To prefer long walks/ hikes alone.

[Teatimes2]

I was a member of a walking club for many years. Much as I enjoyed the walks and lovely scenery etc, I found the constant chatter and noise too much. I am an introvert though! Lately, I've been branching out and doing longer hikes myself. I find the silence and peace refreshing and feel less drained afterwards from all the small talk.
Anyone else feel like this or am I just odd!?

Yes. I have never joined a walking club but this would be the same for me. I would find the small talk incredibly exhausting and prefer to just be myself. I am sure plenty of others would be the same. It’s a shame as group walks look lovely, but the reality I would find tiring.

I'm the same. It also means that you don't have to fit in with other people's walking speed, meeting times etc.

You can just get up and go where you like, when you like and walk at your own pace. I listen to podcasts while I'm doing it too.

I would too. I'm an ambivert and to me that kind of walk is a destress, absorbing the surroundings.

It's fine to enjoy walking alone, go for it. I suppose the only thing to think about is if you go somewhere adventurous make sure someone knows your plan in case of injury.

I think the key is choosing to walk somewhere quiet enough that you're not annoyed by Other People, but not so quiet that you wouldn't be found if you were injured or personal safety was at risk.

Yes, I am sensible about where I go. I wouldn't stray too far off the beaten track but would do marked trails/ small hills etc. I wouldn't do as big or remote a walk as when I was in the club. I just prefer walking alone in general. Even trying to make plans to meet an old friend from the club for a walk is turning into an ordeal re when/ where!

This is me. I much prefer walking the dog alone that with DO and DS. Not because I don't enjoy their company, and we do go for walks together. But when I'm alone I can go at my pace, no stopping or whinging or chatting. Just peace, quiet, me and the dog. I find it very relaxing to just listen to my footsteps on the ground and the birds.

Sometimes on my solo dog walks I can really contemplate just carrying on walking & never going home. I love solo walking.

I like a bit of both. I like a bit of solitude, but I also like a bit of chatting and meeting people!

I've always walked with DH but he died a while back and I've tried group walks. I like feeling "safe" in that I have people to help with the navigation, but the social side of it I find quite stressful. I find I'm always glad when it's over, although I've enjoyed being out.

I also run. I belong to a club and enjoy the social aspect, but I've known many of the people for years, so it's easy, but I also love running on my own.

So, I'm coming to the conclusion that it will be good for me to stick with a group long enough for it to become comfortable (which could take years for me) but also important to get confident out on my own too.

It is odd though, I find when you're in fairly remote walking country e.g. the Lakes, walking alone is perfectly normal. In my local woodland or country parks people assume I must have lost my dog! A lone male walker is viewed with great suspicion.

Oh, BTW, where did you find your group? I've joined Ramblers and whilst everyone is lovely, I'm usually the youngest by about 20 years, which means we have little in common and makes conversation more difficult for me.

I'm a friendly, sociable person but I honestly prefer doing most things alone. Shopping, walking, exploring new cities, having a sandwich on a bench etc. I love to mooch and follow my own nose.

I see couples in shops or out walking and I shudder a little bit.

I walk by myself, partly for not wanting to chat, but mostly because I have osteoarthritis in my feet, and I need to set my own distance/pace. Sometimes that means cutting a planned walk short, or needing an hour to rest in the middle, and that doesn't fit in with planned group walks.

I prefer doing most things on my own tbh.

no i would like to join a walking group but otoh i like to bring my dog and i am not sure about the chat with the walking group either.

oh and i vape so that would presumably be frowned at

yes i think ramblers might also be too much older than me. my dm is a rambler and feels a bit awkward as they are younger than her in their 70s.

I prefer it. I did a lovely 16 mile walk by myself on Saturday.

I have taken to bringing my phone and a small power bank so I can listen to the radio if I get fed up of my own thoughts.

@CampaignToo some areas have Younger Walkers groups. You can search for them on the Ramblers website.

I like doing both. For peace of mind £300 on a personal locator beacon for summoning help when no signal is available is worth it. There is still a risk of being totally knocked out and unable to use it but that is slim. Allowing someone to 'find my phone' will give the emergency services a starting point if you do go missing.

I prefer walking alone, as I find it tiresome to have to walk slower or faster than my natural pace for someone else’s sake.

I’d like to be with someone - but not someone who constantly talks and chatters away. Maybe I need a dog!

@CampaignToo I found some younger walking groups through the local Facebook page.

OP I agree - I like going and my speed with no conversation on Love Island (or similar) because I have never watched an episode in my life. It actually was way more stressful trying to figure out what I should be saying during the conversations when walking in a group. I walk on my own now, take a podcast incase I get board and take my camera and usually a book in case I want a break.

I love walking alone but for some reason I am scared of it. A woman was assaulted walking on the coast near me and its really shaken my confidence.

I'm the same. I nag my DP to come with me as I always walk the dog first thing and he won't get out of bed. But when he does come, his constant chatter drives me mad and I wish I was by myself