Is it really that odd to go for a walk on your own!?

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Without a dog?

I think it happens in real hiking country but in the local country park?

DH and I have been making a point of going for a walk every weekend. It's been lovely, a chance to properly relax (rather than veg) and catch up. But he's away this weekend and it's a beautiful day so I decided I'd go on my own. Which was different to together but still lovely.

I did feel a bit conspicuous on my own without dogs or children though and this was confirmed when one man stopped to ask where my dog was. I think he assumed I must have lost it and was offering help.

Anyway we had a short conversation about how odd it is to be out in the woods on your own and how he, as a man, would feel everyone would be very wary.

Would you go for a walk on your own?

I do, several times a week! Nowt better to get your thoughts in order.

Not where I live, loads go on walks alone.

I go for walks by myself all the time. I'd be wary of walking in the woods when it's dark, but in daytime, no problem.

Exactly Clash. I try to do it at lunchtimes too, although there nowhere lovely close to where I work. People think that's odd too.

It really isn't odd.

I don't think it's odd at all, I walk on my own far more than I walk with someone else, both proper hiking walking and walking around the local park and streets.

Not odd at all, perfectly normal

I think it sounds blissful, I might do it this week actually!

I do it often. It's a great way to clear my head.

I often see people walking on their own.

I must be odd as I do it all the time.

Oh and people (dogwalkers) ask me where my dog is. I just laugh and say 'It's only me- no dog!'.

Quite normal.

It's really not weird. I do it a lot, as I like the time and space to think in the fresh air, and nobody has ever commented on it, either to my face at the time or when I've mentioned it at another time.

He’s odd. Not you.

I walk with my dog but regularly see couples out walking.

I go for a dog less walk most days. It's lovely

Completely normal. I walk on my own. I see it as a public service to all those too afraid to do it that it can be done, you’ll be fine and the world wont end. Its good for people to see independent, solo women going about their business.

It's absolutely normal. I've always walked on my own.

I do it all the time. I live semi rurally and either walk around my small town or go off into the surrounding fields and lanes. Last summer, I was amused when an old lady stopped her car when she past me in a lane about 3 miles from the town and asked me if I wanted a lift. My utter bemusement made her instantly realise she had misjudged my situation and I was actually out for a walk rather than lost/stranded. But generally speaking, I don't feel the least self conscious walking alone. I enjoy the time it gives me to think.

It's not odd. But that man asking you where your dog was, IS odd. Or was he trying to hit on you?

And 'he, as a man' ? What did you say to that as a mere woman?

I do it all the time, sometimes in quite remote places. I carry a stick though (dodgy knee) and would happily use it as a weapon if I felt threatened.

lol

of course it's not odd! loads of people walk on their own

that bloke sounds a bit weird though tbh

unless you were in a cordoned off section for dog walkers or something!

also intrigued as to what he meant about feeling wary "as a man"???

Nah, not weird at all. I quite often go for a good old stomp through the woods after I have dropped the children at school. I work shifts so am lucky to have a bit of time to myself, to enjoy nature and stop and look at the things that interest me. See quite a few other lone walkers, as well as people with dogs.

I'm a dog owner so tend to go out with them exclusively now, but before I had curries, I often went out for walks on my own. It's a lovely thing to do! Not odd at all! Its great to be able to think your own thoughts and take in the scenery without interruption. (See "introverts" thread in active ATM!)

My sister (not a dog lover) lives near a beautiful park and walks in it by herself all the time; and she is constantly being asked by people "why don't you get a dog?" to which she replies "because I am perfectly content without one thank you". They seem to find that baffling though!

was he a bit creepy

randomly approaching you with shit excuse

bringing up safety

seems off to me!

maybe he was fine though you're the one who spoke to him!