It’s not known how many people go for walks on their own rather then in groups, but I suspect that as life gets more stressful the numbers are in the millions, rather then the hundreds and thousands.
I for one am a seasoned walker, both in groups and on my own. There are many advantages to walking on your own - such as being able to walk or gallop at your own pace, feeling at one with nature and not having to talk to people if you don’t want to!
The benefits of walking both in health terms and generally are well documented. I love the feeling of being footloose and fancy free!
Here is my guide to walking on your own:
1) Take a fully charged mobile phone with you and tell someone before you leave where you are going.
2) Keep to well maintained and well marked footpaths. That way you won’t need to constantly rely on maps and you really can admire the scenery.
3) Take a small first aid kit, and maybe find out about First Aid courses. I did a very good Outdoor First Aid course.
4) Do walks that are easy to follow.
5) Check the weather and if it is foggy don’t do a mountain walk. Do a lowland walk instead.
6) Take some spare cash with you and or a debit/credit card.
Above all, enjoy walking!!!!!
Anna Fergusson
Anna is a member of the Metropolitan Walkers: www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk
Read more articles by the Met Walkers:
Maps, more maps, and walk leading skills
Trick or Treat - A Halloween walk
