Morning all, we have just recently became owners of two female Bengal. They came from a rescue centre. One is just over three years old the other just over one.
We have now had them two weeks. The three year old seems to be itching to go outside, she has had a couple of taste's of freedom due to the odd window being left open.
This morning we decided to let her out into the back garden just to see what she does.
The garden is well fenced but with enough scope to to get over in certain places.
We do live very close, in fact, next door but one to the main west coast railway line.
She had a good look round the garden and went down the drive to have a noisy. She came back in through the back door.
Thing is now she pining to go back out again but we are very apprehensive on whether we should or not. We have tried a harness on her but she refuses to wear it.

All we are after is some good advice on what we can or should do? Is letting her out after two weeks too early?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated as we have never had cats before.

It's really a personal preference as to whether you trust a cat to be safe outdoors. Some cats beat the odds and live 10 or more years. Others vanish without a trace and one never knows what exactly became of them. I've had cats throughout my life that were indoor/outdoor cats. All but one disappeared. That one preferred staying indoors and lived to be 17 years old. I was always feeding stray cats, who never stuck around for long before -- poof -- they were gone. I've had strays that I discovered dead on the side of the road. And then there is my Bengal who used to live down the street and had the run of the neighborhood. He got into a vicious cat fight (his fourth with the same cat) and after some high vet bills, we decided he could no longer just run outdoors. He happens to love a harness and leash and we built a huge enclosure for him where he can be safe. His arch enemy cat can visit him from the other side and they can't hurt each other.

I've learned my lesson -- and it took a very sweet, loving cat going missing -- for me to realize the dangers that lurk out there for a cat. Cats don't know any better. They don't see the dangers that are out there. You'd like to think that you cat will go out, stay in its own yard, and come back inside. There are some cats that might do that -- but cats are also curious and can wander.

It really depends on the risk you're willing to take for your kitties. If there is a way to cat proof your garden where they cannot escape, you have a safe, outdoor environment for them. As you've discovered, cats love the outdoors. Good luck!

Your advice is very much appreciated. Many thanks.

what about cat proof garden so she would stay only in your garden and be safe?