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Original poster

Do you go walking alone?

32 replies

LoveBeingAMum555 · 24/06/2020 21:29

I am used to exercising, but I have a dodgy knee so can't run any more. I do strength training and cycling but I also love walking, my husband isn't so keen. I was going to join a walking group this year but Covid-19 has knocked that idea on the head.

I dragged my 19 yo son out at the weekend and we did a 9 mile walk. We saw two separate ladies out walking alone and it made me think, you see lots of women running on their own but not hiking.

Do you, or would you, go out and walk in the countryside on your own? What would put you off the idea? If I am going to do this I guess I need to research my routes and make sure someone knows where I am. Otherwise what's stopping me?

OP posts:
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areyoubeingserviced · 30/06/2020 23:08

Yes- most of the time
I power walk

AmberShadesofGold · 30/06/2020 23:05

Whilst it doesn't totally replace a map because it requires a phone signal - I find the o/s app and subscription invaluable when walking alone. It points in a map exactly where you are and which direction you are going in.

Plus the more recent paper o/s maps have a code so you can download the digital version to use offline.

Never failed me yet.

wildone84 · 24/06/2020 22:51

Yes. I only ever walk alone and have been doing it for ages.

2bazookas · 24/06/2020 22:49

Of course I do. By day and after dark, urban, country, city. Done it all my life.

itsureis · 24/06/2020 22:48

The Yorkshire 3 peaks is my happy place.
I absolutely love going by myself, in fact I'm annoyed with myself after if I invite someone along, as I can do as I please and am only responsible for me.
The silence is golden and the scenery is breathtaking - what more could you ask for.
Be confident in your ability and your route and enjoy some you time.

SomeoneInTheLaaaaaounge · 24/06/2020 22:41

Yep totally, with or without dog. Places I go Popular with women walking alone. It’s lovely

lazylinguist · 24/06/2020 22:40

Yes, very often (with my dog). I see lots of women walking on their own around here, mostly with dogs but not always.

Original poster
LoveBeingAMum555 · 24/06/2020 22:36

Some really positive and encouraging posts, thank you. My legs are still aching from the walk on Sunday, it was a bit of a challenge but I loved it. Our old dog can only do short walks very slowly otherwise I would take him.

Going to think about some local routes I can do where I don't need to read a map.

OP posts:
NannyR · 24/06/2020 22:35

Absolutely. I love hiking alone, I've never felt unsafe and I like the thinking space and peace and quiet.

birdy124 · 24/06/2020 22:34

I love walking by myself! I download podcasts (my mum uses audio books from the library) and go for it. Of course have your phone on you, and let ppl know you're going but I don't think it's dangerous at all.

Mrsmchammer · 24/06/2020 22:31

Sure do. I go for a walk or two with the dog and then go and do an extra 4-8km by myself with my headphones.

lakeswimmer · 24/06/2020 22:26

Yes - another one who lives in the Lakes here. I've walked up a lot of the biggest hills alone. I like the chance to choose my own route and have a daydream without needing to chat!

Plusher · 24/06/2020 22:25

Yes of course. All my happiest memories are from solo walks throughout my life. Walking alone is a supreme pleasure.

RhinestoneCowgirl · 24/06/2020 22:21

I've started doing solo walks in the last two years, it's great. I have occasionally got a little off track and ended up doing a longer walk than intended, but never been completely lost.

Last summer I had a long weekend in Cornwall by myself and walked part of the coast path. I enjoy walking with friends or family too, but solitude is something I need every so often.

I've never felt unsafe walking alone in the countryside.

caringcarer · 24/06/2020 22:17

I walk with dogs. I am not too fit so like a seat along the way too.

PickACoolUserName · 24/06/2020 22:16

Yes, I live in the lakes and do it a lot. Never anywhere I'm not familiar with though.

user12699422578 · 24/06/2020 22:15

I walk places without people and where I can't be observed heading off on my own. I don't like places with people.

But all my assaults happened in my own home and that along with knowing that most women are assaulted by people they know in their own home probably skews my risk assessment process.

Dozer · 24/06/2020 22:13

Yes!

No dog needed!

borntobequiet · 24/06/2020 22:12

I do. Coast path, hill walks, whatever, up to about 10 miles. I prefer walking on my own.

CherryPavlova · 24/06/2020 22:11

I like walking on my own. It gives thinking time whilst doing something useful.

capercaillie · 24/06/2020 22:11

Yes - I walk/hike by myself and have done for years. Make sure you’re confident with map etc if you fancy going somewhere remote, and yes good to let someone know where you’re going.

PregnantPorcupine · 24/06/2020 22:10

I wouldn't go on the sort of hike where I'd need a map (because I'm bad at map reading and it's no fun being lost on your own). I'd go for long walks in areas that I know though.

Honeyroar · 24/06/2020 22:08

All the time, but have two dogs with me.

ConnellWaldronsChain · 24/06/2020 22:06

Yes I happily walk on my own (and run and cycle solo too)

I prefer to have company if its available but it doesn't stop me heading out if no one else is free to join me

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 24/06/2020 22:05

Having said that, I would love to go with others. Just don’t have others to go with often