Make sure you know how to walk first. Mastering this complex simulation will help you:
http://www.foddy.net/Athletics.html
Also, take lots of water with you. Bring a map (+ waterproof cover) and compass, and make sure you can use them properly!
At least with well trodden routes like those you suggested, you probably won't have to plan your own way - there should be route maps already around telling you which path to take etc (but bring a proper OS map as well!).
Bring a camera.
As for footwear, I use the heaviest smartwool socks (American website, but can get them in most big outdoor shops: https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Socks/PerformanceSocks/_/280/), and some fabric Mammut boots (they look a bit like these, but they aren't quite the same: http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=7984). Sometimes in warm summer weather I wear thinner Bridgedale socks, but generally I prefer the thick smartwool ones.
I never got blisters or anything with that combination even after weeks of wearing them in Bolivia. In my mind blisters are symptomatic of ill fitting or tied boots, not taking care of your feet (dry them out after a day walking, let them air a bit, and anti-fungal talc helps keep them from putrefying, and feels good too!), or the wrong kind of socks, and you shouldn't end up with them at all for this kind of walking, (I think my longest ever day in this kit was 27 miles, and my feet were absolutely fine).
I don't think there is really any specific advice to give for those routes, but it's great that you want to get out there - walking is a great way to see the countryside.
http://www.foddy.net/Athletics.html
Also, take lots of water with you. Bring a map (+ waterproof cover) and compass, and make sure you can use them properly!
At least with well trodden routes like those you suggested, you probably won't have to plan your own way - there should be route maps already around telling you which path to take etc (but bring a proper OS map as well!).
Bring a camera.
As for footwear, I use the heaviest smartwool socks (American website, but can get them in most big outdoor shops: https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Mens/Socks/PerformanceSocks/_/280/), and some fabric Mammut boots (they look a bit like these, but they aren't quite the same: http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=7984). Sometimes in warm summer weather I wear thinner Bridgedale socks, but generally I prefer the thick smartwool ones.
I never got blisters or anything with that combination even after weeks of wearing them in Bolivia. In my mind blisters are symptomatic of ill fitting or tied boots, not taking care of your feet (dry them out after a day walking, let them air a bit, and anti-fungal talc helps keep them from putrefying, and feels good too!), or the wrong kind of socks, and you shouldn't end up with them at all for this kind of walking, (I think my longest ever day in this kit was 27 miles, and my feet were absolutely fine).
I don't think there is really any specific advice to give for those routes, but it's great that you want to get out there - walking is a great way to see the countryside.
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