Why Hiking Alone is Good

Most people these days grow up in the cities, surrounded by thousands and thousands of people and buildings taller than trees can ever be.

Even though you can easily be anonymous, you’re still surrounded by people who will give you a hand if you slip over. For lots of people it’s actually a scary idea to be in the middle of the woods, alone, just with themselves, the animals and mother nature.

The Fear of Walking Alone is Irrational

 The biggest enemy of walking alone is our irrational fear of the unknown and being with no one but ourselves. We’re afraid that we’ll get bored. That we won’t enjoy it if we don’t share it with someone.

It’s like being in a marriage for decades and then feeling scared after splitting up. It’s like leaving the safety of your parents’ home before you feel ready. But I reckon you’ve always been ready. You just need to overcome that initial fear and once you open the door, the world’s yours.

Me, hiking the PPT in Montenegro (self-photographed)

It’s similar with runners. The biggest obstacle to going running is the main door of your house. But that’s just an illusion.

The feeling of being alone in the nature often brings me feelings of endless possibilities. I often feel like I can do anything I want. I can become anyone I want. It makes me feel like I’m an actor, not just a spectator. I’m the actor when nobody’s watching, but I’m much more important than the crowd of thousands people.

The Power of Hiking Alone

Hiking alone is a powerful experience and I wish everyone would go for it on regular basis. And I’m not talking about a few hours in a local park. I’m talking about a multi-day hike when you see nothing but forest, hear nothing but birds and when the stars shine so much that you can’t sleep at night.

Amazingly, this very simple experience can give you a much better perspective on life than any holiday package, “inspirational” Youtube video or a music festival. If you are ever interested on How To Enjoy A Foodie Road Trip In Portland check this article and add it to your solo adventures.

Hiking Alone is the Best Therapy Ever

Hiking alone connects your soul more deeply with the nature. You learn to rely completely on yourself and your skills. You learn that all you need is within you and if you’re attentive enough, you’ll bring all of these new experiences back to your everyday life.

Anna, self-photographed during her hike of the Arran Coastal Way

I know that it sounds like airy fairy ideas from a random spiritual guide but well, I think we’re all spiritual people deep down, looking for the meaning behind our meaningless lives.

Being alone in the wild is simply the best therapy ever. It takes away all of your troubles and returns nothing but joy and confidence. If you’re still hesitating as to whether you can do it, I assure you that you can. It’ll make you stronger. Being alone is good. Hiking is good. Hiking alone is good!

About the Author

Michal
I lived a pretty ordinary life for a while. I did my studies, my second studies, my third studies, my first job, my second job, and my third job. I wasn’t really sure what’s going on so, in 2014, I left my home country (Czechia) to learn about the world. I’m still not sure what’s going on but I enjoy it much more. I lived in a few countries before settling in New Zealand.

2 Comments on "Why Hiking Alone is Good"

  1. Marina Davis | 25.1.2019 at 13:31 | Reply

    Great website Michal, love the photos 🙂

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