Our hiking tips for solo women

Fed up with your daily life, the pollution, all those people on public transport? Do you want to get some fresh air, drop everything and go to the other side of the world? We understand! There are times like this when we’d be ready to do anything. What if we stayed realistic while still having fun? Of course, it’s not always easy to embark on a trip as a solo woman, et alone a hike. However, it’s an activity accessible to everyone, even those without much experience. Here are some tips to get you started safely.

Why choose to hike alone when you are a woman?

There are several reasons why women choose to hike solo. First of all, it allows them to refocus on themselves and clear their minds. Indeed, nature and the magnificent landscapes have a calming effect and allow them to get to know themselves better. Moreover, it is an opportunity to push themselves and get out of their comfort zone. Many women try the adventure every year and continue to do so because they love it so much. It must be said that solo hiking is an intimate moment that we experience with ourselves, and that does a lot of good for the body and the mind. We allow ourselves to clear our minds, to let ourselves be carried away by daydreaming, contemplation, or even meditation because the great outdoors is an ideal playground to propel us to another planet. The French Hiking Federation counts an average of 65% of women as licensed members, and the figure only increases each year.

How to hike alone? 6 tips for getting started with solo hiking

Hiking is a great way to exercise and enjoy nature, and you don’t have to wait for someone to accompany you and head out on your trip. More and more women are choosing to hike alone, and it’s entirely possible if you follow a few basic rules. Here’s our checklist:

1. Select the hike you want to do in advance and study the route. Choose a hike that suits your physical condition.
2. Share your itinerary with a friend so they know where you are going hiking.
3. Download a hiking app to easily retrace your steps if you get lost
4. Prepare a light backpack with the essentials inside: a warm change of clothes (merino wool is the best!), food (special mention for dried fruit and cereal bars: they are nutritious, light and take up little space), water, a survival blanket, a plastic bag to keep your things dry as well as your mobile phone and an external battery
5. Check the weather before you leave, and make sure the conditions are good.
6. Take the marked hiking trails and do not stray from the beaten track.

Which hike should I choose to start?

Many hikes suit all levels and tastes. If you want to start gently, we recommend choosing a hike in an easily accessible setting close to home. Choose short hikes with elevation changes of between 300 and 400 meters maximum and lasting 2 to 3 hours, round trip. I can see you coming, you’re thinking that there are no hikes near you, that you live in a place that is not suited to the discipline. No need to live in the mountains or along the coast to hike regularly. A multitude of hiking trails are accessible throughout France to try short hikes, day hikes, or even roaming hikes. There is a good hiking app that allows you to find the best routes near you: Visorando. It is very easy to use and above all, it offers hikes for all levels.

How to dress for a hike as a solo woman?

Clothing for solo hiking as a woman requires special attention. The choice of clothing must be both practical and comfortable, while also taking into account the weather conditions.

• The basics: Choose technical clothing that wicks away perspiration and dries quickly. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture. Instead, opt for materials like polyester or Merinowool.
• The three-layer system: this is the golden rule for dressing for hiking. The first layer (or base layer) is designed to wick away perspiration. The second layer is designed to provide warmth. Finally, the third layer protects against external elements (wind, rain).
• Footwear: Footwear is essential. Choose hiking boots that provide good ankle support to prevent ankle sprains. Make sure they’re waterproof and comfortable.
• Accessories: Don’t forget a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, sunglasses, and a scarf or neck warmer to protect yourself from the cold and wind.

Don’t forget to test your outfit before setting out to ensure its comfort and functionality. There are many lightweight, practical, and comfortable outfits available for women’s hiking today, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to your hiking gear.

Where to go hiking?

Some ideas for destinations where you can hike alone in France

No need to travel the entire globe and take all your RTTs to recharge your batteries. France has some stunning places that can make you dream and transport you to another world. Here’s our little triptych of places to go hiking:

• The Alps, a must-see destination in both summer and winter, is a destination that has nothing to prove. In winter, you can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, but accommodations may still cost you a bit. In summer, however, you can go there with your eyes closed!
• Mercantour: sublime in summer, with few people around, it’s the perfect place to isolate yourself, walk for hours, even days, and enjoy your green break!
• Brittany: In another twist, Brittany also offers its share of natural wonders. Brutal, abrupt, and wild, Brittany, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, is a region of character not to be missed.

City dwellers, have you ever thought about hiking in your city and discovering its every nook and cranny? If it reassures you, you can hike alone but in the middle of the crowd. To do this, many IGN maps are available on the Internet or in sports stores in your region and list the different long-distance hiking routes. You can choose to do a short loop on one of these hikes to have your first experience of walking. On the outskirts of Paris , for example, you will find many short hiking routes that you would not even suspect. Head for the Chevreuse Valley in Saint-Rémy-les-Chevreuses, the vineyards of the Marne Valley, the Fontainebleau forest, or the Vexin Regional NaturalPark .

Where to go walking for 3 days?

You’ve gained confidence on short hikes and want to move on to backpacking, meaning you’re venturing out on a long hike. Before choosing your destination, you must first make sure you have the right hiking gear. The top priority is your feet and backpack. You must make sure you have comfortable gear that you feel comfortable in. There’s nothing worse than getting blisters on your feet when you embark on such an adventure. Once you’ve addressed this point, it’s high time to find the right destination. If you want to go on a three-day hike alone, you have several destinations to choose from:

• The Tour du Mont Blanc: This is the Haute-Savoie hiking trail that you shouldn’t miss if you’re passing through. This hiking trail is very popular and doesn’t require a lot of skill.
• The Loire Valley trails: the GR3 takes you on a journey through the Loire Valley châteaux to discover French heritage. The route is very pleasant and lulled by birdsong.
• The Way of St. James: There are several starting points throughout France. We believe it’s best to begin your three-day hike at one of the starting points in France. The most well-known of all is Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the Spanish border. The advantage is that if you’re so inclined, you can continue part of your route each year and set yourself the goal of completing your journey.
• The Pyrenees, Gavarnie side: 3 days and 3 glacial cirques just for you. From Troumouse to Gavarnie via Estaubé, you’ll feel small amid these majestic settings.
• The Basque coast between Bayonne and Hendaye: The coastal path offers breathtaking views, especially from the Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye areas. And what better way to regain your strength than by combining physical exercise with local gastronomy?

Hiking alone in the mountains: solo bivouacking as a woman: is it serious?

Fear doesn’t prevent danger, but it’s possible to find out about potential dangers in advance. Bivouacking is an extension of the hike. It’s often the cherry on the cake or the reward upon arrival. Why deprive yourself of it? Why should a woman deprive herself of it more than a man? A single woman can bivouac after a solo hike. The key is to be aware of the many dangers of nature and adapt as best as possible. We often imagine what could happen to us if we spent a night alone in nature because,I n reality, what’s scary is the unknown: the sounds of nature that we know little about, the night in the middle of nowhere, wild animals that we don’t encounter in everyday life, insects… In short, we realize that our limiting thoughts often take up too much space in our minds. There are many bivouac areas when hiking in the mountains. Mountain huts have adjoining areas for hikers passing through. And the big plus is that they often have public restrooms. You can,therefore,e choose to pitch your tent in these areas, near other hikers if that reassures you, before attempting the great adventure solo.

Some examples of inspiring blogs by women hikers

If yoo want to go hiking but yon’t feel ready to go alone yet, here are some examples of blogs by women hikers that might inspire you:

• A dreamer’s wanderer : Nathalie is passionate about her native Brittany, but also and above all about hiking in France.
• Geonauts : Enora and Candie are passionate about travel, hiking, and outdoor sports. Their blog is full of valuable advice for women new to hiking.
• Chloé’s World: Take off immediately for Reunion Island and all its hiking and trekking trails. Chloé is a passionate traveler who shares her island’s itineraries with you and much more!
• Flip-flop Stories:A strid is a nomad in search of new adventures and challenges. She’s also the bible of hiking for women. Her adventures may give you some ideas.

How can you find someone to hike with if you’re not up for solo hiking? Try hiking in a group!

You’ve decided to go hiking, but ultimately, you don’t want to do it alone. There are several ways to find someone to share this moment with. You can register on hiking websites and post ads on forums or Facebook groups dedicated to hiking. You can also download a mobile application to connect with other outdoor and hiking enthusiasts like Adventurer. And if that’s not enough, what better way to register with the French Hiking Federation. It’s a good way to make hiking your sport and your daily leitmotif. The goal is ,bove all, to succeed in practicing the sport that excites you every day!