How far can I walk today?
One of the most important points to consider when planning a walk is assessing the time it will take to complete the walk. If you are using public transport this is even more important as you will have to plan your walk to correspond with Bus or Train times. Also, particularly in these hectic times you may have to finish the walk at a certain time in order to get to your accommodation for dinner, or to make a restaurant reservation, or even just to meet friends for a social gathering. Whatever the reasons, it's likely your walking will be subject to time restrictions and you can use my Walk Time Calcualtor to work out how long your planned walk is going to take you. Give it a try.

How to use the Calculator
Simply enter the details of your planned walk into the relevant boxes. In the first box enter the number of miles (decimal points, e.g. 12.3 is allowed). In the second box enter the total amount of climbing (in metres) you must do on the walk. In the third box do the same for metres of descent. In the final box enter the total time (in minutes) you plan to take in rests, drink/ food breaks, lunch, etc). PLEASE NOTE - A value is required in every field so if you plan a walk with no climbing, no descent or indeed to walk without a break just insert 0 in the relevant box.

How the Calculations are made
The calculator is based on Naismiths Rule. He was a keen Victorian walker who applied a formula to calculate the time taken to do a walk. The rule is now widely recognised in the walking fraternity. His rule is:

• Walking time = 3 miles per hour

• Climbing Time = 1 minute for every 10 metres ascent

• Descent Time = 1 minute for every 20 metre descent 

This method is fine for the average regular walker but it does not apply to walking in difficult conditions (e.g. boggy ground, dense undergrowth). It is entirely suitable for the average walker in typical walking terrain. My walking calculator is designed using slightly different parameters. They are designed after consultation with walkers in Walking Newsgroups who agreed on a common consensus for the average walker. These parameters are:

• Walking time = 2.5 miles per hour

• Climbing Time = 1 minute for every 10 metres ascent

• Descent Time = 1 minute for every 25 metres descent

• Breaktime = 1 minute per Breaktime minute

If you feel that 3 miles an hour is your average walking speed then simply deduct some time from the walk. From my experience you will have to be moving quickly and not enjoying the scenery of the walk to maintain 3 mph throughout the whole walk. Anyway, so now you know the calculator settings go ahead, choose a walk and then calculate the walking time.

The Walk Duration Calculator is devised by the Walking Englishman & Antonio Carlos Xavier Matos.

Walking Englishman 2004