A woman, from Northern Ireland, took up solo wild camping after a devastating break-up and says it has helped her overcome anxiety and also improved her confidence
A mum-of-two embraced the life of a solo wild camper post her ruinous split, leaving her friends to think she was “crazy”.
After her six-year romance ended and sent her mental health on a downward spiral, Natalie Millar, 37, saw it as a cue to “take back control”. Now, when her children aged 11 and 14, stay with their father, Natalie gears up and marches into Northern Ireland’s picturesque nature to bond with the great outdoors. Defying the fears that it’s unsafe for a woman to camp alone, Natalie found her confidence soaring.
“I decided this was the year I was going to reclaim my time and do something for myself,” shared the theatre practitioner to NeedToKnow.co.uk. “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.”
Taking to TikTok, Natalie has shared her solo camping escapades, detailing nerve-wracking incidents.
“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,” she shared. “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.”
Many followers have even reached out to tell her she’s motivated them to try solo camping. “I’ve had so many private messages from women saying how I inspire them to try it out too,” she said. “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.”
The mum now reckons she’s spent about £250 on her hobby to date, including £69 on a two-man tent.
She revealed: “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.”
The mum got into the hobby over the summer with the support of a mountaineering group she discovered on Instagram. She 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.”
Natalie reflected on the natural concerns that tag along with going solo into the wilderness, sharing: “Of course, there are still the normal fears that come with camping alone, like the eerie quietness at night. My first solo wild camp was an adventure I’ll never forget,” she said. “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.”
Encouraging other women considering a solo camping trip, Natalie suggests starting modestly and paying heed to one’s instincts. She emphasised: “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.”
