlock as part of a leisurely walking route.

Mr Horlock said: "From Bedfords Park, through Havering Country Park and on to Hainault - lovely little walk."

For those who don't mind a drive to start their winter stroll, Douglas Hutson encouraged a visit to RSPB Rainham Marshes reserve, advising a stroll by the river or around the reserve.

Hornchurch Country Park and the Manor also received mentions from readers.

The most memorable trail was shared by Valerie Clark who reminisced about a ‘courting’ walk route from her younger days.

She said: "From Romford entrance to Raphael’s Park, across the road to go through Rise Park, then across the road to Bedfords Park, ending up with a stroll into Havering-atte-bower and the Orange tree pub.

"If this is too long, any part of it used to be a lovely walk.

"Mind you, I am going back over 60 years, when this walk was our 'courting' walk!

"All three parks were lovely for a stroll."

The Facebook post asking for winter walk recommendations did not fall short of humour as some participants rolled out good-humoured replies.

One reader joked that the best stroll in Romford is "the one on the way out of it", while another recommended a walk to the Alderman pub in Hilldene.