What to...? Consider as a female walking alone

I suspect most women are generally hyper aware of their surroundings when walking alone, which is a sad fact of the world we live in, but it can also be about building confidence and positivity and feelings of accomplishment and freedom. 

When I was about 16, we had a talk at school from a police officer. It was all about staying safe when you were on your own. Some of the things he mentioned stuck with me and I still practice decades later, such as always having your key ready in your hand as you approach your car, always parking under or near a light, walking confidently, keeping to the middle of the pavement or crossing the road if there's someone behind you. My mum also told me to be vigilant, not to go down dark lanes or into parks and woods as it gets dark, not to walk home from town after a night out or get into a taxi alone. All of this is good, sensible advice to try and keep us safe and well in more urban environments, but what about walking in the hills as a lone female?

Start small

If you haven't done it before, start with a shorter walk in an area you know there’ll be more people and perhaps go at a weekend for the same reason. I've only done it a few times and it is a little disconcerting to begin with especially (for me) walking through woods. I chose more popular areas and went in the middle of summer. When I relaxed, I found I really enjoyed it. 

Tell someone...

It's vital to let someone know exactly where you're going, your planned route and a rough estimate of how long you think it might take. Make sure your friends and family know your mobile number and perhaps the registration of your car if you're driving. You could give this information to a hotel receptionist or leave a note in your car or in your self catering apartment. If you do leave a note in your car, make sure it isn't too obvious and perhaps also include a brief description of what you’re wearing, or the colour of your jacket at the very least. The Wasdale Head Inn for example, has a book by the door where you list which mountains you'll be tackling that day along with the time you leave, then you sign back in on your return.

...But don't tell everyone

Don't broadcast when and where you're going on social media or in the pub before you do the walk. Post your accomplishment and lovely photos after the event! Similarly, don’t be too specific about your route to others you meet along the way.

Be prepared 

As it's just you, you need to be super prepared for the day. You need enough food and drink, a proper first aid kit with survival blanket or emergency shelter, the right clothing for the conditions and possible changes in those conditions, a head torch and sensible and comfortable footwear. Make sure you have a fully charged phone, a map and compass and know your route and alternatives if you change your plans. You might consider a GPS tracking device if you plan to do a lot of mountain or fell walking in more remote areas. Plan your day according to the time of year, know your limitations and don't try to be too ambitious if you're just starting out. Check public transport timetables and the weather forecast.

Calling for help

If you do feel unwell or have an accident, know how to call for help. Dial 999, ask for the Police then ask them to put you through to Mountain Rescue. You will have to give a location and grid reference. If you have a whistle - and some packs come with them, but it’s worth buying one if they don’t as they’re pretty inexpensive - the distress call is six sharp blasts, followed by a minute of silence, then six blasts and so on.

Wear bright colours

There was a terrible tragedy a few years ago when three men were caught in an avalanche in Scotland, but the rescue helicopter couldn't spot them as they were all wearing grey or black. Walking clothing comes in very bright colours and orange is particularly good in winter. If you don't have a brightly coloured jacket, think about a waterproof cover for your rucksack, as they come in the brightest and most luminous shades of orange, yellow and green and are relatively inexpensive.

On the hill

One of the things that makes me nervous wherever I am, is someone walking really closely behind me and that feeling of having to walk faster and faster. If someone is behind you and you feel uncomfortable, stop and pretend to tie a bootlace, get something out of your pack, take a photo or just look at the view until they overtake you. The chances are you'll simply receive a good morning as they pass. If however you meet someone and do feel uneasy, don’t admit you’re alone; you can always say you’re in front of or behind a group or your partner/friend.

Be Aware

It's not all about other people, though. You need to be much more aware of your surroundings when on your own. Uneven ground, steep drops, narrow edges, loose rocks, wet grass, snow and ice and slippery slate paths can all trip the unwary. Try not to walk with headphones plugged in, hands in your pockets or look at a phone screen or map as you're walking. Be sure of your route and be aware of your foot placement. 

Trust your instincts

They're yours and you're not going to mislead yourself. Your gut feeling is a powerful tool in your arsenal and shouldn't be ignored. If something - or someone - doesn't feel right or makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your intuition and act accordingly. Even if you turn back, the hills will be there another day. I once visited Scotland alone and something told me not to go up a hill to a ruined castle. It was a very strong, immediate feeling, one I’ve only had on perhaps two other occasions in my life, and it was like no other feeling I’ve had.

Enjoy it

The beauty of it all is that you only have yourself to please and you're presumably where you want to be, doing what you want to do, so don't let feeling nervous spoil it. People I’ve met on the hill are generally lovely and very friendly. You can go at your own pace, stop as many times as you want. go as fast as you want, deviate to look at something interesting, indulge that interest in pretty rocks without feeling you're holding someone else back, lie in the grass, take endless photos, whatever...it doesn't matter. It's just you, revelling in it all.