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Solo hiking is an outdoors pursuit that has seen a surge of popularity in recent years. With an increasing interest in hiking alone becoming apparent, what are the dangers of going for a hike by yourself? Is it safe to hike alone? I am here to show you that going out exploring by yourself can be a safe, empowering gateway to an infinitely more rewarding life. Personally, I love going hiking by myself and have been doing it for a while now. In this article, I have put together my 15 most empowering tips on how to hike safely by yourself, alongside research on how safe England and the South West actually is.
We are all waking up to the fact that life is too short to not do what you really want to, and along with the rise of serious fomo after seeing all the digital nomads on your feed, the time to start solo hiking is now. As an avid lone hiker, and having successfully travelled around South America by myself when I was 24, I am a big lover of doing what you want when you want… whether other people want to join you or not!
Exploring the world is a calling I feel deep in my bones, and since you’re here reading this blog, I can only assume you feel the same way. There is no better way to get to know an area than getting out and about to explore it.
In this article, we will explore how safe England and the South West is (which are the areas A Woman Walks focuses on.) We will look at how safe hiking, and solo hiking, really is, and put to rest once and for all whether hiking alone is weird (spoiler alert for the skimmers: it’s not).
We will then dive into my 15 top tips for staying safe on your adventures, with the option to download a printable version to take along with you and refer to on your trips. To round off this topic, I have compiled a list of useful solo hiking gear to have, and a list of stunning places to begin, or continue, your solo hiking journey in the best and most beautiful way.
How safe is it to go hiking alone?
To begin to understand how safe it is to hike alone, from the perspective of a woman who wants to, or already loves to, go solo hiking, we must first ask ourselves ‘how safe is it to hike?’ This will always depend on the area you are hiking in. Let’s look at how you can work out whether it is safe to go hiking alone where you are. A good place to start is with the culture…
1. Does the country, or town, have a culture of walking and hiking?
You can simply Google this or look around the town if you are already there. If there are shops selling hiking gear, then chances are that getting out and about in nature is a part of the wider culture.
For England, and the UK in general, going for a walk is a national pastime. Plenty of people indulge in a spot of outdoor pursuits, with hiking being one of the simplest and cheapest outdoors activities available.
It’s important to note here that we do live in a consumerist, capitalist society who will sell us everything under the sun. I’ve spent much of my life making do in terms of gear and trust me when I say, you don’t need it all. You certainly don’t need to spend a small fortune to begin your hiking journey (more on that later)!
If hiking is part of the culture, then chances are that you will bump into like-minded people on your route. Generally speaking, if lots of people partake in an activity, then you can assume it is relatively safe to do so. For example, not many people go skydiving due to the higher level of risk. In countries where hiking is more dangerous, for whatever reason, it will not be a mainstream pursuit. If this is the case, it is best to review your options and book onto a guided walking tour if the country is not safe, particularly for women.
In my personal experience, I am perfectly happy to go solo hiking as a woman in the United Kingdom, but you had better believe there was no chance of me doing that when I solo travelled around South America! Pay attention to how a culture treats their women, and the crime rates against women in particular when assessing a country for solo hiking safety.
2. Research the area and your route.
To help you analyse whether you will be safe, you will need to be aware of the route you plan to take and the area it sits within. For example, a nice countryside walk in lowland country is going to be safer than hill and moorland terrain or mountains, relatively speaking. In all likelihood, help will also be closer to hand than in wilder areas.
By knowing your route, you can estimate how long you plan to be out. Telling someone where you are going and when they can expect to hear from you (especially if you are going to be out of signal range) is a crucial step to help you, should things go wrong. In the vast majority of cases, this will be due to an accident or injury, not a nefarious deed. In my experience, your caring loved ones will appreciate knowing that all is well.
Once you have planned your route, make a note of where you can get help, should you need it. This can be private houses, shops, pubs, police stations, etc. You don’t have to write this down, but having an idea of what to do in an emergency can help stave off the panic and get help to you sooner.
Make a note of the local emergency numbers, particularly if you are a tourist. In the UK, the emergency number is 999 for search and rescue (in wilderness areas and mountains), police, fire and ambulance. 111 is the non-emergency number, which you can use if you’ve had an uncomfortable reaction to a bite for example.
It goes without saying that hiking always carries an element of risk, no matter where you go or who you go with. So long as you do your research (such as reading this article) you will be well prepared to go and complete a successful trip.
How safe is England for solo hikers?
Solo travelling in England is on the rise, and hiking is a great way to see all that our beautiful little isle has to offer. Solo female travelling in England is something I’m seeing more of, and I’m one of those women who loves to explore the beauty of my backyard. Depending on where you get your information, England has various degrees of safety, though is considered a very safe country, generally speaking. The United Kingdom is currently ranked 37th out of 163 countries (as of February 2024 according to the World Population Review), meaning that it is safer than most of the countries in the world.
Of course, there are risks wherever you go, but focusing on what could happen when you’re out and about in the world is a surefire way to overthink, become anxious, and never do anything interesting at all. Life is full of everyday risk, and we have our own perceptions of what ‘acceptable’ risk is.
The standard way to review the safety of a country is to look at the crime rate. After spending some time on the Crime Rate map, researching for this article, it became apparent that a theory I have held for some years looks to be largely correct. Crime, in general, increases with population density. What this means is that you are more likely to be the victim of a crime (any crime) in a town or city. The more people there are, the higher the likelihood that one of them will commit a crime, or you will have a crime committed against you.
I’m not saying this to scare anyone. My point is that wherever you are there is an element of risk to contend with. These statistics appear to show that going away from civilisation is safer than exploring a city. Perhaps we feel safer when there are more people around, when in fact the opposite can be true. I think the rise in popularity of true crime documentaries focusing on crime in isolated areas isn’t helping this perception.
In conclusion as to how safe England is, it is in the top 25 percent of the world’s safest countries. England is considered a very safe country, with relatively low rates of crime and homicide (thankfully!) According to Time Out, the 37th ranking I touched on earlier is warped by the higher rate of potential terrorist activity (likely to happen in densely populated areas), heavy weapons exports and a high degree of militarisation.
I’m hoping that I haven’t put you off visiting our wonderful English cities, but I also hope that I’ve persuaded you to head to the hills and countryside for some peace, quiet and zen!
How safe is the southwest of England, and Wales for solo hiking?
Since this blog focuses on the southwest of England, let’s dive into the stats. The South West is generally a very safe area, including for hikers. Personally, I have not run into any issues on my trips. I grew up in this area, and visiting these areas, and have a lot of experience of the culture and pace of life here.
According to Crime Rate, the South West is the third safest region in England out of nine (I’ll give you top marks for naming the others without Googling them!)
In Wales the crime rate is decreasing year on year, but violence in the cities accounts for an unproportionate national crime rate when also considering their three National Parks and wilderness areas. Wales has the fifth highest crime rate out of the nine regions, meaning that it is statistically less safe than southwest England.
The dangers of hiking alone as a woman in England, Wales and the UK in general are low and the potential risks shouldn’t put you off getting outside to explore. Continue reading to learn about the potential risks, and how to prepare yourself for a safe and successful hike.
Is it safe to go hiking alone as a woman?
To properly answer the question of whether it is safe to walk alone as a woman, we must consider the question from all angles. There are multiple aspects to consider, such as physical and mental safety and why we, as women, would want to go out and explore by ourselves in the first place. Society, and a media focused on negative clickbait news, tends to try and dissuade us from being alone as women, but as we shall see, there’s no reason to miss getting outside.
Physical safety when Solo Hiking
I can highly recommend hiking solo as a woman, but I know that we all have our physical safety in mind, from the moment we start thinking about a solo adventure to the moment we finish and are back home safely.
Given that we’ve already looked at the safety of England, particularly in the South West, we can say that hiking by yourself as a woman is considered pretty safe here. Obviously, there will still risk involved, and we want to minimise that risk. Here are some things for you to consider:
- Amount of people – If you are a new or nervous solo hiker, first of all, shout out to you! It’s a big and sometimes scary step to decide to do something by yourself and it’s something to be celebrated. The first thing to consider is the amount of people likely to be on your route. The more people there are the safer you might feel, as more help will be available should you need it. Alternatively, if you’re keen to go somewhere wilder (and you’ve had enough peopling for the week) then the few people you are likely to encounter will be like you – happy hikers. It’s up to you which you prefer, and you’ll know deep down what your preference is. No matter what you decide, look people in the eye and give them a confident smile. It will make you more memorable, dissuade people from making you a target and cheer people up. Smiles are contagious!
- Skills – What are your hiking skills, and how comfortable are you when navigating off the beaten track? It’s time to be brutally honest with yourself. If you’re not sure about your skills, err on the side of caution and play it safe. Even though I am confident in my skills, I tend to choose a route well within my skill and comfort levels when I’m by myself. I know that I can and will push myself physically in terms of the length of the route, and am perfectly happy exploring new places with not many people in. Start off with well-known, well-signposted routes and go from there.
- Fitness – What is your fitness level? Be honest with yourself, because there is literally no one to judge you when you’re out by yourself. Also, you’re doing the dang thing instead of bingeing on snacks and TV, so who gives a toss? Again, erring on the side of caution and choosing a route that will be easy for you is a good place to start. If you’re not fulfilled at the end of your walk, then add on a bit extra, or aim for a longer route next time.
- Menstruation – While this is not strictly a matter of physical safety as much as health and comfort, Women in Sport say that 7 in 10 women aren’t active on their period. Let’s change that. I’m working on an article about hiking on your period, but in the meantime, check out OutdoorHer. It’s a new program by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and Mountain Training to support women and girls in the outdoors. You better believe that I’m all in for this and excited to see this topic being taken seriously by the outdoors community.
I hope that these considerations help you to get out and about and enjoy all the wild (and wild-ish) landscapes that the UK has to offer! Solo hiking as a woman is a great way to tap into nature and into the culture of this beautiful country.
Mental Safety when Solo Hiking
Mental safety is a very important consideration when out and about solo hiking. Even now, as a seasoned solo hiker, I find myself having to push through the wandering thoughts of potential danger and stick to strict guidelines to get me outside and moving my body.
Here are some of the thoughts that might go through your head before and during a solo hike and how to combat them:
| Fear | Description | Solution |
| I am fearful of what could go wrong. | A general and pervading feeling of doom and gloom. | Visualise yourself completing a successful hike and embody the joy you will feel. Let the feeling seep into every corner of your body while you take some deep breaths to centre any racing thoughts. |
| I don’t trust myself and my ability to lead. | You are worried of getting lost, stuck, or facing some unforeseen calamity. | Deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system, and starting with shorter, simpler walks close to home will help. The more you practice, the more you will learn to trust and rely on yourself. |
| I don’t trust other people I could meet. | People are seen as a threat, usually this lesson was learnt the hard way. | Start by going out with friends and family on routes closer to home. Once you feel comfortable, start going by yourself occasionally. Alternatively, choose a safe route and pick a time to walk it every week. You’ll start to recognise the people out at the same time as you. Start smiling at people and your confidence in humanity will restore itself. Try and make small talk with someone who has a dog. |
| The elements are wild and unpredictable. | You don’t understand nature and fear it could annihilate you. | When it’s wet and windy, make yourself go out for a short walk. Let go of the need to be warm and dry for a while, and embrace the wildness of the elements. Focus on how freeing it feels and how empowering it is to be out in the raw elements of Mother Nature. A small dose of being uncomfortable will leave you feeling a lot better, and the reward of getting home to the warmth and dry takes on a whole new meaning. Release your inner wild, woman! |
So why hike alone if you have to ‘push through’ it?
Well, for one, because why wait? There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. I’m not about to wait for someone else to lace their boots up to come with me. There is a delicious freedom to not relying on anyone else to make you happy and in doing the things you really want to do, when you want to do them. My boyfriend isn’t a huge fan of ‘push-yourself-to-within-an-inch-of-your-life’ walks when we’re out all day, so instead of giving up something I love, an essential part of myself, I choose to continue doing it alone. I deeply value having time alone, and as we’re both very independent individuals time apart works well for both of us.
I’m deeply connected to my spirituality, and nature is my altar, my reverence and my sacred space. When I indulge in a solo walk in nature, I become whole again. Answers reveal themselves to me once my headspace and the physical space around me is cleared. While there is a place for walking with friends and family, you really can’t tune into yourself until you’re alone and surrounded by the calming energies of the natural environment.
I urge you to make a list of all the reasons why you love hiking, or why you want to begin. Write them down and stick them up where you can see them. There’s a lot to be said about the power of visualisation and the more you think about how great going out for a solo adventure is, the more you will be compelled to do it.
Is it weird to hike alone?
Hiking by yourself is not weird at all. In fact, solo hiking is an activity that’s growing in popularity!
Your perception of undertaking an outdoors activity by yourself will depend on whether you’ve done it before, and whether anyone in your social circle does it. If you haven’t gone walking alone before, it won’t necessarily feel comfortable the first time you head out by yourself, but that’s no reason to immediately hang up your brand new boots!
I grew up in a family that walked a lot. They used to take me out in a child carrier, and then when my brother came along, I walked and he was carried (lucky guy). It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties that I even contemplated going hiking by myself. There hadn’t been a need, the means, or the desire to since I was so used to going with my family and they were always readily available to take / drag / cajole / threaten me out into the elements.
The more you go out by yourself, the more people you will notice out by themselves. I don’t tend to bump into a lot of solo hikers, especially women, but you know what I say to that? Let’s lead the way and show people it can and will be done! Who’s with me?
15 Practical Tips for Solo Hiking
We’ve reached what we’ve all been waiting for: my tried and tested tips on how to successfully hike solo. These are for everybody, from beginners to experts in the field (and the wilderness and mountains.)
Without further ado, here are my 15 practical tips to help you begin or continue you’re solo hiking journey safely.
- Know your limits.
Something to consider first and foremost is what your current capabilities are. There’s no point in fooling yourself and aiming high for your first solo hike. Stick comfortably within your boundaries and you’ll have a great time. There is always the option to add an extra mile or kilometre towards the end if you really want to. Remember that there won’t necessarily be immediate help available if you need it (though in the UK help or rescue is never far aware), so planning ahead will help to mitigate any potential risk.
As your skills and confidence increase, you can start to push your limits. Going further or faster, and exploring new, wilder areas are all things you can look forward to on your solo hiking journey!
2. Stack the pack: be prepared.
Some of us like to travel light, whereas others tend to pack everything including the kitchen sink – fairy liquid and all! While I can do both (hello solo travelling as a filmmaker VS girls’ trips on a budget), my instinct is always to over pack for a solo trip of any kind.
Being prepared for different eventualities is a good habit to get into. Heading off with just yourself and the clothes on your back is probably not the best option in a lot of cases. If I’m heading out for a while I’ll at least take a water bottle and a small snack with me, as I’ve learnt the hard way that a hangry Jenni is not a happy one!
Keep in mind that choosing your hiking gear is something that will become easier with time and practice, though there are a few things to consider before you head out:
- What will the weather be like?
- How long do you expect to be out for?
- What if something goes wrong or you make a wrong turn?
In these cases, making sure to pack a snack and having extra water is going to help you power through and get to where you need to be. I speak from experience that trying to fix a problem when you’re hungry or thirsty is going to lead to more issues than the one you’re trying to solve!
3. Keep your safety in mind.
First thing’s first, let’s talk first aid. Having an understanding of basic first aid, and carrying some simple supplies is a great way to feel empowered and to mitigate minor risks. I’m talking blisters, splinters, cuts and bruises. For starters, you can pack some blister plasters, regular plasters, antiseptic cream or wipes, and arnica, a great natural remedy for bruises. You can make up your own personalised kit or buy a ready-packed kit which will usually come in a handy case.
Make sure you know the local emergency number (it’s 999 in the UK, for search and rescue, police, ambulance and the fire service. 111 is the non-emergency number) in case you need to get hold of someone either for yourself or someone else. If you need mountain rescue, call 999, ask for police, then request mountain rescue.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: keeping yourself safe from harm. There’s a fine line between being prepared and over-analysing until you talk yourself out of going on a hike. In the interests of being transparent, I agree there can be a nagging anxiety to full blown fear about heading out for a walk by yourself. In my experience, going out and doing the walk will allay your fears. The more you do it, the easier it will become, I promise!
If you are very nervous, you can carry something that makes you feel safer like a multi-tool, or a personal safety alarm. Depending on where you live, the laws will be different so make sure you check before you order something or decide to take something with you. For example, pepper spray is not a legal substance in the UK and carrying large knives is out of the question (and not something I would recommend in any case.)
As for me, I find that I’m constantly more aware of the potential dangers if I carry something with me. It makes the whole experience less enjoyable. I do tend to know the areas I’m going to, and I employ the other tips on this list to help me to feel safe, empowered and to ensure I don’t feel nervous.
4. Don’t overthink it!
Continuing on the theme of feeling empowered, it’s important to remember that mindset really is the key. From the moment you decide to go walking by yourself, the way you approach your mindset will determine how much you enjoy your hike.
Ladies, I get it, I’ve been there. Thinking of all the ways that things could go worryingly wrong is not fun, but it’s something we will all go through. Being prepared versus being paralysed by fear are vastly different, but with a few simple exercises you can calm your mind and put your fears into perspective.
Here are a few steps for you to take before you step out the front door or leave your car:
- Take deep breaths – If your mind gets carried away, your body will too. You will start to embody your fear, which means your body will act as though you are in danger, even though you are not. Your breathing might quicken, your heart may race and you’ll be ready to throw in the towel and stay at home. Taking a couple of minutes to do some deep breathing exercises will reset both your mind and body.
- Visualise a successful outcome – It’s well known that our perception influences the outcome. If you’re focused on the negatives, your experience will be negative. Prepare your mind for a successful, joyful time and it will be so. Think of how grateful you are to be able to explore and how great you will feel after you’ve completed your walk.
- Do the damn thing – After you’ve prepared using the steps above, you’ve just got to do it! Analysis paralysis has a horrible tendency to stop us in our tracks, but life is too short and the rewards too great to stay at home. Yes, home may safer, but adventure awaits you out there!
- Reward yourself – After you’ve finished, reward yourself for a job well done. The more positive experiences you associate with solo hiking, the more you will want to do it and the easier it will be to get out and do it the next time. You could treat yourself to a pint, a pub meal or takeaway, a new piece of kit or simply spending time doing something you love, like reading your book or sketching the view at the end.
Remember, I’m here to show you that solo hiking is not scary! It’s fun, empowering and infinitely rewarding. When I’m out by myself in nature I am finding my centre again and reconnecting with the spirit of the universe.
“Home is behind, the world ahead.” – Lord of the Rings
5. Navigation & hiking skills
You might be under the impression that learning navigation skills is too technical, too difficult or just not needed in this golden age of GPS. I say think again! You may be blessed by the WiFi gods in your daily life, but there are areas of the South West where signal strength is not on your side.
There are a few basic skills to learn that will make your trips safer and much more enjoyable (such as getting un-lost, which I find to be very handy):
- Gear selection and fit
- Map Skills
- Compass skills
- Reading terrain
- Judging the weather
- First aid
Depending on the level you currently are as a hiker, and how confident you are, you may find that you know some of these skills already. Some areas will require a higher level of knowledge, such as Dartmoor or the Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons), but in general even a simple understanding is better than nothing.
Gear selection and fit – Having the ability to understand and select decent hiking kit for the job at hand can really make or break a trip. Some basic requirements are a good pair of sturdy, supportive and waterproof hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. There are plenty of options out there, so how do you choose? Start with your budget and your level of hiking ability (do you go out hiking a lot, are transitioning to more technical terrain or are you just starting out?) Read on for a list of kit to help you get started.
Map skills – A paper map might seem old fashioned in our current digital-everything age, but a map can’t run out of battery! Yes, granted, you can plan ahead and take a portable charger, but what happens if that fails too? Play it safe every time and invest in an Ordnance Survey (OS) map.
I tend to track my hikes on my phone (I use Komoot and/or Runkeeper) which drain my battery like nobody’s business. These are mainly useful after I’ve completed a walk, to check the distance of the route, the time I took to complete it and calories burnt. I also like to have a digital log of what I’ve done, to refer back to and share with others, and to add to any distance challenges I’m signed up to on Runkeeper. It challenges me to move more, at the very least!
I always, without fail, will carry a trusty OS map with me, unless I know the area very well, such as when I’m around my home, the countryside I grew up in. As the old saying goes: better safe than sorry.
Learn to judge distances, and from there how long a walk will take you. Get a grip on contour lines (how steep a route is), key symbols & spot pubs enroute (a cultural British necessity). As you become a more competent map user, this exercise will become quicker and easier.
Compass skills – I learnt to use a compass properly during my Duke of Edinburgh excursions while I was at school. The DofE expeditions were the first experiences I had of leading a team and having people really rely on me and my knowledge. Having grown up going on endless walks with my parents (sometimes dragged kicking and screaming) I intuitively knew a lot back then, and learnt how to use a compass with my dad’s guidance.
A compass is a key tool to rely on when you can’t yet read the landscape or judge distances competently, or if a mist has descended and landmarks aren’t discernible. In a wilder terrain, such as moorland, notable landmarks can be few and far between and you have to work with much more subtle points, such as a small rise. Competent compass skills will help you from getting lost, and allow you to course correct when you do.
Reading terrain – Reading terrain, like all skills, will improve with practice. Since I’ve been out and about in different terrains all my life, I am intuitively able to pick out a lot in a cursory glance at a landscape than a beginner will be able to. While I like to think this is a rare superpower, in truth, it’s a skill that you can hone with practice, at any age or ability.
Judging the weather – While it’s good practice to refer to your weather app prior to your trip, we all know that the weather can change moods like a hormonal teenager. Keeping tabs on the sky and the direction of the wind can help you work out whether that storm is going to pass you by or hit you like a slap in the face. This can give you time to get to shelter, cut your walk short, or steel yourself for sogginess if need be.
First aid – I will always be the first to tell you that I am the world’s most squeamish person. Even changing the dressing of a superficial wound will have me swooning like a lady in a period drama… pass the smelling salts! That being said, I am well aware that accidents will happen, even in the best of circumstances. While I like to think that I will perform better under pressure, even I have a grasp of basic first aid. As part of my Hill and Moorland Leader training, I am required to undergo location-based first aid training. It’s something I really want to do, though I do anticipate it being an uncomfortable couple of days for me!
Learn to bandage a cut, treat a bruise from a fall and strap an ankle. Make sure you know how to get hold of someone in an emergency, from a partner picking you up mid-route, to calling mountain rescue. Know your phone numbers (999 is the emergency number, yes I will keep repeating it) and save the numbers to your phone or in your notes app if necessary. Ensure you carry a first aid kit with you, which matches the difficulty level of the trail you plan to tackle (aka. a mountain kit if need be.)
AWW Tip: Start closer to home, where you know the area, and test yourself without using your phone or another digital aid. Where would you be able to get help if you need it? Can you match up the landscape to your map? How well can you use your compass? These are just a few questions to get you started and upgrade your hiking knowledge.
6. Know the area, or research it beforehand.
Different areas require different levels of preparation, awareness and gear. It’s important to be aware of any potential dangers when you go somewhere, whether you are a new or experienced walker. I think that an experienced hiker can potentially end up becoming blasé, while a newcomer can just be clueless or innocent. Both can be dangerous.
Make sure you spend time planning and preparing your hike, and bookmark this article to refer to whenever you need it.
7. Know your route
Having a good grasp of where you intend to go is a good idea: forgetting your intended route is not. With technology being easy to access, we tend to have an over-reliance on our phones and gadgets. Get yourself a hard-copy OS map (consider a relatively new second-hand one if cost is an issue) and choose a route before you set off. Plan out your route and remember it, making notes if you need to, or sketching your route on the map with a pencil. You can add detours when you know your stamina level intimately, and preferably you will be coming towards the end of your route if you decide to add on extra.
8. Tell someone where you’re going – a crucial tip for experienced hikers!
Telling someone where you are going is a key step that, I admit, I sometimes forget to do. Don’t be like me in this instance!
Letting someone know where you are going and when to expect to hear from you could save you from some tricky situations. Yes, we’re strong, independent, fabulous women, but everyone can benefit from putting a few precautions in place. The most likely scenario is that you get yourself into difficulties and need some search and rescue action.
9. Assess your surroundings – when you arrive, and throughout your route.
There is a lot to be said for intuition, especially a woman’s. When I arrive at an area for the first time, I will scan my surroundings to make sure everything looks good and feels ok. I would say that this is second nature to a lot of women, and a good habit to get into when you are exploring. It is certainly better than just forging ahead and putting yourself in a potentially awkward or dangerous situation.
What is very important to remember is to not overthink. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, overthinking is a surefire way to destroy good things and crush dreams. Overthinking when you’re out hiking solo and bossing life is going to lead to paranoia and unpleasant fear levels.
So what’s the trick? Be aware, but not wary, unless absolutely necessary. I prefer to keep myself to myself, but will strike up a conversation in order to get a measure of a person. Mostly it’s just for the politeness of communicating in a friendly manner; I am English after all!
10. Stay alert – no music!
Why would you go out into nature, with all of its natural rhymes and rhythms and plug in? Nature is the perfect time to disconnect and become in tune with your surroundings. Nature has a frequency of 432Hz, which calms blood pressure, and nerves, and just generally makes us feel good. There is plenty of time for music and podcasts at other times. For now, let nature’s music guide you and take the time to relax into your body, remembering your inherent wisdom again.
Not listening to music is also a good practice in terms of safety. You are aware of your surroundings, with 360-degree surround sound, as opposed to noise cancelling airpods, beats, or whatever your brand of choice is.
Listen to the windsong, riversong or birdsong and get lost in the natural rhythms.
“The 432 Hz frequency is a Harmonic of the natural vibration of the Earth, known as the “Schumann Resonance” 432 Hz benefits : Listening to the 432 Hz frequency in 432 Hz music enables you to feel more grounded and connected to mother nature and Gaia, as the vibrations entering your body through sound are naturally” – Lawrence Libert
11. Walk with purpose.
Ok, so this tip is a classic case of fake it until you make it. To put it bluntly, it’s about not allowing yourself to be seen as an easy target. Walking with confidence is honestly a game changer in terms of how you feel about yourself, but to others who may be afoot with dastardly intentions, you’re not worth the hassle.
Now, disclaimer time. In all my years of hiking, including hiking by myself, there has only been one time I can pick out with certainty that I felt a little unsafe (not counting that time I was in La Paz at 5am waiting for a guide to pick me up to go and cycle down Death Road… that’s another story!).
It was after I had parked my car in the Mendips, right on the edge of a small village and was yet to begin my trek. There was an older guy stumbling about who seemed to be on a trip to somewhere, but not earth-bound, that’s for sure! There were other cars about, so I felt confident enough to begin my walk in earnest, but I did keep a wary eye out to check he didn’t start following me.
All was well and ends well, but if I had been in any doubt about the situation, especially in an area that was new to me, I would have gone elsewhere. As it was, I struck out with all the false confidence of a local to the area, when in fact it was my first time to that particular place.
I don’t share this to scare you, just to give you some real-world examples to apply to your travels, and to reassure you that however ominous a situation might seem, chances are, especially in the UK, you will be fine.
If you need to stop and look at your map, check your surroundings first, as it might be better to move on than linger in certain areas.
Top AWW Tip: If your intuition is urging you to move on, listen to it. Who are we to argue with powers higher than us?
12. Present yourself as a friendly extrovert.
In keeping with the previous tip, fake it until you make really does take centre stage. Look people in the eye and greet them cheerfully… even if you don’t feel like it. Not only is it empowering, but you will likely end up having a friendly exchange with a fellow hiker.
One thing I will say is that if you are a solo female hiker and come across a solo dude hiker, chances are he is going to try his best to not seem threatening. Most wilderness guys you meet are out for the same reasons you are, and might strike up a conversation to help you feel at ease. Others might avoid acknowledging you all together. As I have mentioned before, go with your gut but remember that the outdoors is for everyone and most, if not all, the people you meet out and about on your adventures are out for the same reasons you are.
Making yourself memorable to people will help if you get lost, and also make you a less appealing target if nefarious intentions are afoot.
13. Track your walk, but don’t rely on it.
Tracking apps are GREAT, because we get to share our latest 772 hour hardcore hike with all of our friends, so they know how fit, accomplished and downright crazy we are. (I can’t be the only one who makes this my entire personality… can I?) Besides this, apps allow us to log our route, distance, calories burnt, splits, cadence, and much more besides. Apps are a useful tool in many ways, but it is important to remember that they are just that: a tool. One of many tools to use and keep in your arsenal, not one to be solely relied upon.
If you get a little lost you can check on your tracking app exactly where you should be. I use and recommend Komoot for these instances, and I also use Runkeeper to track my calories burnt, which is very satisfying indeed and a good reason to have that large pub meal or glass of wine afterwards. 😉
OS maps are the kit for everyone from casual walkers, keen enthusiasts right up to the hardcore will-go-all-day-and-more kind of people (guess which one I am.) You can opt for the OS Landranger or Explorer range, with the Explorer series covering smaller areas in more detail. The Explorer range is my recommended choice for walkers. You can get waterproof maps if you are planning on being that person (although this is England, so well done for being prepared.) You tend to get a free download to the OS Map App these days too. Unless you know the area like the back of your hand, go old school and take a decent map with you.
14. Listen to your body – womb wisdom 101.
I’ve mentioned this throughout the article, but there is nothing quite like a woman’s intuition. A source of higher power, we women can tap into this power at will. Sometimes it pops up when we’re not looking for it. One thing is for certain: never underestimate your 6th sense.
This applies for men as well, who I believe have a deep and ancient inner knowing that helped to keep them alive back in the day. Whether you’re a believer of science or a devotee of the ancient mysteries, I think we can all agree that at one point or another we have felt this inner knowledge. At the very least, we become aware of its absence if we ever become too urban and civilised.
If something doesn’t feel right, then pay attention. You’ll know what I mean when you feel it, and perhaps you already know what I’m talking about. In this context, I’m talking about entering an area that doesn’t feel right, or coming across a person you’re not comfortable with. Sometimes it’s best to be rude and carry on, and sometimes you’ll feel inclined to lie and say that your friends / boyfriend / family / your personal herd of attack dogs are behind you, ahead of you, or you’re meeting up with them shortly. There’s no harm in using these tactics to protect yourself.
Another word of advice, if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, be assertive and very confident, even if you don’t feel like it. While it may feel weird to you, being brash and bold will help to get you out of situations like this. Don’t stop, keep moving, lie if you need to and if possible, find a different route, head to civilisation or consider cutting your walk short.
This is definitely a worse case scenario, and I haven’t had to employ these tactics before on a walk. In the interest of being prepared for a situation like this, it’s good to know what to do before you encounter something like this.
If you do ever have a bad experience like this, please don’t let it stop you exploring. Go back to basics and build up your confidence again. Go out walking with other people and find the joy and comfort in the outdoors again, because I know you need it as much as I do.
15. Relax!
After all the preparation you’ve done, it’s time to enjoy your walk. While it does take some time to get used to walking alone, don’t give up if the first few times feel a bit uncomfortable. I, for one, can definitely overthink but the chances are that out here in the gorgeous countryside of England, you’re only going to bump into other avid outdoors enthusiasts (and perhaps the odd outdoors influencer filming content.)
If I’m venturing forth into unknown, mysterious places, like Cornwall, then I will always, without fail, be a nervous nelly at the beginning. It takes a lot of active work to calm my overactive imagination and to convince myself that I won’t, in fact, be kidnapped by piskies or faeries (unfortunately).
If you think about it biologically, we as women would never have been safe in the times our primitive brain still thinks we’re in. Bigger and stronger beasts existed, and we were in need of the strong protection of community. Back in the day being alone, no matter who you were, was a surefire way of not making it back to base camp. Times have changed drastically since then, but our monkey brains still register being alone as a cardinal survival sin.
Thankfully in these modern times you won’t be coming across any saber-toothed tigers, and the friendly outdoors community in England, and the UK in general, is alive, well and truly kicking. Your fellow outdoors enthusiasts will be happy to see another person like them out in this godawful weather. You might as well give them a grin.
AWW Tip: If you’re not used to undertaking activities by yourself, start small. You could take yourself for a coffee, or a solo meal in a restaurant before you start doing walks by yourself. Get used to being uncomfortable, and before you know it you’ll be booking that one way ticket for a solo travelling trip to South America. There is grace and beauty in being alone… don’t let society tell you otherwise.
Start Solo Hiking: The Best Areas in South West England to explore alone.
Now that you are prepared, equipped and ready to tackle a solo hike, where to go? Here are some ideas to get you started:
South Wales
- Pen Y Fan – A popular route from the Storey Arms car park to the west of the range is a great introduction to mountains for beginners. Of course, you should always prepare well for the mountains, as the weather can change fast, especially when you’re 800m above sea level or higher. There are different circular routes to be tackled, as well as a simple up-and-down route if you’re completely new to mountainous terrain. A demanding horseshoe walk along the ridge can be done, starting at the Neuadd Car Park to the south. This route should only be attempted by those with prior experience in the mountains, as the Craig Gwaun Taf ridgeway is knife-like and can be treacherous.
Gloucestershire
- Forest of Dean –The Forest of Dean is a great place to go for beginners & more advanced hikers alike. A popular woodland managed by Forestry England, you can opt for busier paths or a quieter circuit. There are so many route options to choose from, including Symonds Yat Rock, which is a personal favourite of mine. Beechenhurst is great if you’re after a more well-trodden trail, and you can follow the Sculpture Trail for added art too.
Wiltshire
- Castle Combe – This tends to get very busy during peak tourist season, but in the off-season you’ll likely have this gem of an English village almost to yourself. You can park in the car park at the top of the hill, and walk down towards the village, taking a left before you reach it (on the bend in the road by the tiny museum). Follow the path up through the trees, before hanging a right down into the valley. There are plenty of route options surrounding the village, and you can make it a long or short walk, depending on your fancy. Finish in the village with some well earned photos for the ‘gram (if you don’t post it, did you even do it?) and a pint or pub meal in one of the two pubs, before lugging yourself back up the hill to the car.
Dorset
- Fontmell and Melbury Downs – Gorgeous views of the English countryside mean this is a must-do area to explore. This landscape was bought by the National Trust in memory of the famous English author and poet, Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscapes in which his novels are set. The National Trust own the land, but you don’t need to pay or have a membership to access this area. There’s a small car park on Spread Eagle Hill, meaning you’ll be starting and ending with fabulous views… on a clear day of course! There are plenty of circular walks for you to choose from. Take a picnic or a drink to enjoy in your car at the end.
Somerset
- Bath Circuit – Bath is famous for many things, including being the end point of the ever-popular Cotswold Way Trail, which finishes right outside Bath Abbey. Head up through Bath, through Bath Approach Golf Course and set a course west and north through the fields and Primrose Hill Community Woodland up to Beckford’s Tower. Skirt the edge of the hill and round along the race course (when there’s no horses racing) to Prospect Site viewpoint and Kelston Round Hill before picking up the Cotswold Way back to the city centre. Fabulous views of the city (mostly) all round. I also have a great 6-hour circuit that starts and ends in the city.
Devon
- Lydford Gorge – A National Trust owned stretch of land (you’ll have to pay or have NT membership for this one) which feels wild but has well maintained paths and beauty spots along the way. There’s a bird hide, waterfalls, a gorge (obviously), a tearoom and a second hand bookshop (yay!) All in all, worth a visit – take your camera! Lydford Gorge Alpacas are right next to the southern entrance, and if that’s not a reason in itself to stop and visit, I don’t know what is!
Cornwall
- Cornish Coastpath – Any stretch of coast path is a good place for a bracing sea walk. The coastal paths can be difficult for their never-ending hills so it’s a good place to go to really get your heart rate up. Choose from the North, West or South coast path. The North Cornwall section (Marsland to Newquay, 66 miles) is remote and rugged. West Cornwall (Newquay to Falmouth, 144 miles) is also rugged but steeped in legend and is peppered with the remnants of old Cornish mines. South Cornwall (Falmouth to Plymouth, 76 miles) is a tranquil and sheltered section.
When in doubt, opt for National Trust or Forestry England owned-land, which is a guarantee of a popular and well managed space.
Conclusion: Is it safe to hike alone?
When I did a quick google search while researching for this article, I came across no end of fear-mongering articles either implying or outright stating that walking alone is most definitely dangerous and absolutely should not be done, especially by women. Should you need to go out by yourself, you can stay safe by doing any number of specific things. Other than that, why go outside at all?
While I am all for staying safe, preparing and being sensible, I defy the articles by proving that solo hiking and walking by yourself is completely fine. England is a relatively safe place, especially for a woman (especially when compared with other countries), so there is no better place to indulge in a bit of ‘me-time’ in the loving arms of Mother Nature. I would argue that it’s one of the best ways to experience all our green isle has to offer.
Without further ado, let’s get exploring.
(Disclaimer time: Some areas are safer than other, so always do your research before you go out walking by yourself.)
Got a question or an article you want to see? Send me a message at awomanwalks@gmail.com!
Want to explore another topic? Take a look at these articles:
The Ultimate Beginners Guide To Hiking Alone | How to Start Solo Hiking in 2024