Hello!  I love to hike.  It's great exercise.
Walking does seem to have many health benefits. 
Absolutely.  I always feel so much better after a nice hike.  It's a great way to enjoy nature.
It has many names too depending on which country you are going hiking in. 
Yes, I learned this recently.  That's very interesting.  
In the UK it is often referred to as rambling or hillwalking if are in the mountains. 
I did a lovely hike in Wales once but never heard those words being used.  
In northern england it is also called Fellwalking because a feel is high land.