The Secret Naturist Handbook

[nuduke]

I try to avoid the paths! Simples!
John

[ric]

sticking to paths is easier walking , less chance of being caught by nettles etc and a lot less likely to trample on wildlife or flowers etc.  its all part of the progression from secret to free range.
added to which in the uk encounters withtextiles are generally not a big deal and theres the argument that the more were seen naked the normal and accepted it becomes.

[MartinM]

There are more frequented river walks in the UK as is described. Are people naking those? Urban areas along rivers?

Not much to my knowledge. Most FRN-ers keep to quieter areas where they will only encounter a few ‘proper walkers’, who are generally very open to naturism. Near urban towns with more people and differing attitudes it is not as attractive although I live in a large coastal village (5k).

My local excursions are early morning running, where I will quite often bump into someone, usually covering up when I see them, without any problem, but I wouldn’t dream og going naked in the busy spots in the middle of the day. Covid has however provided extra opportunities with much of the woods quiet as caravan parks closed.

I ran into my first naturist a few weeks ago on the boundary between the quieter woods above and the busier areas. I had just put on my wrap, and I saw him pull over to don hid shorts. I just said ‘Don’t worry, I am also a naturist’ and we had a chat.

I have several local beauty spots within a half hour cycle where I can now happily go naked away from the busiest spots, not worrying about bumping into the occasional walker and occasionally being surprised by one or two runners.

[Peter S]

There are more frequented river walks in the UK as is described. Are people naking those? Urban areas along rivers?

Not a river walk but woodland. If you check out Naturist Corner (I think you're a member JBee?) and look for Sherwood Forest (yes, late of Robin Hood fame) you'll find there's a thriving naturist community there who have used their legal freedoms to push all the boundaries and populate the woodland paths, gaining official approval along the way (local wardens and police) and scaring very few of the natives, in fact most of them stop for a chat.

It's not something the rest of us have been able to replicate, for whatever reason, but it shows what can be done encourages those of us who don't have the same level of support network.

[jbeegoode]

What factors would you figure have caused the Sherwood Forest to be so successful? Could a formula, or collection of tips for success be forged to apply to another area?

If there are more walkers, why and how to replicate? Is it weather? The size of the facility? Just chance? How did you all connect? Is the local culture more progressive, or have strong elements of open-mindedness. Does anyone have any idea what type of people nude walk, or does it seem that they vary, as in the general naturist's population.

Is there more population around there to have more naturist in the area? is it the size of the facility?

Was there a non-landed naturist group there previous to the rulings? Did you find each other happenstance?
Jbee

[ric]

ive been following the situation on naturist-corner . its pretty much a couple of guys walking the forest nude regularly, seperatly and posting their experiences.  not trying to hide , chatting to those they meet and the warden. its taken years to develope to the current tolerant situation.  i dont know  how many regular nude walkers there are there now ,theres bound to be more than those that post on the forum.

does show what can be done.

unfortunately im the other end of the country so cant join in in person.

[Peter S]

I think the Sherwood Forest success story can be largely attributed to one of the regular walkers. He wasn’t deterred by the few unpleasant encounters he had, and built up a friendly rapport with the local nature warden who, happily, was tolerant and understanding. In due course this rapport was extended to the local police. Once officialdom was on-side any complainers had nowhere to go, and by his naked walks becoming a commonplace they were accepted by other regular visitors - dog walkers, cyclists, bird watchers etc - and others were encouraged to walk naked as well.

As Bob is always advocating, familiarisation of the public at large with the naked human body has bred acceptance.

One recent report refers to ten naked walkers out together, another to six, and there have been several accounts of naked walkers meeting others on their travels.

[BlueTrain]

I don't get out away from home to where I can do any nude walking in the woods but around here, where I usually manage to get in a couple of miles every day, there are more people than ever in the woods. Presumably this is because more people are at home now, as well as it being warm weather. One place that I occasionally drive by is a trailhead for a local network of trails is full of cars and even on a weekday. I can't say what the situation is up in the mountains where I most like to go, though, but chances are, more folks are up there, too.

[jbeegoode]

Upland Areas: From The Secret Naturist's Handbook (Habitat Section)

Many parts of the British Isles are blessed with an abundance of hills and mountains, from the peaks and glens of the Scottish Highlands to the rolling downs of southern England, uplands areas everywhere offer some interesting challenges for the secret naturist.

The attraction of the hills to secret naturists, at least for myself and I suspect many others, is the feeling of exposure. To be standing naked, exposed to view from all around and also to the elements, is truly a great experience. Yet, as with all types of habitat, the secret naturist needs to be aware of the possible problems associated with this type of habitat.

When planning an outing into the hills, the weather is perhaps the most important factor to consider. As you gain height winds get stronger and the temperature can drop 1 degree C. for every 100 - 200m of ascent. If you are not carrying clothing, it can be quite chilly when you get to the top and even if carrying clothing, you might need every item to keep warm. Good advice is to check the weather forecast before you go but do bare in mind the mountain weather can be unpredictable and can be nothing like the forecast. One simple rule for mountain weather - if in doubt, turn back!

If hills and mountains attract secret naturist, they will also attract other people and the trails leading to and from hilltops, as well as the summit are where encounters will most likely occur. To try and avoid people, use less popular trails or approaches and stay sharp when on the summit as it can be difficult to see who might be approaching from downhill.

With regards to clothing in upland areas, it has been suggested to that not to take a full set of hill walking clothing and equipment is sheer folly but my response is to look at fell runners and ultra-lightweight enthusiasts. These hardy souls travel across much of our mountainous country wearing little more than shorts and vest, carrying all they need inside a large bumbag or small day-rucksack. The secret is to travel light and fast, getting in and out of potentially hostile environments as quickly as possible. As secret naturists we wear and carry little, allowing us to move quickly. By moving quickly we stay warm and comfortable, thus negating the need for masses of clothing and kit.

Footwear in upland terrain is also important. Boot are always recommended by the authorities and I used to comply but started using approach trainers, then sandals and found I could cope with all but the worst ground conditions without problem. In fact, I found that it was easier to injure an ankle when wearing boots than when walking with sandals or barefoot. For the roughest of terrain I wear sturdy approach trainers. Of course, you should always wear what you feel comfortable with. If wearing sandals, keep the straps tight on rough or sloping ground, to keep the feet firmly in place.

When walking naked in the hills, you still need to keep an eye open for other walkers and carrying a pair of binoculars can be useful for this purpose. If the view is clear and unobstructed, plenty of advance warning can be useful to plan your actions. Finally, hill walking naked should be fun and if you are not having fun, you are doing something wrong!

[ric]

i dont like walking in boots , i just feel they restrict ankle movement....and freedom of movement is one reason for not wearing clothes in the first place.   i also like wearing sandals to let air circulate around my toes.   only boots i ever wear is wellies.

[jbeegoode]

I like the five finger toe shoes. They are more moccasin-like, closer to natural feet. I wear the original kind, which have a heel strap and stay on tight.

The mountains here can be 9000 ft. plus. The summer rains can be hazardous, with lightning. We have to be cautious and aware of changes. Temperatures drop rapidly.

I often carry a pair of wind pants (2.5 oz., fit in my fist) but have yet to need them. If I keep my torso covered and keep moving, I'm comfortable to safe. Otherwise, it is relishing the body's incredible ways to adapt.
Jbee

[Greenbare Woods]

I"m with Ric.  Boots or shoes are restrictive and actually harmful to human feet.  Boots or shoes increase the risk of painful or debilitating injuries. 

[John P]

I'm afraid that for any serious hiking, I need boots. On an easy trail I'll walk in sandals, but I have a bad habit of kicking rocks or fallen branches, and injuring my toes. And I do seem to lead with my right, because that foot gets more than its share of damage.

Maybe I should join this group and build up my resolve to be in contact with Mother Earth:
https://www.meetup.com/eastern-mass-barefoot-hikers/

[jbeegoode]

The toe shoes have enough give to keep me from kicking too hard. Not depending on bifocals sure makes a huge difference. These days I have problems when I'm tired ad nd dragging my feet too much.
Jbee

[jbeegoode]

Urban Areas: From The Secret Naturist Handbook

Secret naturism and urban areas might not, at first sight, appear to be compatible. However, urban areas can and do offer opportunities for the secret naturist. It's really just a case of getting out there and doing your research.

Urban areas such as towns and cities offer a number of locations where nudity may be possible. For example, public parks and gardens, golf courses, derelict industrial sites, canal tow paths, cycle ways and so on. Unfortunately, in most instances daytime nudity is difficult, if not impossible, but when darkness falls, such locations might prove suitable. Get hold of a street map, get on your bike and explore.

The obvious problem for the secret naturist looking for nudity in urban areas is the sheer number of people. The heavy concentration of people in a relatively small area can greatly increase the risk of being seen while naked. However, there are ways around this. As mentioned above, many areas might be suitable after dark, when the concealing cloak of night helps to hide our naked selves from view. With the majority of people tucked up in bed, you might be quite surprised just where you can find yourself alone with the opportunity to disrobe and wander freely.

Most of my own experience of urban habitats has been in a small borders town with a population of around 10,000 individuals. In the wee small hours I have been able to walk many of the local streets undisturbed, as well as ride the mountain bike in the local park. The best times I found for these activities was between the hours of 2 and 5 am, before it gets light.

My present home near Edinburgh does not offer the same opportunities. Being so close to the city, both pedestrian and vehicular traffic is much greater and there is activity around the house during most hours of the night. However, I have been able to identify a number of areas, within walking or cycling distance from home, where I can manage some nudity.

There are two golf course about a mile away, both of which may be visited when darkness falls, when the golfers head for home or the club house for a drink. There is also quite an extensive cycle network, mostly along disused railway lines that can be cycled while naked.

Even in the city of Edinburgh itself, Holyrood Park, a large urban green area near the city centre, does look promising, although I have yet to venture there after dark. The main problem being a safe location to park while I explored on foot. There are also a number of other similar areas in the city, all with some minor upland areas as well, I might add.

There are also other locations in urban areas that might be worth checking out. For example, sports grounds, graveyards and any secluded footpath or cycle way might at least be worth a preliminary reccy. Keep an eye open for derelict sites, canals, rivers and green spaces, all of which should be investigated.

One thing you do need to keep an eye out for in urban areas are video cameras, particularly near main roads. The range of these cameras of quite amazing and you want to try and avoid finding yourself on the television!

Urban areas generally present a higher risk of being seen but they should not be discounted entirely. You will likely have to employ some skill and perhaps cunning, to achieve safe nudity, but the rewards are often well worth the effort.