Do you go walking alone?

[LoveBeingAMum555]

I am used to exercising, but I have a dodgy knee so can't run any more. I do strength training and cycling but I also love walking, my husband isn't so keen. I was going to join a walking group this year but Covid-19 has knocked that idea on the head.

I dragged my 19 yo son out at the weekend and we did a 9 mile walk. We saw two separate ladies out walking alone and it made me think, you see lots of women running on their own but not hiking.

Do you, or would you, go out and walk in the countryside on your own? What would put you off the idea? If I am going to do this I guess I need to research my routes and make sure someone knows where I am. Otherwise what's stopping me?

Yes of course ( well with my dog)
. I wouldn't go late evening / in the dark though. And did you really do 9 miles that's loads? I walk everyday, but I'd struggle to do more than 3 miles.

Yes absolutely!

Yes, I do. In normal times I go to the Lakes 4x a year hiking on my own. There’s nothing to stop you. I’ve had occasional times when I’ve been high up and the weather is a bit dodgy where I’ve turned round earlier than if I’d been with others. Know your limits if going somewhere wild.

I only walk by my own I have no one to walk with! Regularly do 7 plus miles but every day on get home from work i walk to And along the seafront. I listen to the radio and sing along to songs

Yes, I do between 8 and 10 miles. I listen to music and sometimes an audio book but I tend to get distracted by my thoughts and miss bits!

I walk along the river and the towpath is pretty busy, especially now. I would love to have a dog but I'm quite happy on my own.

I love walking. I get to think all my thoughts, write emails I will never send - it has got me through a nasty divorce and relationship breakup.

I do. I think having a dog helps. I don’t feel alone with him. My husband isn’t interested in walking/hiking at all.

Yes I do it all the time. Much prefer to be alone when out for a walk.

Having said that, I would love to go with others. Just don’t have others to go with often

Yes I happily walk on my own (and run and cycle solo too)

I prefer to have company if its available but it doesn't stop me heading out if no one else is free to join me

All the time, but have two dogs with me.

I wouldn't go on the sort of hike where I'd need a map (because I'm bad at map reading and it's no fun being lost on your own). I'd go for long walks in areas that I know though.

Yes - I walk/hike by myself and have done for years. Make sure you’re confident with map etc if you fancy going somewhere remote, and yes good to let someone know where you’re going.

I like walking on my own. It gives thinking time whilst doing something useful.

I do. Coast path, hill walks, whatever, up to about 10 miles. I prefer walking on my own.

Yes!

No dog needed!

I walk places without people and where I can't be observed heading off on my own. I don't like places with people.

But all my assaults happened in my own home and that along with knowing that most women are assaulted by people they know in their own home probably skews my risk assessment process.

Yes, I live in the lakes and do it a lot. Never anywhere I'm not familiar with though.

I walk with dogs. I am not too fit so like a seat along the way too.

I've started doing solo walks in the last two years, it's great. I have occasionally got a little off track and ended up doing a longer walk than intended, but never been completely lost.

Last summer I had a long weekend in Cornwall by myself and walked part of the coast path. I enjoy walking with friends or family too, but solitude is something I need every so often.

I've never felt unsafe walking alone in the countryside.

Yes of course. All my happiest memories are from solo walks throughout my life. Walking alone is a supreme pleasure.

Yes - another one who lives in the Lakes here. I've walked up a lot of the biggest hills alone. I like the chance to choose my own route and have a daydream without needing to chat!

Sure do. I go for a walk or two with the dog and then go and do an extra 4-8km by myself with my headphones.

I love walking by myself! I download podcasts (my mum uses audio books from the library) and go for it. Of course have your phone on you, and let ppl know you're going but I don't think it's dangerous at all.

Absolutely. I love hiking alone, I've never felt unsafe and I like the thinking space and peace and quiet.

Some really positive and encouraging posts, thank you. My legs are still aching from the walk on Sunday, it was a bit of a challenge but I loved it. Our old dog can only do short walks very slowly otherwise I would take him.

Going to think about some local routes I can do where I don't need to read a map.