I would always have something with me to cover up, because it's not about the legality of being naked in public, but more about not making someone feel as if they have been offended, thus spoiling their day.

And what about them causing you to dress, thus spoiling your day?

Ok, but I wont be offended

Best of all is how few people manage to walk more than 50 yards from where they've parked the car - it means even a half-serious hiker can have the countryside to themselves.

This is something I have started to rely on. There are a number of Copses that are cared for by the woodland trust, and they are not exactly a long way from the local villages; but if there are no cars parked in the nearby lay-byes, you can be pretty sure no-one has walked the dog that far from the back door!

I agree that's why I cycle 3 miles away from houses so there is very little chance of anyone being around that far away, though it hasn't always worked in my favour...

There seems to be quite a few concerns regarding the meeting of dog walkers. Anyone walking naked along a bridleway or path in the countryside, has exactly the same rights to be there as someone walking a dog.
I agree that it is courteous to cover ones self, but I don't feel it necessary to stop to put shorts on. I think a bag or a hat would suffice.  I think to stop and 'dress' and be possibly seen doing so, gives the impression you are doing something wrong.
People need to encounter nudity in public places such as pathways in the countryside if it is ever going to be accepted as a normality, otherwise nothing will change.
Covering with a bag or hat let's the person know you are naked but are showing consideration and respect, just as a dog walker who normally let's their dog run free should put a lead on their dog when approaching someone.

All the dog walkers I've met recently have been letting their dogs run free...which usually means you encounter the dog whilst its human is still out of sight, normally gives pleanty of time to cover if that's you're thing.  I normally walk carrying a shoulder bag, which easily doubles as a visual block.

Days I don't meet dogs I tend to meet wildlife.., squirrels, even deer.  Most of the woods I use have notices requesting that dogs are kept on leads..... I guess dog owners either can't read or don't care.

I ventured over to Tunstall Reservoir in Wolsingham this morning at about 09.30 as it is a walk I have done fully clothed with the family and wanted to do naked too. Half of the route is covered by woodland but the other half is more exposed though at a push staying nearer the water would get around some of this AND arriving earlier would also help (bar the odd fisherman - do they ever sleep).
On my 40 minute walk I encountered 3 couples one of which had dogs. I didn't cover myself for any of them and just greeted them with a cheery hello with a smile which was reciprocated. On the approach to my last couple I said oh sorry I didn't see you there but with the same greeting. The lady just smiled and said hello but the guy said wtf but nothing else 2 out of 3 ain't bad what do you think. Fantastic walk by the way if you are up that way.
Davey

Nice one, Dave. Hopefully this makes up a bit for your earlier unpleasant encounter

Cheers it has and for my confidence too. Looking to walk around another reservoir soon with any luck, thanks.
Davey

Hi Davies,
After an outing earlier in the year, would be happy to accompany you on a walk if the weather is half way decent and I can manage to meet up with you.
Like you I have had very rude reactions in the past which tended to put me off, but following the clarification issued earlier this year, feel more empowered to be nude and at one with nature.

Hi John I've been looking at some parts of the Derwent Walk where it is further away from the houses perhaps starting off a little way from rowlands gill to hamsterley mill and on to the Derwent Walk Inn for lunch then return. It is about 5 miles one way and approximately 1 hour 45 minutes not sure if that is too far for you let me know and I'll either think of somewhere else or rejig it.
Davey

Hi Davie,

It sounds reasonable, I definitely need too get out and a bit more exercise.
Hopefully some good weather and free time.

Hi John on second thoughts it might be better if we just started off at Hamsterley mill as then there are no roads to cross either and if we want to go further than the Derwent Walk Inn then we can and then double back. It is about 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter if we wish to plod on further and about 3.7 miles one way bit more manageable me thinks. If anyone else fancies popping along then feel free.
Davey

Hi Davey B,
As you seem to know the area, happy to follow your suggestions and enjoy the walk.

I'll keep a check on the weather John and try and choose a good day for us.
Davey

Let's hope that the weather settles down soon.
Today has been cold, wet and wild not good for walking.