Walkers and hikers have long extolled the virtues of walking for physical and emotional wellbeing. There's nothing like going out into the tranquil countryside, experiencing the peace and solitude and feeling at one with nature!

In terms of emotional health, the open spaces give you breathing space, away from the hassles of everyday life and work. With the daily grind miles away, it gives you the chance to clear your head and unwind. Various studies have proved that walking is a great tonic for mental health, alleviating depression and anxiety and even improving self-esteem.

In addition, the benefits of walking for your physical health are as good as going to a gym! While being in a positive place mentally is also good for your physical health, walking in the fresh air of the countryside creates an ideal environment to enable the body to maximise the immune system to fight off infections.

As you enjoy the fresh air, scenery, wildlife and nature, rather than feeling like a chore, exercise will become fun. A walk can create a great family day out that isn't expensive. You can choose a walk that's suitable for family members and friends of all ages and fitness levels, creating something you can share, making memories together and enjoying quality time with loved ones.

It has been proven that active, fit people suffer less from common bugs and ailments. Regular walkers suffer less from major illnesses and diseases, such as osteoporosis, strokes, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.

The NHS campaign to encourage people to live a healthier way of life recommends you walk around 10,000 steps each day, which is around five miles. Read on to find out more about a few of Britain's top countryside walks...

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St Agnes to Perranporth, Cornwall

This is a relatively short walk of three-and-a-half miles of coastal paths, with some beautiful scenery and fresh sea air along the way. Start off at the Driftwood Spars and sample an ale brewed on site if you wish, before setting off up the path leading to the clifftops.

The path leads out of the valley and reveals stunning views of Trevaunance Cove below. There's only one steep section and the walk is fairly level, continuing above tranquil turquoise coves, through historic quarries and over old mines. The final view for walkers arriving at Perranporth will be of the lapping waves on the beach.

Coughton Court, Warwickshire

Enjoy a gentle walk suitable for all the family at Coughton Court, National Trust land. The walking trail takes you across a meadow and through a colourful and fragrant bluebell wood. If there are small children on the walk, continue through the wood and then retrace your steps.

If you're looking for more adventure, continue through the field to the ford. People have traditionally played Pooh Sticks on the River Arrow.

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Families will love the green trail of the Giant's Causeway, nestling amid the wild beauty and breathtaking landscape of the Causeway Coast. Choose from four walking trails that are suitable for all the family, including the green trail, which is even buggy-friendly. It's fenced off from the clifftop so that children can walk safely, in full view of the adults.

The clifftop yellow trail runs for 1.8 miles from Runkerry Head to Hamilton's Seat, offering amazing sea views. The walks cross over land managed by the National Trust.

Mount Edgecombe, Cornwall

Mount Edgecombe House and Country Park offers a fragrant walk through gardens of headily-scented flowers. Located on the edge of Cornwall, entry to the gardens is free, although there's a fee to enter the stately home, should you wish to take a look.

Walk from Mount Edgecombe to Kingsand and Cawsand, taking in wonderful views of the South Devon coast and Plymouth Sound. The pathway continues along the coast until it reaches the Minadew (a grassy area), where you can continue to walk through woodland and across the beach to the twin villages. Rest a while for refreshments at a local hostelry before embarking on the walk back.

Gibside, Tyne and Wear

The family trail at Gibside offers a fun day out for people of all ages. The attraction comprises an action-packed family walk, with various play areas en route.

Stop off at the Strawberry Castle adventure play area, Nature Playscape, the Low Ropes Challenge and Mini-Gibside Hall. The gentle trail is accessible for all the family, even the very young. There are pushchair-accessible footpaths, while the National Trust site has plenty of wildlife for nature lovers to spot as they walk.

Mousehole, Cornwall

Walk along Cornwall's south coast from the picture-postcard fishing village of Mousehole to secluded Lamorna Cove. The South West Coast Path leads through shady tunnels of trees, along the edge of the cliffs and through green fields, before going around Carn Du headland and arriving at Lamorna Cove.

See some fascinating marine life, such as the clusters of tiny hermit crabs around the sparkling sea. Stop off for refreshments at The Lamorna Wink, before embarking on the return trek.

Suitable clothing

Before setting off on a walk, it's important to purchase the correct clothing and footwear. Make sure you have clothing that's suitable for all weather, including waterproof outerwear in case the weather changes.

A high quality pair of walking boots or shoes is a good investment, providing your feet and legs with cushioning and support to make your walk more pleasurable.

Based in the gorgeous county of Cornwall, Griggs country store has everything you could possibly need to enjoy a country walk - we stock a wide range of walking boots and shoes for men, women and children.

We also stock top clothing brands, such as Joules, Barbour, Hunter, Timberland and many more. Check out our website for the latest additions to our range, or pop into our Cornwall store in person, where you'll be guaranteed a warm welcome.

Hope to see you soon!