7 Tips for Your First Solo Adventure

Solo adventures can be daunting, especially if you're setting off on one for the first time.

Nobody to consult with in tricky moments, nobody to blame when you get lost, nobody else's snacks to share…

The greater the challenge, the greater the reward though.

There's something amazing about knowing you can rely on yourself 100%. It builds a confidence that's hard to come by elsewhere. Forced to trust your own judgement, you soon realise how capable you are. At the least, you'll quickly figure out the gaps in your knowledge.

There are a few extra things you'll want to consider when going it alone though. Follow our top tips to stay safe and get the most out of your next solo adventure…

Top tips for solo adventures

1. Start small

If going solo represents a big step outside of your comfort zone, then be conservative with your other choices. Plan a route in a familiar area, perhaps shorter than you're used to, on terrain you're comfortable with.

2. Always tell someone your route

This is the number one rule of solo travel and one we can't emphasise enough.

Tell somebody where you're going, your planned route and expected return time. It's helpful to have a 'get worried' time too, e.g. "I should be finished by 4pm, but get worried if you haven't heard from me by 7pm".

It can be helpful to put this information on a note in your car (if you've driven to the start) and some accommodation providers will keep a log of expected arrivals and intended routes too. This is especially part of the culture in mountain huts, for instance in the Alps.

The whole plot of 127 Hours could have been avoided by following this rule!

3. Plan an escape route

It can be reassuring to have an escape route identified. A route that isn't fully committing and which can be cut short if the weather turns, the terrain isn't what you expected or you're just not feeling it. That could mean a way to shorten the loop or a place you can pick up public transport.

4. Pack for the worst

The best case scenario for emergency kit is that it remains at the bottom of your bag untouched. Carrying it will give you some peace of mind though, and it could really help you out if the day doesn't go to plan.

Safety essentials for solo travel

Spare layers — carry one more layer than you think you need. If you do get injured or have to stop for a prolonged period, you'll be amazed how cold you get once you're still.

Waterproofs — this might be somewhat climate and country dependent, but even on the most amazingly forecast day in the UK we probably wouldn't head out without at least a waterproof jacket. This can count as that spare layer too.

Emergency shelter — you can get emergency bivvy bags smaller than the palm of your hand which are great for trail running and ultra light adventures, or more robust shelters if you're heading into extreme conditions.

Headtorch — even if you're sure you'll be back before nightfall. Just in case.

Navigation back-up — a combination of a paper map and compass and a fully charged mobile phone with your route loaded into a navigation app means you're sorted if one fails. Phone batteries are notoriously rubbish in cold weather and a map can always blow away in the wind.

Emergency snack — ideally something you don't like very much, so you're not tempted to eat it in a non-emergency.

Basic first aid kit — some combination of plasters/dressings, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters, antihistamines and pain relief should keep you semi-comfortable on the trail.

Water filter or purification tablets — especially in warm weather, make sure you can sanitise water on the go. We love filtering options like the Water-to-Go bottles, but a simple pack of purification tablets will help in a pinch.

5. Expect the best

All the talk of safety and emergencies can start to sound a bit fear-mongery. Chances are you'll never need to use your emergency kit or 'get worried' time and you'll just have a brilliant time.

Expect the best from your adventure. Knowing you can plan an adventure without waiting around for somebody else to want to do it with you, go at exactly your own pace, stop whenever you want, look after yourself when those little hiccups do crop up… It's an amazing feeling that becomes addictive.

Prepare for the worst but expect the best.

6. Bring entertainment for downtime

On multi-day adventures, downtime can be the loneliest. You're distracted by the task of getting from A to B during the day, then nighttime comes and you're alone in your tent or asking for a table for one in the pub while everyone else seems to be in rowdy groups.

Carrying some form of entertainment can really help, whether that's a book (worth its weight, some say!) or a small sketching kit, or simply having a podcast downloaded.

7. Learn to trust yourself

The best and worst thing about a solo adventure is that the buck stops with you. Trust yourself to have done the planning and to make good decisions. Knowing that you can look after yourself out there is so empowering. And you never have to share your snacks!