Would you walk across a field alone?

[Summerloverr]

I do quite a lot of walking around my town, and one route involves walking across a field for 5-10 minutes.

I only do this during daylight and while it's usually quiet with no one around, there is the occasional dog walker etc.

But my friend thinks I am putting my line on the line by doing this, and says I am putting myself in danger. He said it's not safe for a lone woman to walk alone across fields.

I know there are news stories about horrible and unfortunate events, but they make the news because it's rare. AIBU to walk across quiet fields alone?

Not a chance why would you even consider this?

Yes, I walk through fields and through woods by myself every day.

YANBU.

Seriously, in daylight, an open field you can see anyone else.

Sadly women are at far greater risk from partners and ex partners, or driving a car for that matter.

I walk across fields without dh - but I take my very large very protective dog

I wouldn’t walk through a field with cattle in it (I know how dangerous they can be) but I’m fine with a field.
i walk through forests, Woods, moorland quite happily but I’m not keen on rivers and lakes !

Yes - trail running for miles on sunny days.

Yes I do this all the time.

I do it occasionally, but I don’t find it particularly relaxing, I find that I become hyper aware of everything around me, which I guess is my fear kicking in. As I generally walk to relax, it sort of defeats the point of it. I tend to prefer walking around our local country park, I feel safer there.

Yes, I walk miles by myself across fields and through woodland every week.

Women should do whatever we want. We need to walk where we want when we want.

Don't let people tell you that you shouldn't.

Is it a public footpath or right of way? If yes then sure. If not no.

Some people are scared of the highly improbable. It obviously impacts them living a normal life.

I would and do.

Where I live the common will often have cows on it in summer and I steer clear of them though, I love cows but they can be skittish!

Of course - damn sight safer than walking on the roads round here!

It's fine. I would think twice about it.

Of course. Why would you not? Complete paranoia and anxiety per usual on MN. FFS.

If its a minefield no, a grassy one of course.

Wouldn’t think twice. Surely a wide open field where you can see anyone approaching is pretty safe?

I walk through woodlands and along a canal path at night alone so I’m not very risk adverse.

I don’t walk anywhere that is isolated. I stick to parks and the roadside. It only takes one weirdo ….!

Yes, I regularly walk through fields with my dog.

Would. Do.

Yes! I do, often.

Your friend sounds very paranoid.

Obviously on a footpath - I don't walk through random fields just to avoid roads.

DD (5yo) and I often walk through the woods and fields, just the 2 of us. Never occurred to me someone would think it's dangerous.

I wouldn't do it in the dark because I'd probably step in a cow pat.

I walk my dog across open fields (with no cattle) every day. Never thought it was dangerous 🤷‍♀️

I go for miles through fields, woodlands, up fells. I'm more worried about having a fall and not being able to call for help with no mobile signal when I'm out than random men attacking me.

it wouldn't occur to me not to tbh. I'd avoid a field with cows though!

Depends entirely on where you live. If the field is next to a dodgy industrial estate where there is a lot of crime then no, if the field is in a regular semi rural environment then yes. I generally walk mile and miles across fields (and hills, and forests) but I live in a pretty safe area.