Nothing about hypothermia or dehydration? Navigation?

What WD said.... Hiking in groups is safer for a list of good reasons, top of the list is altered state of mind - if you are thinking you're lost it's easy to panic and start to make poor decisions. Multiply that tenfold if you also happen to be thirsty or your core temperature has dropped a few degrees.

Hiking solo is how I started - and unlike those blessed with beginner's luck and good weather, I suffered a whole lot for being a noob without a clue. Not recommended for anyone just starting out in hiking. You don't know what you don't know. You don't find out everything just by going - some things you do, some things you need to learn, and groups are a great way to start doing that.