Interesting. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I do believe the UK is quite different. It's very sad that you wouldn't feel safe in some places. That is bad.

We've never had segregation in the UK. I'm sorry for the legacy of segregation in the US and it's outrageous that anyone wasn't allowed to partake in countryside activities.

In the UK we don't need any equipment. When I was a teenager I went with whatever shoes I had on. If it rained I got wet. Some of the kids had walking boots, but I didn't. I had a grotty pair of old trainers, but I went and joined in anyway.

I do appreciate that the landscapes in the US are vast and may require more equipment. Surely there are spaces that are less vast and can be enjoyed in an hour or so?

Today, it costs me nothing to leave my front door and walk into the hills wearing whatever I've got on. When I'm on holiday, I do take walking boots, but I've never had new ones. I get second hand ones from a charity shop, usually for about £5. I have a plastic mac that cost £1 too, but I used to manage fine without those things.

I'm glad you've been able to enjoy the countryside. I think times are changing. As I said, there are groups dedicated to different ethnic groups who all meet to go walking, so they don't feel like the only one in the group. I hope more of that kind of thing is seen in the USA too, so you feel like one of many.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.