Ramblers and toilet breaks

Well, the nearest hedge is my go to usually, with DH keeping watch. But I don’t walk with a group and not sure how I’d manage that!!

Buy a Shewee.

I went on a walk yesterday and realised when we got to the meeting point, that there were no public toilets or no other business places around for me to use.
I regretted having my morning coffee before setting off!
I told everyone that I hadn't peed behind a tree since I was six and wasn't going to start again!
Luckily it was a hot day and I walked my bladder empty!
We drove to a local cafe for lunch so only then did I relieve myself. Two and a half hours later!
It was a lovely walk though and gorgeous weather...

I often find I need a wee when out walking. I carry some loo paper and a plastic bag to put the used stuff in for proper disposal later. Then a quick wee behind a hedge is more manageable.

I also have an app on my phone to show where the nearest public loos are - helpful at times but not much use when you're in the middle of a field, of course.

For years, I lead walks for Ramblers and another independent walking club. All walks should have a leader and a back marker who knows the route.

Even a relatively short walk of 4-5 miles should have short stop built in for a drink and a breather, If possible, it should be in a place where people can duck behind a bush or a tree and pee.

If you can't wait, drop to the back of the group, ask the back marker to wait and duck behind whatever’s convenient.

Don’t be embarrassed about it. We all have to go and, whatever you do, don’t not drink so you don’t have to pee. Hydration is very important when walking.

There’s is a bit of mental barrier to get over for women about dropping our pants in a public place but you do get used to free-peeing.

If you can't go behind a tree or whatever, go online and find Portable Female Urinals. Mostly quite cheep, different designs and sizes.

Shein have Emergency Shrinkable Urinals, mens and women's for £4.75.

I hate having to go behind a tree/bush then have the trouble of getting one of my shoes off and dropping my trousers to get a trouser leg off then having to reverse everything when I've finished and as a female I'm nervous of being caught, especially by men so I put a portable in my backpack and just have to unzip my trousers!

This is why I don’t go with dh on his London City walks any more - they’re usually on interesting but off the beaten track routes - you certainly can’t bank on a handy pub or cafe to nip into, and certainly none of the sort of bushes or hedges you can hide behind.

I also recommend a Shewee. You can wee discretely, standing as a man would behind a tree or whatever.

You're lucky if it's only a wee you might need in a hurry

I bought a Shewee and I just got in a terrible mess with it. It did come with some pee bols, though, which I found much better to use ( little plastic bags with crystals in). I can’t crouch down these days because of my knees so crouching behind bushes is no longer possible for me. I find that wearing Tena pads seems to give me confidence to go much longer without needing a wee. And leggings are much easier to pull down quickly; no messing about with zips and buttons.I had a terrible problem with needing a wee all the time several years ago and for some reason at that time we kept being stuck in traffic jams on motorways but it turned out to be due to atrophy and when that was treated I was much better. I also drink decaffeinated tea and coffee if I’m travelling. I did see a special bottle type thing advertised in the Easylife catalogue but when I tried to order one to keep in the car they were out of stock. I still have nightmares about one traffic jam were were in in which we were diverted into the middle lane of the motorway so I couldn’t even get out onto the hard shoulder ( it had been the clearest run ever; I’d just said that, too; we turned a corner and there it was). The worst traffic jam I ‘ve ever been in.

Toilet provision in this country is terrible.

Silverbrooks

For years, I lead walks for Ramblers and another independent walking club. All walks should have a leader and a back marker who knows the route.

Even a relatively short walk of 4-5 miles should have short stop built in for a drink and a breather, If possible, it should be in a place where people can duck behind a bush or a tree and pee.

If you can't wait, drop to the back of the group, ask the back marker to wait and duck behind whatever’s convenient.

Don’t be embarrassed about it. We all have to go and, whatever you do, don’t not drink so you don’t have to pee. Hydration is very important when walking.

There’s is a bit of mental barrier to get over for women about dropping our pants in a public place but you do get used to free-peeing.

Oh what a lovely, encouraging message, thankyou so much. I really do have a weak bladder, it’s the bane of my otherwise brilliant life. Was hoping to find walks during the day with some retired folk who will perhaps be empathetic. Will certainly look up the suggestions online. Really appreciate the replies

You are welome. You will get used to how things work.

If you are nervous about this (and nerves make us want to pee even more), when the walk leader points out who the back marker will be, go and have a quiet word and say you may need stop. They will understand.

Don’t worry if it’s man or a woman. Men in mature walking groups may have prostate issues and need to go frequently themselves.

The back marker will stay close by and make sure you have privacy. They will keep an eye out for other walkers and curious dogs.

I’m inclined to tie a jacket or a sweater around my middle so that it flaps down while my pants are down and hides the moon. I don’t want Google satellites beaming that to the internet!

First time you free pee you may find nothing wants to come out despite knowing you need to go. That’s because it feels unnatural at first. Ask the back marker to whistle if that helps. Honestly, I’ve seen and heard it all before. You will have a giggle over it.

You might even find in time that walking helps tone up the muscles that control bladder function, and as you get fitter, less fat (if you have any to lose) pressing on internal organs.

Don’t let this dissuade you from joining in and enjoying a lovely social activity.

Whitewavemark2

Well, the nearest hedge is my go to usually, with DH keeping watch. But I don’t walk with a group and not sure how I’d manage that!!

I know of two ladies from a walking group in Lincolnshire who were recently fined for doing exactly that. Apparently they were in contravention of a local bylaw.

I live in the Lake District and walk a lot. Frequently have wild wees! Just hide behind a wall or tree or whatever and have a quick pee! You'll soon get to be very proficient at it!

sodapop

Whitewavemark2

Well, the nearest hedge is my go to usually, with DH keeping watch. But I don’t walk with a group and not sure how I’d manage that!!

I know of two ladies from a walking group in Lincolnshire who were recently fined for doing exactly that. Apparently they were in contravention of a local bylaw.

Are there notices to warn?😮 Only I walk all over the country when on holiday and never thought about bylaws when having a wee.

I’ve never seen one tbh.

It sounds as if I’m weeing everywhere😄😄. But I’m not - always very grateful to find a suitable facility.

Who was watching the ladies? Was it a peeping Tom. Isn’t that illegal?

Sorry don't know any more details except they were each fined £150.

I always find a tree
Once I ducked behind a tree up an incline thinking how clever I was to hide from the walkers, half way through my wee I looked up and there was another path above me with lots of walkers viewing my ‘private’ side of the tree trunk

Homestead62

Toilet provision in this country is terrible.

Well, you wouldn't expect to find plumbed-in flushable loos with mains sewers and hot water in the handbasins along a country lane several miles into the countryside from the nearest hamlet.

My granny was once out for a walk and needed a wee, so popped behind a wall. When she finished, she heard clapping - only to turn round and see a field full of tattie pickers behind her!

Nightmare! But good advice on here. It was tricky during lockdowns when cafes were closed.

I must have a bladder of cast iron. Go on longish walks regularly but never feel the need. Just as well as my knees wouldn’t take the strain.

mumofmadboys

I live in the Lake District and walk a lot. Frequently have wild wees! Just hide behind a wall or tree or whatever and have a quick pee! You'll soon get to be very proficient at it!

Always done this, for years.

Basically, my mum was practical, unembarrassed, so we all started as children I'm so glad.

And urban places without a loo if there is cover, I'll take advantage.

But.....I can actually squat which helps.

Out in the countryside I was prepared to do "the other" back in the day if its moorland, rocks, gullies, places no one would go, cover up with ferns/grass, but IBS, work on picking times and places and when I eat, to work around, as when you've got to go...

A walk of four miles isn’t a long time, if you empty your bladder before you set off, but if nature calls a tinkle in the bushes does the trick.😄