People planning to pick up their walking boots and head to a fabulous trail or two this summer have been advised to pick locations close to the sea.

Des De Moor, senior everyday walking officer at the Ramblers, explained that it is best to avoid open countryside during the warmest months of the year.

"In hot weather, coasts and other waterside routes, as well as woodlands, tend to be and feel cooler than open country so perhaps now is a good time to explore coastal and forest routes," he said.

One future route to meet with the expert's approval is the All Wales Coastal Path, which is due to open in 2012.

For now, Britons may wish to go walking on the South Downs Way, within the Norfolk Broads or perhaps in the south-west – an area famed for its wonderful beaches.

A recent study by McGill and Concordia universities found that people become less willing to go walking once the temperature drops.