Over the last decade, there has been an increase in solo hiking, especially among women. Many people enjoy spending time outdoors with other people, but there are plenty of others who also enjoy solitude and self-discovery in nature.
Solo hiking is a fantastic way to clear your mind, challenge yourself and really connect with nature. But, as amazing as solo hiking can be, it is important to be prepared and have a keen awareness of safety measures you can take.
Lily offers her advice on solo hiking. Lily is from the adventuro team at adventuro, which is a new home of adventure sports where you can book lessons, guides and gear across 40-plus sports. Whether you’re a seasoned solo hiker or considering your first solo hiking adventure, here are some essential tips to ensure you explore alone safely. The article also covers what you can do if you’re not ready to go solo just yet.
Why go on a solo hike?
With solo hiking, you have the freedom to choose your own destination, timescale, pace, routes and schedule without having to coordinate with others. Many hikers seek the opportunity to be alone with nature, which allows for introspection and personal growth.
By spending some time disconnecting from other people, technology and the fast pace of everyday life, hiking can do wonders in promoting mental well-being.
It can also give a huge sense of accomplishment if you solo navigate trails and wilderness. While solo hiking does come with some risks, spending time doing some proper planning and preparation will make venturing out alone much easier for you.
Gain experience in the hills and mountains
It would be foolhardy to set off for a solo hike that takes you to locations where you need to navigate tricky terrain or in tough weather without first learning how to read a map with a compass. These skills can be gained through walking with other people, taking navigation courses and building up the type of solo hikes that you do.
Start with easier routes where navigational challenges are not so required and then learn as you try tougher routes.
There is a lot to be said for testing yourself in a fairly well-known landscape but when cloud is low or there is rain or snow. Sometimes taking a few smaller, well-calculated risks can teach you about how to navigate and where your weaknesses are.
The more you push yourself in small steps, the more you will learn until solo hiking is second nature.
Consider your choice of route
Think about what you experience level is, as well as your fitness. Some other factors to consider:
- Terrain type: Will you stick to lower-level trails, venture into the hills or head to the rougher terrain of the mountains? Think about where you have already walked and what experience you have.
- Trail length: How far can you comfortably hike in a day?
- Elevation gain: Are you okay with some ups and downs in elevation?
- Accessibility: How far do you want to go away from civilisation?
Pro tip: Websites like AllTrails or OS Maps can be a great support for route finding. There are plenty of suggested routes and you can plan your hike by plotting it on these apps.
Following a route on a map app is very helpful but you should be aware that things can go wrong. Your phone battery can de-charge, poor weather will require you to be able to also navigate by map and compass and sometimes you need to adjust a planned route, which is not always so easy to do on an app with a limited map visual.
For further safety
Check the weather forecast before you set out.
Be happy with a Plan B if Plan A isn’t going to work out.
Tell someone where you plan to go solo hiking and how long you think you will be.
Invest in a PLB – Personal Locator beacon – or see if your smartphone has satellite calling capacity. If the worst happens and you need to call emergency services, you need to be sure you can make contact. Many places do not have a strong phone coverage.
Pack smart
When packing for a solo hiking trip, focus on safety. Think about what would happen if you had an accident. So, as well as all the basic kit such as waterproof jacket and trousers, spare clothing layers, hat, gloves, good quality hiking bots or shoes, smartphone, map and compass, make sure you have an emergency bivvy bag, an extra insulated jacket, more spare clothes, a PLB and also plenty of food and water.
In addition, a head torch is a good idea, a small first aid kit, water filter or purification tablets and make sure some of your clothing is brightly coloured so you will be more easily located if you do need to call emergency services.
Pro tip: Learn basic first aid techniques. There is no point in having a first aid kit if you don’t know how to use it effectively.
Mental preparation
Solo hiking can be as much a mental journey as a physical one. We’ve covered the physical prep, so now let’s talk about the mental prep. Before you head out, do a mental hike. Check the map and route and think about it in your head.
Consider any potential hazards and challenges and how you will handle those situations and envision yourself safely making it through.
Stay calm in unexpected situations and trust in your preparation and instincts to navigate through any challenges that arise.
You could also think about breaking your hike into smaller, manageable steps.
Not ready to go solo yet?
If you’re on the fence about going by yourself, we recommend joining a group adventure.
Joining a group hike offers several advantages over going solo. First, it’s safer because you’ve got support in case of emergencies or unexpected challenges on the trail. adventuro offers plenty of group and guide hike options so check that out to book. Group hikes are also a great chance to meet new people who love the outdoors just as much as you do. At adventuro, there many hiking courses you can choose from to hike and connect with like-minded individuals. Don’t worry about coming up with an itinerary because the guides are experts in their fields and have it figured out. While you’re hiking alongside them, you can learn from their experiences to glean valuable insights and advice.
Group hikes also provide opportunities to learn from others on the trip, whether it’s about navigation skills, local flora and fauna, or hiking techniques. Overall, participating in a group hike not only enhances safety and social interaction but it also enriches your hiking experience through shared knowledge and mutual encouragement from your fellow hikers.
Ready to hike?
Remember, a solid plan is your ticket to peace of mind. Whether you want to go by yourself or in a group, keep these tips in mind so you can go into your journey with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
