A mum-of-two who became a solo wild camper after a devastating break-up says her friends thought she was “crazy” – but she loves the thrill.
Natalie Millar, 37, transformed her life after a six-year relationship broke down, her mental health plummeted and she decided she needed to “take back control”.
Now when her children, aged 11 and 14, are with their dad, she packs her bags and heads off into the scenic countryside of Northern Ireland to be at one with nature.
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And despite concerns it is “dangerous” for a woman to camp solo, Natalie says it has sky-rocketed her confidence.
“I decided this was the year I was going to reclaim my time and do something for myself,” the theatre practitioner, who has plans to solo camp elsewhere in the UK and eventually abroad, told What’s The Jam.
“Wild camping was a way for me to take back control, push past my fears, and finally prioritise what I wanted in life.
“My friends and family thought I was a bit crazy at the start and were scared for me – they aren’t into hiking or camping, so it was hard for them to understand why I would want to do this.
“But they understand now that I enjoy it and it helps me feel good, so they just encourage me to be safe and text them updates as and when I can.”
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Natalie shared her adventures on TikTok, including the heart-stopping moment she heard strange men outside her tent at night.
One viewer wrote: “I know you like to go solo camping, but is it really a good idea?”
A second added: “That seems very dangerous going solo.”
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But for Natalie, pushing past these scary experiences has actually improved her confidence and helped her to overcome anxiety.
She said: “While camping on a mountaintop at night, I heard two men outside my tent.
“In that moment, it’s easy for your imagination to spiral and for panic to set in.
“But I stopped to think logically and remembered the experiences and advice of another TikToker, Fiona in the Wild, who also solo camps.
“I realised they were just there enjoying the outdoors like I was, and I wasn’t in any real danger.
“I suffer with anxiety and my hikes and camps have really helped me battle that anxiety and have massively grown my confidence.”
Natalie believes that with the right preparation and common sense, solo camping is safe for women.
And many have gotten in touch to say she has inspired them to give it a go too.
She said: “I’ve had so many private messages from women saying how I inspire them to try it out too.
“Others who can’t do things due to disabilities and things like that have messaged to say they love to relax by watching me and my adventures which is lovely to read.”
Natalie explained that her love of camping began when she took her children to campsites, but while they have now grown out of it, her love for the hobby has only grown stronger.
The mum estimates that she has now spent around £250 on her hobby so far, including £69 on her two-man tent.
She said: “I see a lot of people on TikTok who have the best of tents and equipment, but it can be done on a complete budget.
“Once you have your kit, all you need is your petrol, travel money, and food.
“I’ve lifted food from the cupboards and just went – I maybe spend £15 on petrol and the rest is free.”
Natalie admits that the potential dangers of camping alone as a woman were a “big hurdle” for her to overcome in her journey.
So far, she has only solo camped no more than an hour and a half from her home.
She eased herself into the hobby during the summer with the help of a mountaineering group she found on Instagram.
The mum-of-two said: “I don’t naturally feel comfortable around new people, and the thought of spending the night in a tent surrounded by four strangers felt like a huge challenge.
“But I pushed myself to go, and that trip turned out to be exactly what I needed.
“It gave me the opportunity to learn, practice, and most importantly, realise that wild camping was something I was capable of doing.
“I’ve encountered nothing but kindness from people I’ve met along trails or in passing.
“There’s a peacefulness in the mountains that’s hard to describe.
“Of course, there are still the normal fears that come with camping alone, like the eerie quietness at night.
“Those are natural feelings, and they’ve lessened with each trip as I’ve built my confidence.”
Natalie, who did her first solo wild camp in September, said she still remains cautious and takes precautions on her camps, including choosing secluded spots, informing others of her plans and staying alert.
She said: “My first solo wild camp was an adventure I’ll never forget!
“I didn’t give myself enough time and had to walk quickly to reach my destination before it got completely dark, which added a bit of pressure.
“Along the way, I dropped my torch in a river, forgot my gloves, lost my hat, and didn’t pack a hot water bottle to keep warm.
“But I focused on staying calm and figuring out how to work around each challenge.
“The night itself was quite windy, and I’ll admit it was a bit unsettling being alone in the dark for the first time.
“But when I woke up in the morning, with the sun rising over the mountains, I felt incredibly empowered.”
Natalie advised any other women thinking about solo camping to start small as their confidence will grow over time – and to always trust their instincts.
She said: “It can feel daunting at first, but with the right preparation, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
“I think a lot of that is down to fear or the perception that it’s something only a certain type of fearless person can do.
“But I also know how empowering it is to overcome those fears and prove to yourself that you’re capable.
“Solo camping as a woman can be incredibly empowering – it’s about proving to yourself that you can do it and creating space to connect with nature and yourself.”
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