I am lucky enough to have been brought up in Carmarthenshire with the countryside right on my doorstep. I have spent a lifetime hiking through the rolling hills of Wales and sometimes I feel more at home outdoors than I do under my own roof.
I get asked a lot about being a solo female hiker, is it safe and how did I get into it.
The outdoors is for everyone and you will never regret being brave. Since starting my Instagram page and this little blog, I have loved how many like-minded women I have been able to connect with. They all absolutely inspire me.
I understand reservations people have, of course I do. I was particularly affected by the death of Sarah Everard. Was it because she did everything “right”? She walked along a residential street, she wore bright clothing and she called her boyfriend to let him know where she was. Is it because she was killed by someone who was supposed to protect us? Or maybe it’s because I just identify with her.
For the last few years I have advocated being a solo female adventurer and encouraging others to do the same. When these horrendous things happen I often start thinking about the message I’m putting out there and whether it’s irresponsible. Should I really be telling women to go climb mountains alone?
The conclusion I always reach is, yes. I will not be changing, I will continue to do what I love and empowering women to do the same. I won’t be sitting here, waiting for someone to be available, before I leave the house for fear of being randomly attacked. I will not surrender my independence.
Women should be able to live alone, hike alone, walk home alone, go to the pub alone, drive at night alone – all of these things and more without fear of violence or death.
Also, the likelihood of bumping into a lunatic while out on the hills is pretty slim. (I went off on a little tangent there, can you tell I feel quite strongly about this?!)
So how to get started? Well firstly, make sure you have suitable clothing. A pair of walking boots and a waterproof coat is a good place to start, you don’t need to spend a lot of money, have a look on second hand sites such as eBay or Depop or brands such as Regatta have some very reasonable items. I’m always happy to help or give advice if you aren’t sure.
Maybe start walking locally on your own, take short routes that you’re familiar with or walk with a friend first until you build up a bit more confidence before heading out alone. You will gain knowledge and confidence quickly. If you aren’t sure about navigating then there are some fantastic apps out there such as Ordnance Survey, AllTrails or I have a website full of routes around the South Wales area for you to follow.
When you are ready to get out somewhere a little further afield, make sure you are prepared for your trip and know your limits. Don’t pick anything technical if it is outside of your abilities and pack enough supplies for the day you have planned. On average people hike at a pace of 2-3 miles an hour depending on terrain so plan for worst case scenario when you are heading out. Check your daylight hours, the weather and make sure you download any routes you are planning to follow. If you are going to be using your phone then also pack a powerbank.
My top ten essentials:
1. Comfortable hiking shoes
2. Waterproof coat
3. Water & food
4. Mobile phone and powerbank
5. Extra layers
6. Emergency shelter
7. First aid kit
8. A torch
9. SPF
10. A downloaded route or form of navigation
I usually let someone know where I’m heading and how long I plan to be. I will also sometimes leave a folded up note on my car seat with my planned route in case something goes wrong. I never share my plans on social media in advance.
Do I sometimes get nervous? Of course, but I do it anyway. As Mark Twain said “courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear”. Courage to me is not only getting out there alone but also knowing when to say no or turn back. Conditions can change and there is no shame in following your gut when something doesn’t feel right.
Solo hiking gives me time to just think, clear my head and go at my own pace. It encourages you to focus on your surroundings more and perhaps notice things that you may have missed had you been with other people.
There is a big difference between loneliness and solitude. It’s empowering, it’s freedom, it’s euphoric, it’s excitement and ends with a real sense of accomplishment that you just don’t get when you hike with others. Give it a try, you might just like it.
