It will come as a surprise to precisely nobody that going for a walk is good for you. But have you ever considered that walking is also good for your relationships? A stroll in a beautiful place is a simple way to spend time together, but the rewards are many, from tackling the climbs and taking in the views to the joys of conversation – or companionable silence – along the way. “When you walk together, the exercise – and natural light, even if it’s cloudy – stimulate the production of endorphins, so you’ll feel happier,” explains clinical psychologist and relationship expert Linda Blair. “That creates an association: happiness means being with my partner.” Walking and talking also helps couples to communicate: “When we talk while walking, we don’t usually look at one another directly,” Blair points out. “Research suggests this makes it easier for us to talk about how we’re really feeling, and to bring up sensitive issues. That means problems that might otherwise be ignored until crisis can be addressed at an early stage. Walking in natural surroundings eliminates distractions and allows for calm – so you can focus more on one other.” We visit many incredible landscapes together as outdoor adventure writers and photographers. Some of our favourite spots are the summits of mountains or hills, where a climb is rewarded with rest and spectacular scenery. Beaches are another joy, whether the sun is sparkling on the sea, or setting in a blaze of colour, or hidden behind clouds; there’s a wild romance about the coast. Woodland walks offer immersion in nature: walking through the trees, listening to the music of the woods, is always special. The following walks (which are, in the main, fairly short, leaving time for a meal or drinks) combine a great route with glorious surroundings – whether thanks to the natural features (such as the Valley of Rocks in Devon), or the cosy inns and cafés along the way, to hunker down in together (the likes of the Anchor Inn in Seatown, Dorset), or courtesy of the myths and history they are imbued with: (see Llyn Ogwen in Snowdonia). So, this Valentine’s Day, or any day, get outside with family, friends, lovers – or the dog – and enjoy wild Britain at its finest. Jen and Sim Benson Bath Skyline, Somerset The centre of beautiful Bath is made for romantic strolling, with its honey-coloured Georgian architecture and Roman heritage. But for a real escape and a wealth of incredible views, head for the Bath Skyline on the eastern edge of the city, and follow the National Trust signs. This six-mile loop takes in peaceful hills and woodland alongside fascinating features such as Sham Castle with its mock-medieval facade. It’s a challenging walk, so take some time out to relax and recover in the Thermae Bath Spa afterwards. Bath has been a special place for us as a couple since we both went to university there as mature students 10 years ago. The skyline is a real mini adventure with a bit of everything – hills, woodland, meadows and fantastic views out across the city – all in one great route. Sometimes we run it together, other times we’ll take the kids and make it a family day out, but it’s perfect for a sunset stroll with lots of choice for a quiet post-walk drink in Bath. Start/finish: Bathwick Hill at Cleveland Walk, Bath, Somerset, BA2 6JW, grid ref: ST760647. Distance: up to 6 miles/9.7km. Map: OS Explorer 155; os.uk/bathskyline Tresco, Isles of Scilly For spectacular coastal scenery, history, horticulture, wildlife and good food, all within the space of a good walk, the Isles of Scilly are hard to beat. Set 28 miles off the coast of mainland Cornwall, this tiny archipelago is a delight to explore. A circumnavigation of Tresco, starting out along the remote north coast, dotted with caves, castles and sandy beaches, and finishing with a stroll through the exquisite Abbey Garden is particularly special. Stop for lunch with sea views at The Ruin Beach Cafe. Start/finish: New Grimsby Quay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, TR24 0QG, grid ref: SV887152. Distance: Up to 6 miles/9.7km but easily shortened. Map: OS Explorer 101; os.uk/tresco Daymer Bay, Cornwall Best in winter, when it’s wonderfully peaceful, this walk begins in the pretty town of Rock and heads to St Enodoc Church, burial place of John Betjeman. From here, there’s a good climb up Brea Hill for superb coastal views. The home stretch is a gentle amble across the beautiful sandy beach at Daymer Bay. At low tide you can follow the sands all the way back to Rock, finishing with a traditional cream tea for two at The Mariners. Start/finish: Rock beach front, Rock Road, Rock, Cornwall, PL27 6FD, grid ref: SW931756. Distance: 2.5 miles/4km. Map: OS Explorer 106; os.uk/daymerbay Holkham Beach, Norfolk With its vastness of sand, sea and sky, Holkham Beach on the north Norfolk coast is a perfect spot for wandering and was featured in the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love. Starting from Lady Anne’s Drive, this delightful circuit follows a boardwalk through scented pinewoods, emerging onto the beach. From here there’s a 2-mile stroll to Wells-next-the Sea with its pretty harbour and open salt marshes. Head home on the Peddars Way, walking alongside pinewoods all the way back to Holkham. Start/finish: Lady Anne’s Drive, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1RJ, grid ref: TF890447. Distance: 4 miles/6.5km. Map: OS Explorer 251; os.uk/holkham Coombe Hill, Chilterns Standing proud above Aylesbury Vale, Coombe Hill is the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns and overlooks the Chequers estate and the long chalk ridge of the hills. This enjoyable loop follows a winding trail through woodland, then heads straight for the top to make the most of those views. Finish with an enjoyable shorter loop back through the woods, or extend the walk by following the Ridgeway National Trail down to Buckmoorend Farmshop for a locally sourced al fresco lunch. Start/finish: Low Scrubs car park, Lodge Hill, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP17 0UR, grid ref: SP851062. Distance: 1.2 miles/2km. Map: OS Explorer 181; os.uk/coombehill Ham House & Richmond Park, London This walk takes you along the western edge of Richmond Park and into Pembroke Lodge Gardens, climbing King Henry’s Mound. From here it wanders through the tranquil gardens and mature trees (surrounded by drifts of snowdrops at this time of year) of Ham House, before tracing the course of the River Thames back to Richmond. Start/finish: Richmond underground station, The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1EZ, grid ref: TQ180751. Distance: 4.5 miles/7.2km. Map: OS Explorer 161; os.uk/hamhouse Golden Cap from Seatown, Dorset The highest point on the south coast of England, Golden Cap rises majestically from the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Seen from further along the coast, it is a perfect pyramid, topped with the golden greensand rock from which it takes its name. The walk from Seatown along the South West Coast Path to the summit is rewarded with spectacular views. Descent is by the same route, to where the cosy Anchor Inn awaits, perfectly placed for watching the sunset. Start/finish: The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6JU, grid ref: SY420917. Distance: 2.2 miles/3.5km. Map: OS Explorer 116; os.uk/goldencap The Valley of Rocks, Exmoor West of the Exmoor town of Lynton, the South West Coast Path runs at half-height along a stretch of rugged coastal cliffs, grazed by a herd of wild goats. Perfectly placed for watching the sun set over the sea, this walk follows the coast path into the peaceful and atmospheric Valley of Rocks. Once a thundering river valley, this magical place surrounded by fascinating natural rock sculptures captured the imaginations of the romantic poets Wordsworth and Coleridge. Start/finish: Lynton cliff railway, North Walk, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6HJ, grid ref: SS719496. Distance: 2.2 miles/3.6km. Map: OS Explorer OL9; os.uk/valleyofrocks Four Stones at Clent, West Midlands A haven of peace amid the busy towns and cities of the West Midlands, the Clent Hills are a perfect place to escape. Discover beautiful views across the Cotswolds, the Shropshire Hills and the Welsh mountains and several intriguing follies, built by Lord Lyttelton in the 18th century. One of these is the Four Stones on Clent Hill, reached by an enjoyable walk through woodland and a truly atmospheric place, particularly at sunset when the city lights twinkle far below. Start/finish: Nimmings Wood Car Park, Hagley Wood Lane, Stourbridge, West Midlands, B62 0NL, grid ref: SO938807. Distance: 1.9 miles/3km. Map: OS Explorer 219; os.uk/clent Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire The beautiful ruins of the 900-year-old Fountains Abbey, a Unesco World Heritage Site, are surrounded by 800 acres of estate, including the Georgian Studley Royal Water Garden. Balancing manicured grandeur and fascinating history with a real feel of wildness and escape, this walk crosses the medieval deer park, grazed by red, fallow and sika deer, wanders through the peaceful, steep-sided Seven Bridges Valley and explores ancient deciduous woodland. Visit in late winter for glorious displays of snowdrops. Start/finish: Fountains Abbey car park and visitor centre, Fountains, Ripon, North Yorks, HG4 3DY, grid ref: SE273687. Distance: 5 miles/8km. Map: OS Explorer 298; os.uk/fountainsabbey Chatsworth, Peak District Chatsworth House stands majestically on the banks of the meandering River Derwent near Bakewell, a splendid backdrop to a romantic walk. The estate has many tales of love and loss – a fitting stage to dramas of the heart. This walk takes in a grand loop of the 1,000-acre deer park, edged by woodland and grazed by herds of fallow and red deer. After descending to the front of the house, there’s a gentle stroll alongside the river to finish. Start/finish: Calton Lees car park, Chatsworth Estate, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2NX (free parking in winter), grid ref: SK258685. Distance: 3.1 miles/5km. Map: OS Explorer OL24; os.uk/chatsworth Tarn Hows, Lake District Set in a landscaped, low-level valley between Coniston and Hawkshead and surrounded by dramatic mountain views, the ornamental lake at Tarn Hows is circumnavigated by a multi-user path perfect for a peaceful walk that’s accessible for everyone. At its very best at sunrise or sunset, when you’re likely to have the place to yourself, the grassy hillsides and sheltered woods around the lake are good for snowdrops in late winter and bright with daffodils and primroses in spring. Start/finish: Tarn Hows car park, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DP (nearest postcode), grid ref: SD327997. Distance: 2 miles/3.2km. Map: OS Explorer OL7; os.uk/tarnhows Grasmere, Lake District With its good choice of pubs and cafés, serene lake and easy access to the surrounding fells, Grasmere is a great base from which to explore this part of the Lake District. The walk from the centre of the village up to the shining tarn of Silver How is steep but short – and once you’re there the views are spectacular. You’ll also pass Allan Bank on your way, a Georgian house that was once the home of Wordsworth. Start/finish: Miller Howe Café, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SX, grid ref: NY336075. Distance: 3 miles/4.8km. Map: OS Explorer OL7; os.uk/grasmere Llyn Ogwen, Snowdonia Legend has it that after the Battle of Camlann, Sir Bedivere cast the sword Excalibur into Llyn Ogwen, straight into the hands of the Lady of the Lake. Whether truth or myth, the silver ribbon of Llyn Ogwen, nestled beneath the rugged mountains of Tryfan and the Glyderau and with its spectacular circular lakeside walk, certainly has a rare magic all of its own. Start/finish: Ogwen Cottage, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, LL57 3LZ, grid ref: SH650603. Distance: 2.9 miles/4.6km. Map: OS Explorer OL17; os.uk/llynogwen Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland The walk across the coastal grasslands from the fishing village of Craster to the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle has been voted one of Britain’s favourites, and with good reason. But visit over the colder months and, while it’s just as spectacular, you’ll find hardly anyone else there. Carry on past the castle to explore the vast, sandy beach at Embleton Bay. Cosy up in the Stable Yard café on the outskirts of Craster afterwards. Start/finish: Craster Quarry car park, Craster, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3TW, grid ref: NU256197. Distance: 4.3 miles/7km to Embleton Bay and back. Map: OS Explorer 332; os.uk/craster Scotney Castle, Kent Set amid the High Weald of Kent, the romantic, turreted ruins of the 14th-century Old Castle at Scotney could be straight from a fairy tale. Even more so on a bright winter’s day when mist hangs over the moat and the grass is silver with frost. This walk loops around both the old castle and the Victorian country mansion, crossing the pretty River Bewl and exploring the picturesque Grade I listed parkland. Finish with afternoon tea at the Coach House. Start/finish: Scotney Castle visitor car park, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN, grid ref: TQ688353. Distance: 2 miles/3.2km. Map: OS Explorer 136; os.uk/scotneycastle Rhossili Head, Gower The high, wild headland at Rhossili reaches westwards from Wales’s Gower peninsula for uninterrupted views of the sunset over the sea. Spend the day exploring the three-mile sandy bay below, then take in the gentle circular walk around the headland in the evening, passing an Iron Age hill fort and medieval field systems on the way. If the tides are right, you can cross the causeway on to Worm’s Head, only accessible for around two and a half hours either side of low tide. Start/finish: Rhossili National Trust car park, Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PR, grid ref: SS414881. Distance: 3.5 miles/5.6km. Map: OS Explorer 186; os.uk/rhossili The Birks of Aberfeldy Just outside the Perthshire village of Aberfeldy, a series of spectacular waterfalls tumbles down the wooded gorge of the Moness Burn. Robert Burns was so enchanted by the beauty and drama of the place that he wrote a poem about it. This walk climbs to the top of the falls, from where there are glorious views to the mountains. Start/finish: The Square, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2DD, grid ref: NN856490. Distance: 2.7 miles/4.4km. Map: OS Explorer 379; os.uk/aberfeldy Fionnphort, Mull The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides, after Skye. It’s a place of breathtaking contrasts, from its mountainous centre to the vast sea lochs and scenic beaches. One such beach is at Fionnphort, at the far western end of the Ross of Mull, where a perfect white sandy beach looks out to the tiny island of Iona. This circuit is spectacular at sunset, heading out across the beach and returning inland. Start/finish: Fionnphort free car park at Columba Centre, Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, PA66 6BL, grid ref: NM302231. Distance: 1.5 miles/2.5km. Map: OS Explorer 373; os.uk/fionnphort Strangford Lough, County Down The eccentric 18th-century mansion at Castle Ward stands in expansive parkland overlooking the vast sea inlet of Strangford Lough. With its diversity of landscapes, there’s a wealth of outstanding walking around the estate, parts of which featured in Game of Thrones. This route traces the shores of the lough, passing the 15th-century tower of Audley’s Castle and the 16th-century Old Castle Ward, and is a perfect way to share the wild beauty of the place. Start/finish: Castle Ward National Trust shore car park, Strangford, Downpatrick, Co Down, BT30 7BA, OSNI grid ref: J571497. Distance: 1.2 miles /1.9km. Map: OSNI Discoverer 21; os.uk/strangford Jen and Sim Benson are Ordnance Survey GetOutside champions and have written several guidebooks. Their new book, Short Runs in Beautiful Places (National Trust Books) is out in March.