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?

I feel safer in fields than I do on my own in a street, or urban parks. But then I'm a country girl, and quite happily wander around on my own any time day or night. Just be careful of large animals 😂

Yes

Not if it's planted with crops. But otherwise yes.

Wtf am I reading? Women can't walk across a field now?

It's not Children of the Corn you know. You won't get attacked by maize.

Cows... Maybe. But I'm guessing that's not the issue...

Wouldn't even think about it or consider walking through a field to be a risky activity

I live in a very rural area and I walk in fields, down lanes and across woodlands every day. I don't think twice, I've often been out early on a summer's morning (eg. 5am when it's still misty and cool) or in the dark in winter. I consider it quite safe; what has society come to that we can't even walk in a field alone without someone saying we can't, it's dangerous.

No not only safely reason but because of arthritis a twisted ankle etc can’t be risked.

I run and walk all over the place. I can’t pretend I don’t get a bit nervous on occasion, particularly after seeing something nasty on the news, but it’s something that I love so I refuse to stop.

Would do and have done. Didn't know it was a thing not to. Only not with cows (as others have said) now I'm more aware about the dangers with them. Went with a big group at the weekend through a field of cows which I didn't see until it was too late. As they moved ominously towards us, I felt the strength in numbers!

I do this every single day.

Of course.

But then I'm a farmer.

As far as I know I've never been at risk from murderer or rapist out in the fields, its the ramblers shitting behind the walls I have to watch out for.

Yes I do virtually daily.
i avoid cows, I grew up on a farm with cows and am shit scared of them, but otherwise of course

I would and do and I'm over retirement age so more vulnerable in some ways (but less in others I guess).

A male friend that I occasionally walked with once told me I shouldn't go on these routes alone. He was a bit put out when I pointed out that statistically I was far more at risk from him than a random stranger. After thinking about it he had to agree - only statistically of course

I do but text my DH if I do.thia after work or just with youngest DC as I want someone to know where I am. I don't mean for particular sinister reasons though.

I really hate walking places alone and often check my back when I do….that being said, I don’t think you should stop doing something you enjoy just because there may be a danger. Car accident’s happen all the time, but it doesn’t stop people driving.

Your male friend would be the first to be offended though if women didn't want to risk being alone in his company, like being walked home after a night out, crossing the road to avoid him, going for a walk together on a date. So hes ok, it's strange men that are the problem. The real problem is many rapists look sound talk and live like noce normal men.

Yes, I would.

I find it hard to answer without seeing the field and what’s around it. Depends on how remote it is from civilisation. I think your friend saying “so dangerous for a lone woman to…” sounds creepy though😆

I've seen plenty of women post on here that they think their husband might have raped them. Never seen a poster about a field rape. So I think known males are riskier.

Yes, regularly. I don’t think twice about it. I probably wouldn’t at night but that’s only because there’s no lighting. It’s much more relaxing than walking on the road!

What part of walking through a field in the day time is your friend worrying about? Is it because you could be attacked my cows? Get lost? Be so far away from people that if you were hurt no one could find you? Genuine question!!

No, and I resent the fact that I don't feel safe doing so.

I love walking alone, but stick to populated areas.

There's some amazing walks down very quiet country lanes right on my doorstep, but I'm too scared to go alone, or with my kids😔.
My head always goes to the awful murders in the 90s of Lin and her daughter Megan, and attempted murder of older daughter Josie. That story stuck with me and I've not felt safe down lanes since.

Yes, I would and do walk alone across fields (footpaths permitting of course), through woods and at the coast. I refuse to stay at home just because I don't have a walking buddy.

I do all the time in the daylight.
After dark - no.