By Athena Mellor

I began solo hiking really out of necessity — there was no one else to hike with, so I hiked alone. After university, I went on a bike tour travelling in Utah with my mum, before going solo from San Francisco to L.A. along Highway 1 and then spending four months cycling around New Zealand. I then spent three months in America (based in L.A.) and did loads of solo trips; from Sequoia to Yosemite and then a two-week road trip around the Pacific Northwest. Whenever I got to my destination and set up camp, I always wanted to go hiking and exploring — so that’s really when I started solo hiking, and I have so many incredible memories from that time.

I hiked Mt. Maunganui in New Zealand, and went solo across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; I hiked trails through redwoods in Sequoia National Park and to waterfalls in Yosemite. The Pacific Northwest was a hiking paradise, with views as though I was living in a Disney film and trails abundant. I do remember one time feeling a little nervous hiking up Mount Storm King in the Pacific Northwest. I didn’t quite make it to the top as there were ropes and cables put in place that I didn’t think I could descend without risk of falling. I was a little gutted, as knew I’d have been able to do it with someone else for support, but it taught me a lot about knowing my limits and being content to turn back when things don’t feel right.

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand

When I returned to the U.K. is when I really started to fall in love with hillwalking, and was blown away by what we had here in my own homeland. I went on solo trips (often with Oslo, who lived with my brother at the time) to the Peak District, Lake District, Snowdonia and beyond, and eventually went on to solo hike the West Highland Way, just before meeting my now partner of four years in Wetherspoons at the end of my walk — at a time when I felt confident, in control and strong, everything happens for a reason, I believe. Having a partner now means I do hike solo a little less, because I absolutely love hiking with Harvey and find I can push my limits more with the support of another, but I still venture out solo a lot — whether to check out a walking trail for my book, or simply because I need a bit of headspace.

Needless to say, over my time of solo hiking I have picked up some tips along the way and want to share them with you, to hopefully instil some confidence and inspire you to try it for yourself, if and when it feels right for you. I’d firstly like to say that I still sometimes feel a little nervous when heading out for a solo hike — especially when I haven’t done one in a while — and I actually think that’s a good thing. It means I am always aware, have my whits about me, and make better decisions.

So without further ado, here are my solo hiking tips with a video down below…

Route planning & navigation

Even if you usually do long, challenging hikes with other people, I’d really recommend starting with shorter, easier hikes when getting into solo hiking. This is so you can get used to everything from navigating for yourself, carrying everything you need and making decisions without the input of another person. I’d recommend sticking to lower level walks, or routes that you’ve done before and know well so navigating a new route is less of a concern. Of course you still have to pay attention to the route, but you’re likely to remember key sections that take some of the pressure off.

Something else to consider is the weather forecast on the day you choose to head out solo. I always try to choose good visibility days, again to make navigation easier. Getting lost is probably my biggest concern when solo hiking, so ensuring the weather is generally fine and the route is straightforward is a great place to start!

Saying that, having map and compass skills is something I’d consider to be really important when heading out solo hiking, as well as having a digital navigation device as a back-up. I use the OS Explore App and have the Premium Subscription, which means I can download my route or a map of the area in advance and use it to check I’m where I think I am.

Solo hiking the West Highland Way in 2017

Gear & equipment

When solo hiking, you obviously need to be carrying everything you need yourself. This means you need to be really organised and prepared so you don’t forget anything. I always bring loads of spare layers, such as a down jacket, wool headband, spare gloves, socks and waterproofs. Other things I carry are plenty of food and water, navigation equipment, and an emergency bivi bag and first aid kit. Even if you’re hiking with another person, it’s a good idea to carry everything you need personally in case anything happens to the other person or you get separated.

It’s also a good idea to practise carrying your bag so you know where in your bag you want certain things - i.e. items you use a lot should be near the top or in top pockets, while I usually keep things like the emergency bivi bag, spare down jacket and first aid kit in the bottom as I might not need to use them.

You learn from every single hike you do what you want to carry in your backpack and how you want to arrange it, which is why I think it’s a really good idea to start with easier, shorter hikes so when you get onto tougher terrain, you know what you’re doing more.

Safety measures

If you get into trouble in the mountains, the number to call is 999 which will connect you to Mountain Rescue. It’s also the same when you’re on the coast - 999 will connect you to the coastguard. I also always plan escape routes on my hikes, so if for whatever reason I need to cut the route short, I have a few options in place. This might be because of temperamental weather or simply because you’re just not feeling up to it on that day.

I’d also recommend telling at least one person exactly where you are going, what route you are doing and how long you intend to be. That way, if they don’t hear from you, they can contact Mountain Rescue on your behalf (as a worst case scenario).

Something I’m careful not to do is tell a random stranger you might meet in the mountains exactly where I’m doing and what I’m doing. Of course this really varies person to person, but as a general rule it might be worth keeping that information to yourself, especially if you’re in a remote area. This is particularly important as a solo female - I can’t speak for men, but I don’t imagine they would worry as much about someone stalking them in the mountains! For the record, I’ve never had any issues with anyone I’ve met when out walking but there have been maybe 2 or 3 occasions when I’ve been more wary, held back, let them overtake etc. Often I think men aren’t aware that they may be making you feel uncomfortable. In any kind of emergency, you can also press the on/off button on your iPhone 5 times rapidly and it will call 999.

The same rule applies for social media. I usually take photos and videos and post them on Instagram later that day, when I’m home and safe, rather than announcing where I’m going and that I’m solo.

I just want to end by saying that I find solo hiking so empowering; gaining confidence out in the mountains is a wonderful thing, and something I would 100% recommend trying. Fortunately, I have only ever had positive experiences and that’s because I implement all the above tips into my hikes and have also built up my confidence and the length of my solo routes over the past 5 or so years, when I started hiking. Saying that, I did some hikes when I was just starting out that I wouldn’t recommend to a beginner solo hiker but, as mentioned, you learn something new on every hike and each route has lead me to the point I’m at today.

Don’t forget you can check out my Peak District guide which is filled with loads of routes that would be perfect for a solo hiker! I’m also working on my Lake District guide at the moment.