Doing the London Loop alone

[Moonmoth]

I have been to Hounslow heath many times over the years Though never on my own . It makes for a very nice walk and I have never seen anything odd going on there .In fact we hardly see anyone there apart from Dog walkers . I think you're getting mixed up with the Dick Turpin times in the dim distant past .

[healfdan]

Dick Turpin would be considered a gentleman when compared to some of the characters I encountered in my many years preserving and protecting a London Common. Everyone has the right to enjoy the wonderful Commons and open spaces that London has to offer.....but don't become complacent and let your guard down. Common sense dictates that you weigh up the risks when wandering across the heaths or through scrub and woodland and take reasonable measures to reduce those risks.

[SpikyPhasmid]

Our workplace has actually started a scheme in which we are all provided with a personal alarm, which is nice...
The thing is, I live in the Whitechapel area, and multiple times around there and in Central London I've been approached by gangs of guys, roughly my age group (20s), who will fan out across the pavement as they approach, then suddenly lunge at me and shout to try to scare me. I'm not the only woman I know who has experienced this, and apparently if you flinch, they take it as encouragement. It's made me a bit paranoid, so I am more cautious of going to Commons. On the other hand, I've only been bothered at night, and in built-up urban streets.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by SpikyPhasmid

I've decided to do the London Loop over the next few months, as I want to do more walking and it seems a good way to start, especially as it's broken into several sections. A friend is telling me that I'm insane for doing it alone, especially certain of the sections - she thinks I have a deathwish if I go through Hounslow Common alone, even in broad daylight.
Is my friend correct, or being a little over-nervous about this? She used to live in Hounslow (for 20 years or so) and is seriously concerned I will get hurt.

I work at Hounslow Heath (Common) and can assure you it is as safe as many other countryside sites in London, if not safer. It does have a shady history but it is a manned site and is regularly patrolled by staff and local police.

Some sections of the London Loop in Hounslow can be difficult to traverse due to weather conditions and occasional fallen trees. In the whole it is a great walk. I cover sections of it for bird surveys. You might want to wear earplugs for the aircraft landing at Heathrow though.

Cheers,

Adam

ps it is also brilliant for wildlife! So bring your cameras.

[SpikyPhasmid]

Thanks for that, Adam. I think that sounds fine then, to be honest - I'll make sure I'm there in the daylight and gone before dark, just to be sure.