Nude woodland walks

[New2nude]

Years ago (considering I am 23) I used to love walking through woods nude (alone). I would love to do it again, but with a group of nudists, is this possible to sort out? A woodland nude walk?

[Barewalker]

Hi Dan,

It is said that there is safety in numbers on ventures like these - you can count me in.

Steve J

[New2nude]

Hi, do you live in the portsmouth area?

[Barewalker]

Born and raised in Pompey, now living in Havant.  While I lived there the only walking opportunity I found in Portmouth was at Hilsea Lines several years ago, unfortunately, it's proving too popular with dog walkers and kids on stunt bikes nowadays.

[New2nude]

What about stansted? There must be places there for nude walking. I have recently moved to Pompey from Havant.

[Barewalker]

Stansted strolls are ideal, it's relatively remote and little used apart from the occasional dog walker - I may need to undertake a reconnaissance of the estate to check it's current suitability.

[New2nude]

Ok, so on naked walks what do you do? Would we just go for a long walk, take some lunch and have a picnic type lunch then walk some more and just enjoy being free in nature? Will be great 

[pebbles]

This does sound such a good idea, but you must remember that being naked in a public area which woods generally are, might cause problems for you. If someone does see you and decide to be offended (let's face it, some people love to find something to be offended about), then you could be arrested and find yourself in court.

[Michael H]

Just because someone is offended doesn't necessarily mean that an offence has been committed.  Public nudity only becomes an offence if you intend to cause alarm & distress by your nakedness - its all about the intention. 

[pebbles]

Agreed. As the law stands you do have to intend to cause distress or offence to another. But how do you prove that it wasn't your intention when someone insists they are indeed being caused distress/offence/alarm, by the sight of your naked body. It's still not a *normal* thing to be naked in any public place (wish it was!) so if anyone does want to strip off they must be careful.

[Michael H]

I believe the Sexual Offences Act refers to someone being offended as not being adequate to prove that the offender intended the offence.

[pebbles]

Best to refer to the problems that Steven Gough encountered on his naked rambles, as he spent some time in jail after complaints from the public. I think it best to err on the side of caution anyway.

[Barewalker]

Ask people what is the farthest they have walked in the nude and most would say from the bedroom to the bathroom and back.  Whereas, a well planned stroll around Stansted on a circular route would cover several miles and take a couple of hours at least - resting for refreshments now and again to embrace the arboreal tranquility (peace and quiet)
I tend to adopt the policies advocated by SOC (link) http://www.soc-uk.info/, since other walkers you may encounter are not afforded the advance notification that beach signs provide. I also believe the public's perception of naked walkers depends upon the number of participants and three or more puts you in the category of the eccentric 'harmless naked rambler types' as seen on TV - free range naturism certainly tests one's mettle but I think you'll find the rewards are worth it.

[nagumbe]

Steve Gough is probably not the best example to use when trying to show that nudity in public is illegal. He was consistently arrested and charged with Breach of the Peace which he could have avoided by getting dressed when asked to do so by the police. Providing he didn't repeat the nudity immediately or soon after that would have been an and to the matter. Steve Gough, due to his own principles, refused to dress and left the police with no option but to take action. At other times he was charged with contempt of court for a number of reasons - not least for making a court appearance naked. He was never actually done for being naked in public even if that was the catalyst for his arrests.

It was interesting to note that he set off on last year's walk to a very good public send off and walked naked, unhindered, until a single complaint in Shropshire caused his first arrest. Along the way he and Melanie had been cheered, welcomed into homes and shopped daily in Somerfield supermarkets.

However, I'll not deny that it would be wise to be cautious.

Under Section 68 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 it is an offence to display the genitals when you KNOW that you will be seen AND that you INTENDED to cause alarm and distress. So, to commit an offence under that act you need to satisfy both conditions - know and intend.

Public nudity also needs to be seen in context, hence, nudity on the beach, even at Eastney, is still public nudity. In June, more than 800 of us rode nude through London on the World Naked Bike Ride having organised this with the police. No arrests were made. The Singles Outdoor Club have several nude walks across the country each summer - all legal. Public nudity with a sexual element or threat would be subject to legal penalties.

Barry

[New2nude]

well im up for a long naked walk, who else is in?