I hate walking on my own

Don't remind me !
A neighbour and I had promised ourselves that rain/hail or snow we would do a daily walk around the block with her dog. I was quite excited at the prospect of keeping on the move and had geared myself up with this ongoing exercise.
Then the unthinkable happened----her dog died. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Sorry about the dog obviously but if that wasn't Sod's Law I don't know what was.

She wouldn't walk without her dog and I won't walk around the block on my own, people would think I'd gone crackers altogether seeing me go past their windows in all weathers.

I downloaded, 'Cranford' then old recordings of 'Round the horn'. They helped a bit. Made me laugh out loud at times which must have been disconcerting to passers by.

Not at all, I love walking on my own and can't really think of anywhere I wouldn't go. Used to love walking my old dog across the fields and woods and I do miss him now he's gone. I'm never happier than when I'm on my own.

I walk on my own most days although DH comes along some times. The walks are always different routes around our village and are very boring but necessary for exercise. I'm currently writing another novel so I spend the time planning what is going to happen to my characters. This morning I decided to kill one of them off so tomorrow I'll work out how it's to be done. Well, it passes the time even if it is weird.

Oh I agree, I love walking and used to walk miles in the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales when we lived in the UK. I lost my husband last year and the trouble is that wherever I go it is very painful by myself and it's difficult to find somewhere locally that I didn't walk with him. I have thought about a dog but don't want the responsibility.

I walk with 3 friends, all at different times, plus with my daughter when she has time .... and it is nicer to walk and chat. However, once a week I do go alone, and I have set Trail around our village where I feel safe as many others do the same.

Have a look at the walking4health groups. I belong to one that meets several times in the week for a one hour social ramble, most people go once a week, some only once a fortnight. Very good fun, led - so safe and very easy - they measure them in one - (easy) to 3 (can be muddy and a bit tougher) boots !! I suggest a 1/2 boot walk at first

I don't know if this would help but I found that when my husband and I separated I found I was self conscious walking round local parks on my own. One day I decided to take my
camera with me and somehow it felt so much easier walking round taking photos. I was a "photographer" not a "woman on her own".

I always feel there has to be a “purpose” to a walk - either the dog, serious exercise (Nordic poles!) or the scenery, or for company.

After we lost my childhood dog, my father would sling his 35mm camera round his neck when he went out for a walk - occasionally took pictures too!

Crossed posts SueL - great minds think alike!

Oh Cabbie21
I feel exactly the same! I have struggled with this throughout lockdown - DH a big walker preferring hills which I hate, and having little patience with my struggling if we go out together, so he ave felt trapped. Like you I'm not 'doggie' so end up feeling like a spare part if I go and walk alone somewhere flat. My current solution is to tackle fitness with the gym and Pilates and the being outside part with gardening. Lone woman walkers do go off into the countryside here to walk, but often with a dog. No solutions I'm afraid by lots of empathy!

We've met so many people just by dog walking

We had a socially distanced picnic in the woods.

The dogs weren't great at socially distancing mind you

One of the regulars was alone due to hospitalisation of partner so she joined with us

We're now great friends along with numerous others

I love walking on my own. I walk around our local area daily and just about everyday I drive 10 minutes to our local beach ⛱ and walk just about the full length, about an hour. It's so invigorating. The more you do it the more you'll look forward to it.....

We have neighbours in their ( mid to late 70s ). Every week they go out for a walk of about 4-6 miles. There is a little group 3-6 of them. They are all about the same standard of walking. They met at church. If you are on social media put up a ‘does anyone know of a walking group’ - and then your specifications. I often see on the local fb page people of all ages wanting a group to walk with. Some with preschool children, others with dogs just not wanting to go alone and older people too. Good luck with your search.

Our local chiropractor organised walking groups before Covid, not sure if they are still doing it, but that might be worth investigating?

Have only just picked up on walking alone theme. I do it every morning along my canal bank. People do speak especially the regulars which is good as I live alone having lost my husband 13 years ago.

I’m involved with our local Walking for Health group and I agree with other comments that this would be appropriate for you. The whole premise of the group is to encourage people who aren’t too active to enjoy walking so the leaders always accommodate the slowest walkers and any health conditions including starting and ending near loos. We walk for about 90 mins close to the town but other groups do less I believe. If anyone doesn’t want to do the full walk or needs to drop out one of the leaders makes sure they’re safely back to where they need to be. There are lots of single people in the group and I’ve made many new friends. Our group is on hold at present due to Covid, so there may not be a group active near you just at the moment, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

I love walking on my own. I don't need to slow down, or speed up, for others. There's no effort to make conversation or fit in with other's priorities. I can decide where to go in the moment.

I'd second the idea of walking a dog. Many people would like their pets walked. The regular commitment to walk mine, twice a day, has been very good for me - both physically and mentally!

I know exactly how you feel. When I suddenly had to retire from work due to back problems, I decided to go walking to the places sis and I go to. I felt terrible, like Billy no mates. It was so depressing. There is a smartly dressed lady who walks purposefully around our town every day. I know she isn't going anywhere and it makes me sad.

The company of a dog is great. When my last one died I still went for my walks, but it wasn't the same, I felt lonely. I rescued another one and now I'm out walking locally or taking her further afield in the car for a change of scenery. She lying snoozing at the minute after our long Sunday morning one. They are great company and a great reason to go out for walks.

I feel just the same. DH walks but they are Walks with a capital W! ie. 5 miles plus at a cracking pace haha. We have a NT house and garden nearby and I feel safer there and there are things to look at in garden. Cafe is open too but I’ve not tried that yet. We are members so can go as often as I like but have to book at moment so that spontaneity has gone... Our local garden centre has a biggish garden too so that can be nice.

Crack on with it is my suggestion. I dont like walking alone either but dragged myself out when lockdown began. I've since acquired several companions who may or may not want to walk too. We meet and greet others on our way and while we don't want any formal organisation, we are happy to share the experience some of the time. I'm now happy to walk in my own if there is no one available. Put your shoes on & set off. Companions will appear.

Have a look on your local Council's website. Most run walking groups, although they're restricted right now. I'm a volunteer walk leader for both our Council & the Dr's surgery. I've just started doing small group walks, with five other walkers. The Ramblers are also starting up. It's a great thing to be doing, at anytime. It's been a life saver for me.......

I too am nervous about walking alone in woods and country lanes but I make myself do it in the morning. I do 5000 steps twice a day, I find breaking it up easier. Morning along the country lanes and evening around the estate. Both take me an hour and I mostly manage to enjoy it although my back gives me severe pain at times. Doctors advise is has to be done to stay subtle or you will cease up. argh.
We have a lovely walking for Health group too and a private walking group I walked with for years, both however walk too fast for me now, without any stops, I can't keep up and often need to sit down several times. I sit on anything just for 5 minutes break. Make it part of your day and try to make it enjoyable. I allow myself some liquorice whilst walking which I love, so I look forward to my treats. Good luck

I am with so many of you here.
I have always had a dog or dogs, now as much as I miss a dog, I fear I am too old to take one on, to give it the attention any dog deserves, so since Lockup I have been walking on my own, well before also..

I feel conspicuous, so count the other people also on their own, I feel there is something wrong with me, being alone.
silly I know.

I am fortunate in that there is a small, well treed, ie. planted area nearby, I don`t want to pound the pavements.

sometimes people with say Hello, I find first thing in the morning people seem more inclined to speak, so I do NOT at all fancy a walk with crowds,, even with someone else, cos different speed and different lengths of ability..

so guess we just have to persevere and it will become the norm?