Women Solo Hiking – Places To Go And Things To Know

Walking in the UK offers the potential for adventure and personal growth, especially when you’re going it alone. As a team of women ourselves who started our journey making waterproof coats specifically for women who love the outdoors, be it countryside, coast or urban, we are avid walkers ourselves and there’s not many places in the UK we haven’t covered.

Before we launch into some of the places we’ve donned our waterproofs and got out under our great British skies of late, here are some of the statistics on the rise of the hiker!

As of January 2024, there are over 84 million posts on Instagram with the hashtag #hiking.

Further to this, Government statistics have noted that the average person in England walked 221 miles in 2022 and 90 minutes every week. An average distance travelled by foot in this same year was 4% of all distance travelled!

Obviously not all of this is hiking in remote places, and more about getting to and from work etc. but it has showed an increased thirst or need for being outdoors (possibly since both covid introduced us to the outdoors again, and the increased sustainability efforts to get us out of our cars).

According to many sources, “Journey woman” being one of them, the UK and Ireland are amongst the safest places for women to go hiking. Statistically, dangers to women walking alone are extremely small when hiking in our hills and coastlines. You are actually far more likely to be at risk from a fall / injury than you are from any meetings with an assailant. And, although it can feel psychologically slightly nervy being on your own in a remote place in the countryside, it is statistically a lot safer than walking in our everyday urban settings. That said (and it’s sad that we have to say it in this day and age) we should always take practical precautions and be aware of our surroundings at all times to avoid putting ourselves into risky situations.

Best Walks Uk For Flying It Solo!

Further to the stats which state that you are actually safe walking outside in the countryside as a woman alone, the UK offers many hikes which just “feel” safe as well as offering the scenic views, solitude and natural beauty which our souls require.

1.The South West Coast Path: This 630-mile track offers stunning coastal views. Its safety and magnificent vistas make it a heaven for wave-lovers and cliff-seekers. The trail passes beautiful beaches and charming towns, offering enough respite and exploration.

2.Hadrian’s Wall Path: Spanning 84 miles across Northern England, this trail follows the historic line of Hadrian’s Wall. It’s a journey through breathtaking landscapes and a trip back in time. The path is well-marked and frequented by other hikers, offering a sense of security and community, ideal for solo trekkers interested in history and heritage.

3.The Cotswold Way: Stretching nearly 102 miles through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, this trail is perfect for a tranquil hiking experience. Its paths are beautifully maintained, winding through picturesque countryside, past ancient woodlands and historic towns. The Cotswold Way is a haven of peace and natural beauty and is suitable for hikers of all levels. It is a top choice for solo female hikers seeking a serene outdoor experience. Each trail, unique charms, and safe environment provide the perfect setting for a solo adventure,

4.The Malvern hills: Not far from the Cotswold way, lies the Malvern hills. On one side of the hills the Cotswolds and to the other, far reaching views of the welsh mountains. This area of outstanding natural beauty lies just east of the M5 with this 12-mile ridge-line falling within three English counties: Worcestershire, Herefordshire and just the northern tip of Gloucestershire. The hills themselves are gently rolling so offer generally a pleasant hike with sunsets and sunrises of particular note. The terrain is open and the paths are well populated by other people. As a female solo hiker you are likely to feel very at ease on this walk with lots of pub stop off points along the way. The Malvern Hills hotel is a great pace to base yourself as it’s open all day for food, has really comfortable rooms and is only a few yards away from one of the main access points to the ridge.

Walking In The Uk: What To Pack?

Walking holidays UK has further good advice on preparation and planning for hikes and walking trips. Besides the essential women’s lightweight waterproof jacket here are a few items we would include in your packing list:

Reliable Hiking Boots: Obvious we know, but don’t get this wrong! A sturdy pair of hiking boots is vital. Look for boots with good ankle support, a grippy sole for traction, and waterproof material to keep your feet dry. Comfort is key, so ensure they’re well-fitted and broken-in before your hike or you’ll be off to a very painful start

Navigation Tools: Remember to consider the importance of navigation. A modern hiker’s friend is a GPS device with real-time location tracking, or simply put, this could just be your phone. However, if you are going on a long-distance hike on your own, a traditional map and possibly a compass are great backups. They don’t require batteries and GPS equipment is well known in becoming somewhat confused when out in the wilds. These items can be lifesavers if technology fails. We have lived to tell the tale!

First Aid Kit: We’re not saying carry a full first aid kit! You’re not a pack horse and no one should be organised enough to do that. Plasters and definitely pain relievers are a good idea though as they are no added weight and can really help in keeping the walk enjoyable

Hydration and Nutrition: Water, water, water! water is crucial. Carry enough to last your entire hike, as you may not know where your next top up will be. For nutrition, pack energy-dense snacks like nuts, energy bars, or fruit. They should be lightweight but sufficient to sustain your energy levels.

Safety and Empowerment: Solo Female Hiking

Solo hiking is a really empowering experience in itself, it can be a place where wide open expanses give you time in nature to think things through and offer the space to relax. Stress is one of the most dangerous issues affecting our health today so exercise and nature can actually be more about keeping you healthy and safe over concerns about walking alone. According to recent data, hiking in the UK is actually one of the safest activities to do, and, walking in the countryside and more remote parts of the country is actually far safer than trotting home on your urban route from work. It’s obviously best to be alert, follow your gut, and perhaps equip yourself with a personal safety alarm. It could  just alleviate the thoughts in the back of your mind. You almost certainly will never need it, but knowing it’s there could just allow you to relax on your first few trips out. So, we say throw on your waterproof jacket, get out into nature, and learn to love hiking by yourself.