Would you walk home from the station alone at midnight?

[Pamsresearch]

It's about 15 mins along a main road. Not particularly nice area, skirts the edge of a council estate and large construction site.

I do it about once a month, but have learned not to tell anyone for all the lectures I get!

I refuse to restrict my life because of the behaviour of (a few) others. A taxi is not always available and even if it were, it costs money and actually, I feel safer walking than I do in some mini cabs.

Am I really in that much of a minority?

I walk anywhere I want in the UK, alone and after dark if I want to - always have. I'm nearly 50 and never had any trouble. Have lived in London for most of my life. I would use my judgement in a dodgy area but seriously, stranger violence against women in the UK is low compared to most countries, as I understand the statistics. There's crime, and then there's the fear of crime. Some people like women to feel afraid so talk up time dangers. Others do of course have genuine reasons for concern. But I have made a choice to try not to be limited by other people's worries.

I'd walk it definitely, but that's probably because I'm no wallflower and good luck to anyone who tried anything . If concerned keep your location on and notify someone and you will text when home safely.

Fuck no. I used to walk alone at night in my teens and 20s but I think now the bloody fear would kill me 😂

However, it is a very small risk and I wouldn't stop anyone else walking alone at night.

I would and do.

@dreamingbohemian

I do this all the time

For me it's not so much about time or general dodginess as the specific characteristics of where you're walking -- is it lit, are there people around, how easily could someone grab you out of nowhere

But I totally respect women who don't, we all need to do what we're comfortable with

I agree. I used to comfortably walk home through dodgy areas at night where there were lots of nosey people up and about, watching everything. Never had a problem. Once DP and I were walking in the afternoon through Hampstead Heath near Highgate. Lovely area but there was no one about and I said to DP that if I wanted to mug someone this was where I would wait. A week later we read about a couple who were robbed and beaten in daylight in that very area. Similarly Chelsea by night - beautiful and very quiet. But if you were attacked and screamed for help I doubt if anyone would open their door (could be wrong but it was the sense I got).

I used to do this when I lived in London and went out after work.

I would have done and did at 18-21 when I was working in a pub and used to finish at 2-3am and would walk home. Now I’m 41 and probably less of a target for many reasons I wouldn’t! Weird isn’t it…:

The thing is although it's so statistically rare I'm sure Sarah Everard and Claudia Lawrence would never have suspected they would be at harm either. Doesn't mean we should never walk alone after dark but just keep your wits about you and realise you could be in danger

As a young woman I did it all the time … I walked about 15 minutes through our unlit village from a party about 5 years ago and my husband was really upset .. I promised not to do it again . In reality these days I don’t drink and take the car . I tend to think as a 50 year old woman I’m not really a target - he doesn’t seem to agree

I would. But not sure what it being a council
Estate has to do with anything?

I would definitely not be walking home on my own anywhere at midnight. There are nutters everywhere

The industrial estate part would worry me if there's no one around at that time of night.
I would walk city centre or residential areas though.

Yes, I would and I do.

Most taxi companies have apps now, you could book one in advance.
I walk everywhere in my town often late in the evening, I don’t ever feel unsafe.

@DingDongMerrilyOnline

I would. But not sure what it being a council Estate has to do with anything?

Yes you are. An estate with social problems. It not palatable, but it is true.

And it's not that I don't think I'm at risk, it's that refuse to curtail my activities and change my behaviour based on statistically rare events. I'm more at risk of harm crossing the road, and I don't think twice about it.

I used to when I was younger but now I'm older and don't go out as often I factor in the cost of a taxi when I go out.

I do walk to and from work for 25 mins in the dark during winter and there are a couple of stretches where its secluded even though its residential. There have been muggings and an attempted rape in the last 2 years, it does happen unfortunately. But then if I could drive I would then be at risk of a car accident...

I would but like the OP, only wearing comfortable shoes - flats/boots or trainers. I would also carry my house keys in my hand with one key sticking out between my knuckles, just in case someone tried something.

I've always enjoyed walking, cycling and horse riding on my own - you just have to keep your wits about you and take precautions in case someone does decide you are their prey!! Fortunately I've never been attacked although was flashed at on several occasions whilst riding when I was younger.

Such a relief getting home after the 20 minute walk from the station last night. No taxis or anyone to pick me up. I won't be doing that again.

Would depend on how safe I felt the route was.

Wouldn't here - as it's either two underpasses, unlit canal path or really long way round with 10 minutes of unlit woodland walk. So here's it'a a taxi or bus.

But other locations we've lived then yes.

I wouldn't now because I'm older and can afford a taxi but I used to all the time when I was younger / a student because I couldn't afford a taxi.

I would - more scared of cabs than of walking alone. The Worboys effect.

No way ! I would not feel safe walking

Yes, I would and have done.

Nope not in my town, too many people get attacked around here. I did when I was younger and was always fine but my husband got mugged and threatened with a walking home from work at 9pm and he is a tall burly man, neither of us would do it now.