Walking alone - How to stay safe & enjoy it

Women join Glamoraks because they want to find someone to go walking with. It gives them a chance to meet new people, have companionship and feel safer or more confident when heading out for a walk. But even with the wonderful global community of Glamoraks, there may be times when you don't have anyone to go with you, particularly if you're planning a last minute walk. Or you may just feel the need for some solitude. 

Don't let a lack of walking buddy stop you from putting those boots on.

While walking with others helps you connect at a far deeper level than our instant society normally allows and the joy of an experience shared is joy doubled, walking alone can be just as good for the soul. Here's why:

Without human company, you get time to simply be. Your thoughts are free to fly in and out of your mind with gay abandon. There's no need for conversation, although talking out loud to yourself can be liberating. As is singing loudly without a care about being off key. You have the time to absorb the beauty of the world and marvel in it.  And being witness to the magnificence of nature feels like a secret gift that is yours entirely. Your time is yours, the pace your own. You choose when to stop, when to move on.  Added to all of it is a slight frisson of fortitude. You are alone and that in itself is a brave thing in an overcrowded world. Your inner spirit of adventure will raise its head and you will want to yell, 'I am woman, I am fearless. Hear me roar!'

So if you are in need of some time to yourself and an escape from the masses, here on some tips on walking solo:

1. Tell someone where you will be going.
2. Take a map, snacks/water and a phone for - emergencies only (not to chat to friends or to check facebook).
3. Choose somewhere not too remote for your first solo walking experience so that should you get lost, you can find your way back to civilisation.
4. Don't take an ipod or music. Let nature be your soundtrack.
5. Give yourself time. To really benefit from a true sense of freedom, ensure you have time to go at a pace without constraints.
6. Don't worry about being attacked (a concern some women have). Baddies tend to hang out in busy city locations, not under a bush waiting on the off chance for a passing walker.
7. Do be wary of farm yard dogs and bulls in fields. Change your route if necessary.
8. Choose somewhere with expansive views for a true feeling of freedom.
9. Stop and talk to fellow walkers on the way. Little snippets of human connection can break the monotony of a long walk alone and adds the sense of connection again.
10. Finally, don't forget to mix it up and walk with others too. Too much solo walking can get lonely. Think of a solo walk as an occasional mental spa break treat.

Share your solo walking experiences with me below. And feel free to join the Glamoraks community so that on the days you do want walking company, you can find someone to walk with. Also be sure to sign up to the newsletter to be kept abreast of walking ideas, events and initiatives.