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Country roads, walking them

(10 Posts)
tanith Sun 05-Apr-26 13:36:11

We live on the outskirts of a market town with access to footpaths and small country roads without paths. Now the the fields are dry enough to walk we want to do circuitous walks rather than there and back but it means walking on the verge of several roads. They are roads that lead to hamlets or farms so not very busy but im nervous of walking along them.
Does anyone do this as a regular thing and is it ok as long we are careful to face traffic and wear bright clothes?

Septimia Sun 05-Apr-26 13:47:18

There are no paths along the lanes where we live and there are parts of them which are narrow with high banks. I've always tried to avoid those bits. Some of our lanes we just stroll along the middle!

I would suggest that you decide which of the roads seem safer for walking along as part of your circuit, then proceed with caution, listen for vehicles; and face the oncoming traffic and wear bright clothes as you say.

Take care and enjoy your walks.

foxie48 Sun 05-Apr-26 13:51:45

I live in such an area and have to use country lanes to link up with footpaths when walking my dog. I always face the oncoming traffic and wear a bright colour but if there is a bend ahead with a high hedge obscuring my view of the road and the view of oncoming traffic of me, I will cross to the other side just for that bit of the lane. We don't get much traffic but it can be travelling too quickly (IMO) for safety and because the lanes are narrow, on bends drivers often hug the edge and without a pavement, it can be a bit dangerous for pedestrians. Just take care and be aware, I'm sure you'll be fine and watch out for bikes!

butterandjam Sun 05-Apr-26 13:57:23

Don't rely on other people to keep you safe outside the home. That's your responsibility and your judgement call, just like safety inside the home. Keep your wits about you.

I walk lonely country roads , and verges, pat unknown dogs, greet and chat to strangers, go out alone after dark, get wet in the rain.

Gwyllt Sun 05-Apr-26 14:06:49

I walk with a small group of friends sometimes it is unavoidable to walk on a busy road. I tend to take a stick as balance can be a bit iffy since my heart op. I usually go in front as motorists seem to be far more cautious and slow down if I walk in front with my stick on the roadside

eazybee Sun 05-Apr-26 14:08:19

The lanes surrounding the village where I live have few verges and high hedges. I Always face oncoming traffic, but there are dangerous places where the hedge grows over the road. I stand still if I hear approaching traffic, and am too old to go out walking in the dark. When driving, runners are a hazard as they seem to favour dark clothing and appear at speed, or lag behind the main group and appear unexpectedly after the group has passed.

AGAA4 Sun 05-Apr-26 14:12:40

I live in a rural area and have to walk on country roads with no pavement.
I usually stop if I see or hear a car and keeping as far into the verge as I can I face the driver.
I wouldn't walk along them at night as not much street lighting.

henetha Sun 05-Apr-26 14:35:39

I'm down a long country lane and plenty of people do walk around here. It's really important to wear clothes that can be seen, or a high vis vest.

tanith Sun 05-Apr-26 14:36:18

Thankyou everyone your incites give me reassurance and confidence to just do it. Carefully!

Luckygirl3 Sun 05-Apr-26 15:07:51

I have no choice but to walk on a country lane if I want to go for a walk without first taking my car.

It is a bit of a lottery, especially when the tractors are out in force, but as others have said - wear light clothing or HV, keep to the safe side of the road facing oncoming traffic on bends.