Walking can be a fun solo activity for many people – some people may do it deliberately to get away from people and be alone with their thoughts. However, it can also be a great social activity, providing a chance to bond with others and tell stories while exercising and exploring the great outdoors.
If you’re a solo hiker that wants to turn walking into a social activity, you’ll first need to find some walking buddies. It’s possible that you may have friends or family members who are into walking, in which case you can walk with them. But there are also ways to make new friends through walking – whether you haven’t got any friends or family to walk with or simply want to meet new people. Below are just a few different ways in which you can connect with fellow hikers and find yourself a walking buddy.
Sign up to a group tour
There are many organised walking tours around the world that you can sign up to. These tours are typically held in groups and can be a great chance to meet people who are passionate about walking. Small group tours are particularly great activities to pursue for meeting hikers. You could consider looking into a local tour, or you could book a holiday abroad somewhere that you have always wanted to explore by foot (this could include walking through the accursed mountains of Albania or taking on the legendary Inca Trail in Peru).
Look into local walking clubs
There may be clubs in your area that you can join dedicated to walking. Such groups may go on walks every week at the same time – exploring different trails in your local area. It’s a great opportunity to find fellow hikers that live locally to you, and you’ll be able to catch up every week.
Meet hikers online
Don’t overlook networking websites like Meetup.com. This site allows you to meet people in your area that share the same passions and interests. There could be people in your area that are just like you and are looking for a walking buddy. Start talking online to see if you get along and then consider scheduling a walk together.
Strike up conversations while walking
Approaching strangers can be daunting – especially if you’re not sure whether they want to be disturbed. But it’s likely that there are people out there on their solo walks who are also interested in meeting people. Don’t be afraid to engage in small talk with hikers – commenting on the weather is always a good starting point.
Get a dog
Having a dog makes it much easier to strike up conversations with strangers. People will want to pet your dog and other dogs will want to socialise with your pet – and this will all lead to natural conversations. A dog itself can also serve as a great walking companion for those who get lonely on walks. Of course, becoming a dog owner is a big commitment, so make sure that having company on walks isn’t the only reason you want to adopt a dog.