Long distance walk solo?

[willowboom]

I would like to do a long distance, multi day walk on my own. I'll soon be 40, kids now at school and feel like I want to do something for myself and i'd love to have a bit of space to think. I've never done anything like this before, am fairly unfit, introverted and usually a bit unadventurous.

I don't want to leave my family for too long but could manage up to five days I suppose.

Is this a stupid idea? Anybody done anything similar? Which paths would you recommend? Any tips.

I've been listening to The Salt Path on Audible and watched Wild during lockdown so feeling inspired but is it realistic?

Stupid question maybe, but how do you organise food?

@Flippyferloppy

Stupid question maybe, but how do you organise food?

You normally buy as you go along, most U.K. walks you’ll have the opportunity to buy food at least once a day. Not sure about Scotland walks actually but you can always carry food for a couple of days I guess. In America it’s not unusual to have to carry 5-7 days worth of food.

This thread is really interesting. I have just turned 40 and have been thinking about doing something like this for a while!

Not sure 5 days solo is doable for me at the moment though as am too indispensable at home . Perhaps 3?

I would love to do the Camino at some point.

My DSiL sand a friend did the Cotswold Way as a practice before attempting the Camino de Santiago. I am sure there was a TV programme about a female vicar (I think she was originally on gogglebox) doing the Spanish pilgrimage.

I also have a friend who decided to walk the Thames from start to finish over the summer as a series of day trips. He used a car for some of it, but he was able to use the Paddington/Bristol trains for the rest.

Or maybe walk the length of a canal (Kennet and Avon springs to mind solely because I live beside it). There are plenty of pubs and towns/villages along the route (and train stations). It is a busy canal so the towpath is I. Good condition.

I am not sure how socially distanced hotels/B&Bs need to be when they reopen- I think the YHA are limiting guests?

Thank you so much, I'm writing all of these ideas and tips down. It's exciting to hear that others are interested in doing similar too, and I appreciate the wisdom of those who are seasoned adventurers.

April or May 2022 is the most likely time for me to be able to escape for five days so plenty of time to train and plan. The Cleveland Way seems to be a good place to start although I'm going to have a look at the Cumbria Way too as I see somebody has just recommended it.

As I'm in London walking the Thames path in one day sections is feasible and would be good training. It will also mean that my family can come along for at least parts of the day.

@bigbluebus

How are your map reading/GPS skills? Footpaths are not always clear (although official long distance routes tend to be better waymarked) and have a habit of being blocked/moved by crops or electric fences. How are you dealing with livestock in fields?

That is a very good point! My map reading skills haven't been put to the test since Guides, definitely something to brush up on

[quote RainingBatsAndFrogs]Here is a list of companies that will carry your luggage / book your accommodation etc. on different long distance walks. Probably costs a lot, but have a look: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/enjoy-outdoors/walking/walking-holidays-and-baggage-carriers[/quote]
Thank you. Being able to walk without carrying everything is very appealing

@RainingBatsAndFrogs

I fancy the Lycian Way in Turkey.

We once spent a week in Cirali which is right by the path, it was beautiful

[quote DorisLessingsCat]I'm currently drooling over these. www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/apr/23/top-long-distance-walks-worldwide[/quote]
Very inspiring!

I’d love to do the Ridgeway, mostly for the prehistoric monuments, but also because I’m assuming if you are up on a ridge, it won’t be too muddy (we did the Thames path ore-kids, and lots of that floods). It can be done over three weekends if you don’t want to take too long away from home.

I personally wouldn’t be too worried about safety if you are walking during daylight hours.

@Palavah

Are you on facebook? If so join Adventure Queens group - lots of women who have done/are doing similar

Thanks, I'll check that out

@NoBetterthanSheShouldBe

I’m also hoping to do this - am fair bit older but have done day walks regularly for years. There are companies that will work out routes and book accommodation for you, the walkers’ magazines have ideas too.

My own chief concern is avoiding cattle on moors and fields, so coast or canal paths for me.

Oh yes, I wouldn't like to come across a field of cattle by myself either

I've been thinking of a head-clearing long walk too OP (and get away from my house which is over-familiar at this point). I know it's not the UK, but I am planning to do the Camino de Santiago trial. It's used by lots of walkers (so no issues of safety) and there are hostels/hotels to stop at along the way. I am looking forward to it!

You've inspired me, thank you! I'm going to start with the Suffolk coastal path which looks gorgeously unhilly and remote. Which is just what I need after a year locked down with my family! Big skies and solitude are just what the doctor ordered...

@Bogoroditse

You've inspired me, thank you! I'm going to start with the Suffolk coastal path which looks gorgeously unhilly and remote. Which is just what I need after a year locked down with my family! Big skies and solitude are just what the doctor ordered...

I haven't heard of the Suffolk Coast path before, I'll look it up. I definitely agree that after a year at home with family some solitude would be so nice.

@peskytravel

I've been thinking of a head-clearing long walk too OP (and get away from my house which is over-familiar at this point). I know it's not the UK, but I am planning to do the Camino de Santiago trial. It's used by lots of walkers (so no issues of safety) and there are hostels/hotels to stop at along the way. I am looking forward to it!

The Camino looks great but a bit far for me this time. You should go for it!

I solo walked the Cleveland trail in May a few years ago with about the same fitness level you described yourself. It was exhilarating being alone in beautiful rugged places. Met a few characters on the way too. The heavy bag is the only thing to think about. But I managed it fine. Best thing I've ever done for myself.

Oh yes, I wouldn't like to come across a field of cattle by myself either

This is another reason why map-reading skills are essential. Walking through cattle is always risky and I and will skirt round the field edge if possible, otherwise I check the map and take a detour round.

I would recommend escaping for a weekend on the South Downs Way to get a feel for it before committing to something like the Highland Way (which is brilliant but a bigger commitment). The Seven Sisters bit on the coast is stunning, and it’s all easy reach from London - by car or train. Maybe for two days you can even get away this year If you walk 10 miles regularly, I wouldn’t worry too much about training TBH. A big bag is a pain to carry so if going for more than a couple of days I would look to book one of the many companies that offer to transport your luggage from one b&b to the next. And yes, definitely per book accommodation as in some places there aren’t many options. Sometimes I’ve ended up bumping in to the same walkers at each overnight stop so there can be scope for some companionship if you want it.

The South Downs Way is brilliant, and along the Beachy Head / Seven Sisters / Cuckmere / Birling Gap / Seaford stretch there is a good coastal bus service so you can walk for 2 days and then back to your car.

Same for the stretch behind Brighton.

A couple of days on the South Downs Way sounds interesting, especially as it's close. I could possibly do a weekend in September. So exciting!

What a fascinating thread, I didn't even know this existed - a whole industry's of safe walks, I walk my dogs every day for miles but had never considered this, but I'm now looking at following the South Downs walks.

Maybe a stupid question, does anyone take a dog with them?

Check out the Usk Valley walk. I did this for my 40th! It starts in a lovely suburb in Newport, follows the river for the most part, the final stretch the canal and ends in Brecon.

I was totally, utterly unprepared, but it will always be one of the most wonderful adventures of my life.

My tips would be plan properly with an actual OS map (!!) and get waterproof, comfortable shoes!

The biggest challenge (apart from the stupid things that I could have mitigated by planning better) were the cattle. Fortunately they don't concern me but I know some people feel quite wary of them and I came across the occasional Bull.

I’ve done this a few times. If you’re really unused to walking distances, I’d start with the Thames path west of Oxford. It’s flat, plenty of accommodation, lovely experience in spring/summer and other than the odd detour you just follow the river, so it’s pretty easy not to get lost.

If you are London based the North Downs Way (Farnham to Dover) is another good option for day walks as it's mostly easily accessible by train. Years ago I walked it over a series of day walks at weekends.