Solo steps: A critical realist analysis of the risks, motivations, and psychological benefits of solo hiking in England

England has a rich and popular hiking culture, yet the unique psychological dynamics of solo hiking remain underexplored. This study examined solo hikers' risk perceptions, motivations, and well-being through a critical realist lens. Go-along interviews with ten solo hikers across English trails were thematically analysed. Findings suggest that sociocultural factors, including early exposure and athletic identity, shaped risk perception, yet risk was also reframed as an opportunity for personal growth through repeated solo hiking exposure. Intrinsic motivations for solo hiking aligned with self-determination theory, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness, while the drive to move emerged as an additional factor in movement regulation. Psychological benefits included cognitive restoration, emotional self-regulation, and awe-induced shifts in perspective. These were heightened by an embodied multisensory immersion in nature. These findings contribute to the psychological understanding of solo hiking in England, underscoring the need for socially and culturally sensitive policies to enhance safety, accessibility, and therapeutic application. Future research should explore diverse populations and the long-term implications of solo hiking for well-being.