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 is a lot to explore on foot, a potentially overwhelming amount.
Here to point out the best spots and steer walkers away from the not-so-best spots is hiker Zoe Tehrani, who posts on Instagram“I took up hiking in 2016 as a way to help with depression.”
Speaking to MailOnline Travel about her hiking adventures, Zoe, who has amassed an impressive 136,000 followers on instagram – begins by highlighting the Yorkshire Dales as the most underrated walking region in the UK.
The 39-year-old hiker, who works as a physiotherapist, says: “What has surprised me the most is the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. “I was very lucky to be able to move to Yorkshire for work a while ago.
“I was only supposed to be there six weeks, but I ended up staying seven months. I had only been to the Dales once many years ago for the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, but apart from that and Heartbeat, a TV show set in the region, I had never heard much about it.
‘The landscape is simply wonderful and peaceful. I didn’t want to leave.’
While Zoe finds it difficult to pick a favorite walking spot overall, she tells MailOnline: “If I had to pick one, I’d say the South West Coast Path.” I like steep coasts and cliffs. Plus, you can spice it up by taking a dip in the sea.
Instagram hiker Zoe Tehrani reveals some of her favorite areas of the UK to explore on foot. Pictured on the South West Coast Path at Bedruthan Steps, between Padstow and Newquay.
Zoe says she “took up hiking in 2016 as a way to help with depression.” She is 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’: North York Moors National Park
However, the experienced hiker has no difficulty in 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 many walking trails that are short and easy, but will take you through unique and impressive land formations, with incredible views.
“Basically you don’t have to work hard to get the good stuff and there’s a lot of variety.”
But not everything is countryside.
Zoe also recommends a “lush and green” walk through London for anyone looking to explore more of the capital’s nature.
She reveals: “London has plenty of green spaces, but my favorite place to walk is along the river, along the Thames Path, particularly the stretch between Putney and Hampton Court.
“It’s so green and lush in summer you’d forget you’re still in London.”
While Zoe doesn’t consider any of the UK’s natural locations to be “overrated”, she explains that some of the most popular destinations can be “very crowded at times”.
The hiker says: ‘The best known areas are probably the Lake District and Snowdonia (Eryri), which can be very busy in summer. That still leaves many national parks and landscapes to explore.
Zoe is pictured here on the South West Coast Path, her favorite walking route. This particular part of the English coast is in Dorset, with Zoe looking at Old Harry Rocks.
Zoe loves the South West Coast Path partly because you can take 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 in 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 is pictured above in Dartmoor National Park.
‘In most of these places there will be very busy and well-known places, but if you go a little away from these areas you will find yourself alone. What I would say is that hiking in winter is even better to avoid the crowds.
‘The number of people decreases drastically when it gets colder. This is the time when I walk through the most beautiful and well-known places.’
So what are Zoe’s best tips for new hikers?
She explains: ‘First, you need the right equipment.
“What you’ll need will vary depending on the time of year, but first start with hiking boots that you’ve hiked in a bit to acclimatize. If you’re hiking in the colder months, make sure you have a waterproof jacket and warm clothing.” layers underneath.
‘As for logistics, I would start with something simple. It is easy in terms of difficulty and easy to navigate. So there are no mountains yet and let’s be brief. A coastline without hills or along a river is a good start. Or a trail that is quite popular, so there will be other people.
Zoe explains that you can “avoid the crowds” by going on “winter walks.” Pictured 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 the beautiful Wistman Forest in Dartmoor National Park.
Zoe at Lake Windermere in the Lake District, an area she says can be crowded in summer
‘Look at a map before you leave, to familiarize yourself with the route and see where you could stop for lunch if necessary; By this I mean a pub. But of course, make sure you bring plenty of snacks anyway.
“If you’re using a mapping 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 meal in a flask, water (usually not enough, I never learn) coffee in a flask, extra layers/raincoats, waterproof cover for my backpack, power bank, first.. .First aid kit, lip balm, tissues, photographic equipment and a small bag to throw away waste.’
Finally, advise the adventurer: don’t forget to tell someone where you are going and talk to them at the agreed time.
Want even more tips from Zoe? Follow her on Instagram – @zoe.tehrani – and TikTok, @shewalksinengland.. And check out his blog. shewalksinengland.com.
Zoe describes the Thames Path between Putney and Hampton Court as “green and lush”