How to plan the time you need for a walk

Do you want to get out and about more?

Maybe you have tried a few short walks near to where you live or work and have decided that you want to take your walking a little further and stretch yourself some more. But now you need to decide how long you want your ambulations to take.

Length and time

Think about how far you are able to walk in the time you have. The average walker takes an hour to walk 3 miles, and around 30 minutes to climb 300 metres (Naismith’s rule), but you should adjust this depending on your fitness levels. It isn’t just hills that will slow you down; mud, uneven path surfaces, high winds and poor weather will have an impact.

It’s important to plan time for rests, breaks and sightseeing, so that you don’t feel rushed. There’s nothing better than discovering an interesting feature to explore! If you are relying on a pub or café in a remote place for sustenance, or are planning to visit a place of interest then check the opening times in advance. Some places are shut during the week and there is nothing more frustrating then arriving somewhere after a long drive to find that it isn't open!

Don’t forget to include extra time for travel there and back, a change of plan, or unexpected problems such as bad weather, tiredness or injury, or a blocked path. Plan in ‘escape routes’ and always check the weather forecast on the day.

Wherever you live in the world there are lots of  beautiful places you can go to for a walk.  Even if you stick to the area where you live, chances are there are parks where you can have a walk and stretch your legs and let your thoughts wander.  In the UK for instance, membership to the National Trust and English Heritage opens up places and environments with some lovely walks that have the history of the place as well to offer more interest. But you don't have to live in the UK to benefit from some lovely and interesting places to walk. Chances are there are places right on your doorstep that you can go an explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

Walking is about how far you want to go and if you are new to walking here is a recap of  some practical and useful tips you will have learned this week to help you along your journey.

• Find the type of environment that suits you best

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