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Original poster

Is walking 8 miles without stopping realistic expectation?

124 replies

MorganSeventh · 30/05/2021 22:01

Meeting friends for a walk tomorrow morning, finishing with a pub lunch. All good. However friend who is organising it, who is a keen walker, has suggested we set off at ten and has booked lunch for 12:45.

She's sent through a map of the route, and while it's flat and on a good track, it's just over 8 miles (13k). I queried whether 2hrs 45 would be long enough to cover it, and her view was yes, as we'd walk at a steady 20 minutes a mile. Which is fine as far as pace goes, but doesn't allow any time for breaks.

Is that a reasonable expectation? We're 4 fairly fit women in our 40s and in itself 8 miles isn't a super-long walk, but 2hrs40 continuous seems quite a long time to go without stopping, for what was meant to be a relaxed amble with friends...

OP posts:
Clymene · 30/05/2021 22:36

It's possible but it won't be much fun.

megletthesecond · 30/05/2021 22:38

Fine on my own. Rubbish with friends when you might dawdle.

WalkthisWayUK · 30/05/2021 22:40

It’s not a relaxed amble is it. I’d find this a bit much, as in ‘come on, we’ve got to make lunch’ and it’s all a bit earnest.

I’d rather have time to chat and take in the view half way at least for 20 minutes.

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BrilliantBetty · 30/05/2021 22:44

Will you want to stop during a 2hr 45 min walk? I would.

I'd want a pee and a sit down after an hour & half of walking.

BackforGood · 30/05/2021 22:45

Like others, I think it sounds more like a route march than a sociable amble with friends.

My dh would be fine with it.
I could probably "manage it" if there were some reason why I had to, but I wouldn't consider it to be pleasurable.

When we go for a walk from home, one of our regular routes is a fraction over 5K and it takes me an hour. So, in theory, at that pace I would make it to the pub in time, but if I'm walking 13k / 8miles I would expect to have a few 'stop and admire the views' / take photos / stop and get a drink out of my bag, maybe some sweets / etc.
We've just come back from a holiday where we did a lot of walking, and, for it to be pleasurable, I wouldn't be walking 13k in that time, no.

Smallinthesmoke · 30/05/2021 22:48

I could do it without any problem - however, it is meant to be quite warm tomorrow and it would feel more like a yomp than a chatty ramble. Tbh this is one reason I don't usually walk with other people than DH, it is hard to find a group of people who all enjoy the same pace...

OwlTwitterings · 30/05/2021 22:50

I walked a half marathon in just under four hours without any training so yes I think you can do it unless you have any health problems holding you back. How are you getting home again?

ThursdayWeld · 30/05/2021 22:58

No fricking way. I would be exhausted. And grumpy, after mile four. And resentful.

Worriesome · 30/05/2021 23:00

That’s a long time to walk, kind of takes the fun out of what should be a nice relaxed time as you say x

3CCC · 30/05/2021 23:00

@AnyFucker

Are you walking 8 miles back again ? Shock
This is a very important question

I could walk 8 miles for lunch. But would need to be prepared so water sun cream hat etc.

I'm better if I have a map or know where I'm going so it's clear in my head even if it's only some of the route.

NameyNameyNameChangey · 30/05/2021 23:04

It's doable but I wouldn't find it enjoyable.
I walk a lot (live fairly near an area with some lovely walks) but Like to do so slowly, admire the view, stop to think etc!

tunnocksreturns2019 · 30/05/2021 23:07

Oh I could walk the distance easily in the time but I would chat too much, get distracted and help ensure the group gets lost, adding several (or more) miles to the journey and ensuring we arrive for dinner, not lunch.

Are you walking with anyone like me?!

Ostara212 · 30/05/2021 23:07

I could do it but see it as a march and very brisk exercise

Not a nice stroll with friends where you want to stop and take pics.

It's the kind of thing I'd do for exercise on a hot day when just in the mood to walk and walk, like when you've been stuck behind a desk all week....but it doesn't sound like something to do woth friends. I tend to be a solo exerciser though.

Also, tomorrow will mean drinking lots of water hence loo stop.

Castlepeak · 30/05/2021 23:08

I’d say the odds are good at least one person in your group is going to struggle with that walk. On any given day, someone in their 40s may not be having the best day physically or may be having more physical issues in general than she has shared with the group. You need to allow time for people to rest or to want to walk at a slower pace without feeling like they are keeping the group from meeting a deadline. Someone may want to save face by stopping to look at lots of flowers or birds instead of admitting they have a bad back or that their tendinitis is flaring up.

hopeishere · 30/05/2021 23:08

I would hate this. I'm a naturally slow walker and people doing a fast walk where I was under pressure to keep up would make me extremely grumpy.

GroggyLegs · 30/05/2021 23:13

I'm an annoyingly fast walker & I'm fairly fit but I would want a bit more time.
I agree with PP, another 30 mins would take the pressure off.

PegasusReturns · 30/05/2021 23:14

I’d allow an extra 30mins.

Walking non stop for 13km is fine but with the heat you’ll get a bit of a sweat on, which might be unpleasant for lunch. Give yourself a buffer

AlecTrevelyan006 · 30/05/2021 23:15

How are you getting home?

HerkyBaby · 30/05/2021 23:15

It’s ridiculous. Just meet them at the pub.

ChardonnaysPetDragon · 30/05/2021 23:17

Doable but not fun.

felulageller · 30/05/2021 23:18

8 miles would take me a day.

godmum56 · 30/05/2021 23:21

I could do it at need but no way for pleasure....I'd be saying I'll meet you at the pub!

MargaretThursday · 30/05/2021 23:23

I agree with the doable, but not fun.

Reminds me of when dh was in a student group that were going away together for a week. One chap, a keen walker, volunteered to sort food, and announced he wanted less than £1 a day from everyone.
After initially being very impressed at his thrifty nature, they then began to wonder what he was suggesting they ate... Just add boiled water to packet powder to make a "stew" was his idea.
They rebelled.

Devastatedandlost · 30/05/2021 23:24

I’d probably park somewhere else and join them for the last 2 miles ......

I’m assuming there is the walk back unless you are dropping a car by the pub.

Cakeofdoom · 30/05/2021 23:25

As fit as can be expected for an overweight asthmatic 55 year old - my body could just about do it but my feet would suffer like buggery - not enjoyable in this heat