Solo Walking: Turning Fear Into Freedom
When most of us think about walking, we picture being in good company. There’s laughter drifting along the path, someone pointing out a nice view, the shared flask of tea, and the reassurance of knowing you’re not the only one checking the map. Group walks can be joyful, energising, and safe, which is exactly why so many women love them.
But what about those days when the group diary doesn’t fit your own schedule? Or the evenings when you’re itching to get out for a stretch of fresh air after work, but there’s no one free to come with you? Or maybe, deep down, you just crave the quiet of your own thoughts?
That’s where solo walking comes in. And for many women, it stirs up a mix of excitement and nerves. On one hand, it sounds freeing: no negotiating over routes or timings, no waiting around, no pressure to keep up or slow down. On the other, it can feel daunting and even a little scary. If that’s you, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in very good company. So many women in our group have admitted that the thought of walking alone brought up fears at first. Safety, getting lost, or even just feeling self-conscious are common worries, and they’re not silly or unfounded. They’re normal. But solo walking, once you’ve given yourself a chance to try it, can be one of the most empowering, liberating practices you’ll ever experience. It builds confidence in ways you don’t expect. It teaches you to trust yourself. And it opens up a whole new side of walking that is deeply nourishing.
This blog is for the women who’ve wondered, “Could I?” or whispered to themselves, “Maybe one day.” Let’s talk honestly about why solo walking feels scary, how to make it feel safer and enjoyable, and why it just might become your new favourite way to spend an hour (or day) on the trail.
Why Solo Walking Feels Daunting
Before we dive into all the magic of walking alone, let’s get real about the fear side. Because brushing it off with a “just go for it” doesn’t help anyone. Fear has roots and most of those roots are pretty understandable.
Here are some of the big ones women mention time and time again:
Safety concerns – the “what ifs” around strangers, being in an isolated spot, or simply feeling vulnerable.
Getting lost – the dread of realising you’ve taken the wrong turn and don’t know the way back.
Feeling judged – worrying people will think you look odd or lonely being out by yourself.
The spiral of ‘what ifs’ – what if I twist my ankle? What if I panic? What if I get caught in bad weather?
Sound familiar? You’re not imagining these concerns. They’re born of real experiences, stories we’ve been told since childhood, and the natural instinct of a brain that’s wired to keep us safe. But here’s something worth holding onto: feeling cautious doesn’t mean you’re incapable. It just means your brain is trying to protect you. Caution is smart. Fear doesn’t have to be the final word.
The Hidden Gifts of Walking Alone
Now for the other side of the story, the side that often surprises women once they’ve given solo walking a chance. Because yes, it feels nerve-wracking at the start, but the rewards? They’re huge.
Confidence – Every time you head out alone and come back safe and smiling, you’re reminding yourself that you are capable. You can handle yourself. That builds a kind of self-belief that carries into other parts of life.
Peace and clarity – Without the chatter of a group, your mind can actually breathe. You can process thoughts, daydream, or just enjoy the silence.
Freedom – You set the pace, choose the route, and stop whenever you like. Want to sit on a bench by the loch for twenty minutes? You can. Want to power up the hill without waiting for anyone? Go for it.
Mind-body connection – Without distraction, you notice the rhythm of your breath, the crunch of gravel under your boots, the feel of sun or rain on your face. Walking alone can be grounding in a way that’s hard to describe.
A sense of accomplishment – Whether it’s a half mile stroll or a ten mile hike, finishing a walk by yourself brings a unique sense of pride. You didn’t just move your body, you proved something to yourself.
For many women, these gifts end up outweighing the nerves. The first solo walk may feel shaky, but by the third or fourth, there’s a shift. It starts to feel less like “braving it” and more like claiming something that was always yours.
Practical Ways to Start Solo Walking Safely
Let’s move from theory to action. How do you actually start? The key is to ease yourself in gently and stack the odds in your favour.
Start small and local. Pick a short loop you know well. For example: round the block, through a nearby park, or up a familiar hill. Keep it manageable so you’re not stressing about navigation.
Tell someone your plan. Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Apps like OS Maps or even WhatsApp location sharing can give an extra layer of reassurance.
Check your kit. Good footwear, layers, water, snacks, and a charged phone are essentials. A whistle or personal alarm can add peace of mind.
Use headphones wisely. If you love a podcast or playlist, keep one ear free or the volume low so you can still hear what’s around you.
Trust your gut. If a path or situation feels off, turn back. There’s no shame in changing course. Your instincts are there for a reason.
Build gradually. Your first solo walk doesn’t need to be a huge hike. Start with ten minutes and expand from there. Step by step, your comfort zone grows.
Reframing the Fear
Fear often shows up as “what if” thinking. One trick that helps is flipping those “what ifs” into practical, empowering answers.
What if I get lost?
“I’ll plan ahead, carry a map, and treat it as a chance to practice navigation.”What if people think I look odd?
“People will see a woman who values her health and confidence, and that’s worth admiring.”What if something goes wrong?
“I’m prepared. I can handle it. And if I can’t, I’ll call for help. I’ve managed before, and I will again.”
It sounds simple, but answering your fear with facts and preparation chips away at its power.
Meeting Yourself on the Path
Here’s something women don’t always expect: solo walking isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, even spiritual at times. When you walk alone, you meet yourself in a new way. Thoughts you’ve pushed aside come bubbling up. Creative ideas appear from nowhere. Sometimes there’s laughter, sometimes tears. Sometimes, it’s just stillness - the kind your nervous system craves, but rarely gets in daily life. Solo walking can become a kind of moving meditation. You learn to enjoy your own company. And once you’ve done that, it’s a gift that ripples out into the rest of your life.
So many women in SWWG have shared that their first solo walks were a turning point. Here are a few paraphrased sentiments (names kept private):
“I was nervous at first, but then realised nobody cared that I was on my own. It felt freeing.”
“Walking alone gave me space to cry, think, and then smile again. It was unexpectedly healing.”
“Now my solo walks are my therapy. I come back lighter every time.”
Every step proves that you’re braver than you thought.
When Solo Walking Isn’t Your Thing
It’s important to say this too: solo walking isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay. Some women genuinely prefer company and find their joy in group walks, shared conversations, and laughter. Choosing not to walk alone doesn’t make you weak. It makes you self-aware. The whole point of walking, solo or together, is to support your wellbeing. If that looks different for you than for someone else, that’s fine.
Think of solo walking as one tool in your toolkit. You get to decide when, or if, you use it.