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?

This day and age I wouldn't, the risk isn't worth it. This lady was assaulted in a bloody train somewhere in the States (during rush hour!) a few months ago and nobody did anything -unless recording it counts. It didn't happen in the UK but I think this type of behaviour is a global thing. Also, quite frankly, if I were alone and I saw something I'd like to think I would run to help but, honestly, I wonder if I would run to help the person or run away to call the police. Don't put yourself in that position.
Years ago I was living near Petticoat Lane Market (in London) and I heard these terrible screams in the middle of the night from some girl in the street. I couldn't see anything from my window but others could and I don't think anybody went down to help her. I was so nervous I couldn't remember the emergency number. I've thought of that girl often over the years. I didn't see anyone running to help her and there were plenty of people (namely guys) peeking out the window. A few days later there were posters by the police asking for information and I doubt they got many tips.

Really?

Yes of course, without hesitation, it’s very sad there is a small minority on here who wouldn’t do something so basic as this due to utter fear. You’ve more risk crossing the road.

Exactly.

I actually wonder how some Mumsnetters manage to leave the house at all.

I wouldn’t be able to. Past events have made me wary of going anywhere alone whatever time of day it is.

Daily. And go on random 10-15km walks by myself with my dog in the local countryside. I wouldn't have some man telling me I needed to be chaperoned!
If I'm going on a longer walk I let my DH know where I'm going and put on my phone tracker for basic safety, but this is my world too, I refuse to be limited in it.

So do I. The level of anxiety on these kinds of threads is unbelievable.

I think if you're asking it's because you either don't feel safe or you don't "know" this field well. Otherwise you'd have gone for it. Go with your gut. We don't know where this field is. If you feel the need to ask, you know your answer, you just need validation. Here it is then: don't do it.

No, not after watching the lovely bones

It’s a field, not your local township.🤣

I absolutely would OP, always have done. In fact I’ve done it in the dark too (night and early morning) for many years!

I used to do this regularly before I moved house. I walked through fields then into the woods. Never felt unsafe and never felt unsure of anyone who passed me. The only time I felt wary was when I encountered a couple of kids fucking about on a motorbike, but they stopped and waited until I got past before continuing. They were surprisingly polite and pleasant.

Where I live now I doubt I would do it as I don't know the area and it doesn't feel as safe plus it's not really a walking sort of area (nothing leads to anywhere pleasant). The fields/woods where my mum lives have seen several incidences of rape and attacks recently which is worrying.

There was a thread while ago where many people were strongly against the OP walking home from work at 8pm. As a one off. As though it was a wild and reckless thing to do. I found it very strange.

@orwellwasright Please give me the data on women attacked by men whilst walking across fields in daylight during the past ten years

How about the tragic case of the PCSO walking her dog in the field behind her house when a random man killed her. He was jailed for it last week.

Another hideous and heartbreaking case from last year (not alone she had her young children with her too) www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mother-daughter-attempted-rape-stranger-22027321

I wish it were not the case but unfortunately there are some psychos out there.

I would do regularly, I've never really thought about it.

An elderly and frail neighbour of mine was raped in her own home, a few years back. I was living in a crap area at the time, but still.

I do often walk through a quiet nature reserve, alone or with one of the boys. It sometimes hits me that it's a little too isolated for comfort

@AngelinaFibres Bellfield took Millie Dowler off a busy suburban street. The sad lass was just buried in the countryside.

@mcdouglas That claim is bizarre.

i am amazed that this question is even being asked. WTF? Of course I would walk across a field

Also four members of the public have been killed by cows in fields between 2015 and 2020 (not necessarily women to be fair). Do not overlook this risk of death.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-54268160

Yes of course - very happily

Yes in daylight

@NewPanDrawer I take it you are being sarcastic?

Yes I understand it's a very rare occurence for a stranger to strike in the countryside. Rare but not without precedent. Perhaps, I watched too much crimewatch or have too vivid an imagination but it spoils solo walks - or ruins it when you see a figure coming towards you (probably just going about their daily business too) but the fleeting thought is what if he means harm? What about the flasher who likes to frequent our nature reserve -should we just accept this as part of a walk as he's just being at one with nature?!

Depends. The fields everyone on here said were off limits during lockdown, because one twisted ankle might necessitate the combined efforts of mountain rescue and the coastguard airlifting you to safety? Or a normal field?

I walk through woods and across a field almost every evening/late afternoon through spring, summer and early autumn. It wouldn't occur to me to feel unsafe doing so.

Of course. Except where there are cows with calves perhaps (fortunately none near me).
I'd br missing out on one of the great joys of life if I felt I couldn't take a walk or run in the countryside.
I'm not sure there's any great data that suggests that fields are less safe than streets, houses etc in terms of rape.