Around 90 per cent of Britain is rural and there are 15 National Parks, 46 National Landscapes in England and 40 National Scenic Areas in Scotland.
So there’s a lot to explore by foot – potentially an overwhelming amount.
Here to signpost the best bits, and steer walkers away from the not-so-best bits, is Instagramming hiker Zoe Tehrani, who ‘properly got into hiking in 2016 as a way to help with depression’.
In a chat with MailOnline Travel about her hiking adventures, Zoe – who has built up an impressive 136,000 followers on Instagram – begins by picking out the Yorkshire Dales as the most underrated region for walks in the UK.
The 39-year-old hiker, who works as a physiotherapist, says: ‘I’ve been most surprised by the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. I was very fortunate to be able to move to Yorkshire for work a while back.
‘I was supposed to only be there for six weeks but ended up staying seven months. I’d only been to the Dales once many years ago for the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, but other than that and Heartbeat – a TV show set in the region – I’d never really heard much about it.
‘The landscape is just wonderful and peaceful. I didn’t want to leave.’
While Zoe finds it a challenge to pick an overall favourite hiking spot, she tells MailOnline: ‘If I had to pick one, I’m going to say the South West Coast Path. I have a thing for rugged cliff coastlines. Plus you can spice it up by taking a dip in the sea.’
Instagramming hiker Zoe Tehrani reveals some of her favourite UK areas for exploring on foot. She is pictured here on the South West Coast Path at the Bedruthan Steps, between Padstow and Newquay
Zoe says she ‘properly got into hiking in 2016 as a way to help with depression’. She’s pictured above in Dartmoor National Park
Zoe lived in Yorkshire for seven months. She says the Dales (above) is one of the areas that surprised her the most, in a good way
‘Wonderful and peaceful’: The North York Moors National Park
However, the experienced walker has no difficulty choosing the ideal spot for beginner hikers.
She explains: ‘Without a doubt, I think the best place for beginners is the Peak District. There are so many walking trails that are short and easy but take you across such unique and stunning land formations, with amazing views.
‘You basically don’t have to work hard to get the good stuff, and there is so much variety.’
It’s not all about the countryside, though.
Zoe also recommends one ‘lush, green’ walk in London for anyone who’s looking to explore more of the capital’s nature.
She reveals: ‘London has quite a lot of green space, but my favourite place for walks is along the river, down the Thames Path – particularly the stretch between Putney and Hampton Court.
‘It’s so green and lush in the summer, you’d forget you are still in London.’
While Zoe doesn’t consider any of the UK’s nature spots to be ‘overrated’, she explains that some of the more popular destinations can get ‘very crowded sometimes’.
The hiker says: ‘The most well-known areas are probably the Lake District and Snowdonia (Eryri), which can be very crowded in summer. That still leaves a lot of national parks and landscapes to explore.
Zoe is pictured here on the South West Coast Path, her favourite hiking route. This particular part of the English coast is in Dorset, with Zoe looking at the Old Harry Rocks
Zoe loves the South West Coast Path partly because you can go for a ‘dip in the sea’. The stock image above was taken on a Cornish section of the route, with the Lizard Lighthouse in the background
LEFT: Zoe at Merlin’s Cave on Tintagel Beach in Cornwall. RIGHT: A nearby beach in Bossiney
Zoe is an experienced hiker who has shared her top tips with MailOnline. She’s pictured above in Dartmoor National Park
‘In most of these places there will be crowded, well-known spots, but venture slightly away from these areas and you’ll find yourself alone. What I would say is that hiking in winter is even better for avoiding the crowds.
‘The amount of people drops drastically when it gets colder. This is the time I hike the more well-known beauty spots.’
So, what are Zoe’s top tips for newbie hikers?
She explains: ‘First, you need the right gear.
‘What you need will vary depending on time of year, but start with hiking boots that you’ve walked around a bit in first, to break them in. If you are hiking in colder months, make sure you have a waterproof jacket and warm layers underneath.
‘For logistics, I would start with something easy. That’s easy in terms of difficulty and easy to navigate. So no mountains yet and keep it short. A non-hilly coastline or along a river is a great start. Or a trail that is quite popular, so there will be other people about.
Zoe explains that you can ‘avoid the crowds’ by ‘hiking in winter’. She’s pictured here at the Seven Sisters cliffs in the South Downs National Park
The hiker describes the Peak District, pictured above, as the ‘best place for beginners’
The hiker is photographed exploring beautiful Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor National Park
Zoe at Windermere lake in the Lake District, an area she warns can get crowded in the summer
‘Look at a map before you head out, to familiarise yourself with the route and see where you might be able to stop for food if needed – by that I mean a pub. But of course, make sure to take lots of snacks anyway.
‘If you’re using a map app for navigation, download the route so you have access if you lose signal.’
What are Zoe’s essentials in a hiking bag?
She reveals: ‘I have lots of snacks, my main food in a flask, water – usually not enough, I never seem to learn – coffee in a flask, extra layers/waterproofs, waterproof cover for my backpack, power bank, first-aid kit, lip balm, tissues, camera gear and a small bag to put waste in.’
Lastly, advises the adventurer – don’t forget to tell someone where you’re going, and check in with them at an agreed time.
Want even more advice from Zoe? Follow her on Instagram – @zoe.tehrani – and TikTok, @shewalksinengland.. And check out her blog – shewalksinengland.com.
Zoe describes the Thames Path between Putney and Hampton Court as ‘green and lush’
