Seven years ago, under the golden embrace of a sunny September sky, I embarked on my inaugural solo hike. That summer had been a blur of relentless domesticity, a chaotic symphony of feeding and ferrying four boisterous teenagers and their equally energetic friends. Exhaustion had settled deep in my bones, yet paradoxically, my body had remained largely static. What I craved, more than anything, was time—uninterrupted, unburdened time—to move at my own chosen rhythm, to walk in silence, and to lose myself in the profound quietude of an empty wilderness. Yet, a tremor of apprehension accompanied my yearning. It wasn’t the solitude itself that unnerved me; rather, it was the chilling prospect of unforeseen dangers in the absence of companionship: a fractured limb on a remote trail, a menacing encounter with an unwelcome stranger, the sudden charge of a territorial bull, or the disorienting terror of being fatally lost. While the pragmatic choice might have been to seek out a hiking partner or join an organized group, my profound need for silence and self-determined pace ultimately eclipsed these very real fears. This internal tug-of-war, a common narrative among women, highlights the compelling draw of solo adventure against a backdrop of societal conditioning and genuine safety concerns. Indeed, my experience resonates with a burgeoning global trend. Data reveals a significant surge in women embracing solo hiking, transforming what was once a niche pursuit into a mainstream movement. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the proportion of women undertaking solo hikes remarkably increased by 27% between 2020 and 2022. Across the Atlantic, in America, a substantial 41% of female hikers report regularly venturing out alone, according to research from the Adventure Travel Trade Association. These statistics underscore a powerful shift towards self-reliance and independent exploration. However, despite this rising tide of empowerment, a significant barrier remains: intimidation. Researchers at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, who have extensively studied solo female walkers, found that a notable 30% of women interviewed expressed a strong desire to hike solo but were held back by hesitation and fear. This gap between aspiration and action points to the need for greater encouragement, practical guidance, and a dismantling of myths surrounding solo female travel. The notion of women wandering radically alone through wild landscapes is far from a modern invention. History is replete with examples of women who, driven by faith, necessity, or an unquenchable spirit of adventure, have long embraced solo journeys. From medieval religious pilgrims traversing ancient routes to resilient goat herders navigating rugged terrain, and the intrepid 19th-century female adventurers like Isabella Bird who explored the American West and Asia, or Mary Wollstonecraft who journeyed solo through Scandinavia, a rich, albeit often overlooked, tradition of female solo walking exists. These historical figures serve as powerful reminders that the desire for independent exploration is deeply ingrained, challenging the contemporary narrative that portrays solo female travel as inherently perilous or unusual. For those new to this liberating practice, my counsel is simple yet profound: the most effective way to conquer fear is to confront it head-on. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a set of straightforward strategies that transform the potentially daunting into a genuinely enjoyable and enriching experience. My initial solo venture, tracing the serene banks of a French canal, was undeniably beautiful but at times felt disconcertingly isolated, bereft of essential facilities, and frequently culminated in a lengthy and complicated journey to my accommodation. This learning curve proved invaluable in refining my approach to route selection. Now, my research is meticulous, focusing on routes that offer a harmonious blend of challenge, accessibility, and safety. I actively avoid discomfort-inducing stretches of urban wasteland, instead gravitating towards wide-open landscapes such as ridgeways, dramatic cliff paths, and expansive hilltops, which are personal favourites. Excellently waymarked and well-maintained national trails are paramount, minimizing navigational stress and ensuring a clear path forward. Routes that are inherently navigation-lite, following the natural contours of rivers, the vibrant arteries of canals, or the majestic sweep of coastlines, are also highly favoured. Furthermore, I prioritize countries and regions with a deeply ingrained tradition of hiking, as this often translates into better infrastructure, more visible trail users, and a cultural understanding that welcomes walkers. The meticulous planning has consistently paid dividends. Each journey concludes with a profound sense of exhilaration, a renewed vitality, and a quiet pride born of self-reliance. I’ve honed the ability to discern and avoid trails where an underlying sense of unease might prevail. Crucially, I’ve come to understand which landscapes resonate most deeply with me, offering solace and calm, and which trails are, for all practical purposes, almost impossible to lose my way on. This intuitive connection with the land, developed through repeated solo exploration, is a powerful aspect of the experience. For the past seven years, my annual ritual has been a solo hike each autumn. This season, with its unique charm and temperate conditions, truly is the perfect canvas for a liberating, empowering, and deeply restorative solo adventure. The falling leaves, a vibrant tapestry underfoot, simultaneously improve visibility and reduce the density of foliage, offering clearer sightlines. Temperatures are typically pleasant, striking a comfortable balance between summer’s heat and winter’s chill. The days remain sufficiently long, ensuring ample daylight to reach my destination before dusk, a crucial safety consideration. Importantly, autumn trails strike an ideal balance: there are enough other walkers around to offer a sense of community and reassurance, yet without the overwhelming summer hordes, allowing for genuine moments of solitude. The landscape itself, bathed in autumnal crispness and a riot of rich, warm colours, provides a stunning backdrop for introspection and connection with nature. For those contemplating their first solo foray, a single day hike serves as an ideal initiation, allowing you to test the waters and build confidence. Should you aspire to multi-day adventures, consider the practical luxury of luggage transportation services, which lighten your load and simplify logistics. Alternatively, specialist tour operators can meticulously plot your route, arrange accommodation, and manage bag transfers, offering a structured yet independent experience. Otherwise, the mantra is to pack as lightly as possible, a skill honed over time. Essential gear includes a non-digital map (a reliable backup to technology), a stick or walking poles for stability and defence, and most critically, informing someone of your precise route and anticipated arrival time. Before setting off, diligently study every facet of your chosen route, including transport options to and from the trailheads, and a thorough check of weather forecasts. FOUR GREAT ROUTES FOR SOLO HIKERS The Bernese Oberland, Switzerland The majestic Swiss Alps hold a special place in my heart as a preferred destination for solo walking. Switzerland boasts a strong culture of female solo hikers, meaning that a woman venturing alone attracts no undue attention, fostering a sense of normalcy and acceptance. The waymarking across the country is unparalleled, with meticulously maintained trails and clear signage that significantly reduces navigational anxiety. Beyond the practicalities, the scenery is simply jaw-dropping—a dramatic panorama of towering peaks, pristine lakes, and verdant valleys. This is a nation deeply rooted in farming and hiking traditions, ensuring a consistent presence of people and, reassuringly, a reliable phone signal, providing a safety net without detracting from the sense of wildness. Yet, paradoxically, the sheer scale of the mountainous terrain often imparts a profound sense of genuine wilderness and solitude. While the Bernese Oberland, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be inundated with tourists during the peak summer months, an autumn visit reveals a calmer, more reflective landscape. Here, you walk not just in nature, but in the historical footsteps of countless 19th-century women who, like Mathilde Blind, came specifically to hike alone. Base yourself in the charming, car-free villages of Wengen or Mürren, and anticipate delightful discoveries like rustic farm-cafes offering homemade cakes and honesty boxes in even the remotest of spots, a testament to Swiss trust and community spirit. The extensive network of trains, cable cars, and gondolas also offers incredible flexibility and accessibility for various difficulty levels. The South Downs Way, England From Eastbourne To Kingston, near Lewes Time 2 days Distance 19 miles The United Kingdom is crisscrossed with a wealth of beautifully maintained national trails, but the South Downs Way consistently tops my list for its expansive views and unequivocally clear signposting. While the iconic clifftop stretch from Eastbourne to Alfriston pulsates with tourists in summer, autumn transforms it into a serene experience, where panoramic vistas of the dazzling English Channel and dramatic chalk cliffs are shared with only a handful of local dog walkers and fellow ramblers. This 100-mile National Trail, tracing ancient pathways, offers more than just breathtaking scenery; it’s steeped in history, passing Iron Age hill forts and charming villages. Just a few steps off the main trail, cultural gems await. Explore the picturesque village of Alfriston, visit Charleston Farmhouse—the captivating museum home of the Bloomsbury set—or journey to Rodmell, where you can delve into the world of Virginia Woolf at Monk’s House. These cultural interludes ensure that while you achieve glorious solitude, you never feel completely disconnected from civilization or rich human history. The rolling chalk downs provide a gentle challenge, and the sense of space is truly invigorating. The Cleveland Way, England From Saltburn To Filey Time 4 days Distance 52 miles As the UK’s second official national trail, the Cleveland Way holds a special distinction, synonymous with exceptional maintenance, exemplary signage, and consistently glorious scenery. This horseshoe-shaped route offers a captivating duality, encompassing both dramatic coastline and windswept moorlands. While the moorland sections can feel bleakly exposed and challenging in inclement weather, making them better suited for experienced hikers, the four-day coastal stretch from Saltburn to Filey presents an ideal option for solo adventurers. This section is dotted with quirky towns and picturesque fishing villages like Staithes, Runswick Bay, and the iconic Whitby, offering frequent opportunities for rest, refreshment, and social interaction. Being in Yorkshire, expect a warm welcome and plenty of convivial conversation with passing walkers, a delightful blend for the solo hiker who yearns for immersion in nature without feeling utterly isolated. The rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping sea views create a romantically windswept atmosphere—an intoxicating experience that perfectly balances solitude with the occasional human connection. The trail’s distinct geology and rich maritime history further enrich the journey, offering layers of discovery. The Fishermen’s Trail, Southern Portugal From Praia da Luz To Sagres Time 3 days Distance 27 miles The Fishermen’s Trail, part of the larger Rota Vicentina, is a captivating coastal path that is simply too hot to tackle during the relentless glare of summer. However, my experience in November revealed the route in its prime: temperatures were perfectly temperate, the Atlantic waters still invitingly warm for a refreshing swim, and the trail itself populated by a pleasant number of fellow solo female hikers, fostering a subtle sense of camaraderie. This route offers a dynamic hiking experience, blending sections of exhilarating rocky scrambling—enough to make one feel suitably youthful and agile—with abundant sandy coves, perfect for impromptu siestas or peaceful contemplation. Tracing a chain of old fishing villages, the trail provides not only stunning natural beauty but also convenient, inexpensive accommodation options and a gastronomic delight of fresh seafood. Like many sea-hugging routes, the Fishermen’s Trail is, for the most part, wonderfully navigation-proof: simply follow the breathtaking coastline. This intuitive navigation allows for deeper immersion in the landscape, from the unique coastal flora and fauna to the rhythmic crash of waves, truly allowing the solo hiker to feel "for once, truly free." I’ll conclude with the powerful words of writer Mathilde Blind, who, at the tender age of 19, walked alone through the Bernese Oberland in 1860, sans phone, GPS, or the modern comforts of a sports bra or waterproof trousers: "For once I felt truly free." Her sentiment echoes across centuries, resonating with the enduring allure of solo exploration and the profound sense of liberation it bestows upon women. Annabel Abbs is the author of The Walking Cure and Windswept: Why Women Walk. She was a guest of InnTravel on its Coastal Algarve and Fishermen’s Trail route, and of MACS Adventures on its Highlights of the Bernese Oberland route. 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