Europe is the perfect place to get started as a solo hiker! There are so many different trails for all different skill levels and they are are all beautiful. If you’re looking to get started solo hiking in Europe, here are 10 tips to make sure you are solo hiking safely! 

Pick your route carefully

Make sure your chosen route is within your skill level. If it’s your first time, try picking a more popular route, especially one with a set itinerary and accommodation huts along the way. This ensures that there will be people about if you and unsure or want some advice, it also makes navigation a lot easier.  Some trails that are great for beginners solo hikers are the Tour de Mont Blanc, Camino de Santiago and Alta Via 1. If you’re interested in getting started solo wild camping I’d suggest the West Highland Way in Scotland.

Pack wisely  

Always ensure that you have something from every one of the 10 essentials… 

• Navigation
• Illumination – headlamp
• Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
• Insulation – extra clothing layers, remember altitude will have a big impact on the temperature
• First aid – including blister & foot care
• Fire – matches, lighter (for signalling & heat)
• Repair kit – I normally bring duct tape
• Hydration – also know what the water sources are on your hike and if you have to treat the water
• Nutrition – always have extra food
• Shelter – in Europe I’d suggest something very light if you are staying in huts

In groups, you might be able to share the weight of some of the essentials, but solo it is important to carry it yourself. 

Have a navigation plan (and backup)

Most of the time hiking in Europe I use my phone to navigate, which is great, but over-reliance on your phone or one app could lead to some safety issues.  You should have at least 2 different maps of the trail/region downloaded on your phone in case one is incorrect. I also like to carry a paper map of the region. I don’t often use the paper map, it is insurance if my phone breaks or runs out of battery. When you are hiking in groups, this insurance is already built in – it is unlikely everyone’s phone will break or die, however when hiking by yourself it’s a good idea to carry a backup.

On some more traveled routes, like the Camino, there is enough signage that you’d be ok even if your phone died, however, this is not always the case. If you are using your phone for navigation a portable charger is an absolute must! 

Inform your friends and family 

I suggest informing at least 2 people, 1 of which is in the same time zone as you. Send them your planned itinerary and ideally check in with them every night when you arrive safely. Share your location with at least one person for the duration of your hike, phone location is not perfect but gives a good starting point if something goes wrong. 

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Wait for buddies at difficult sections 

If there are portions of the trail that are more difficult, i.e. chain link sections or high altitude passes it is completely normal and expected that fellow hikers will do these sections together. Either ask around at the campsite or hut beforehand or plan a break right before that section. Let whoever is behind you catch up and ask them if you can do that section with them. This is expecting hiking culture and not something to be self-conscious about. 

Stay on the trail 

This is an obvious one, but it still needs to be mentioned because of how important it is! You are so much safer on the trail. This includes if you miss a turn-off! Don’t try to cut corners to get back on the trail – just retrace your steps. It may be slightly long, but you are so much safer and it’s better for the ecosystem.

Stay aware of the trail

If you are listening to music, just listen in one ear. Make sure you are aware of any animals or wildlife approaching and any other people on the trail.

Know your exit strategy.

Make sure you know the emergency numbers of the region you are hiking in, but also taxi numbers or numbers of accommodation. You should also be aware of the various routes you can take if you need to cut your hike short. If you get a minor injury, a stomach bug or there is a sudden change in weather you may need to get off trail quickly. It might not be enough for you to call energy services, but if your only other option is continuing along on the trail, it can become a safety hazard. Luckily this is one of the good things about hiking in Europe, it is so accessible! If you do get injured there are generally lots of trails, chairlifts, or roads that can help get you out. 

Also emotionally prepare yourself for the fact that you might need to bail out of a trial. If you are not prepared for the possibility of bailing out you might continue to walk on an injury or attempt trails that are beyond your current skill level. It can be difficult emotionally to bail out on a trial but remember that it is not a failure and you can always try again another time. Bailing out is part of hiking, everyone will have to do it at some point in time even experienced hikers. 

Trust your instincts

Our bodies know when something is wrong, even if you can’t explain it. Trust it. Don’t do trails that are hugely outside your comfort zone. This also applies to the people you meet on the trail, if something doesn’t feel right get out. Do what makes you feel comfortable. Personally, I tell most people I meet on the trail that I’m hiking with my boyfriend who is just up ahead. 

Count your ‘lemons’

Very rarely will you be able to go on a hike and cover every single one of these solo hiking safety tips, but this is where the practice of ‘collecting lemons’ comes in. Essentially it refers to how minor safety issues (lemons) stack on top of each other to create major problems. For example, hiking on a trail without phone service. It’s a safety issue, but if that is your only ‘lemon’ you are likely fine. However, if you are hiking on an unpopular trail with no service, a chain link section, in a country where you don’t speak the language, there are few bail-out options and you haven’t informed people of your location – you have now collected many lemons and should reconsider if this is the right trail for you. Everyone’s tolerance for lemons will be different and will change as you become a more experienced hiker.

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