Moments enjoyed, lessons learned, the strange thoughts that only happen on a walk: welcome to the bits and pieces that don’t make big stories, but do make a difference.

From dramatic ruins to awe-inspiring natural wonders, a walking tour is a joyfully immersive way to experience the UK and Ireland’s most spectacular coastal sights. Here’s a selection of our favourite routes

Roger Morgan-Grenville celebrates the shapeshifting glories of Britain’s sea paths, evanescent byways revealed by the tides

Andrew Galloway walks a linear route that’s a microcosm of Wales’ best bits

The Zagros Mountain Trail across Iraqi Kurdistan is more than just a great new hike. For the Kurdish people, it offers a chance for them to celebrate their resilience while forging a better future

The connection between nature and creativity comes in many forms. Here, artists, writers and musicians talk about the different ways in which they take inspiration from the outdoors - and share the places that fuel their imagination