How hard is it to hike/walk 26 miles?

[Bemyclementine]

I've had a leaflet come through the door fir the "mighty hike". A half or full marathon distance.

I'd LOVE to challenge myself to do this, and there us one very locally.

I'm am currently not fit and overweight.

I have previously been very fit, but chikdren and single parenthood plus a couple if health issues kind of put it on the back burner.

I do at least 10k steps a day without really noticing and can walk 6 - 8 miles at ease (but dont do it often.

How hard would it be? How would I train for it? I used to run a lot, up to 10 miles, so I guess train in a similar way, just walking and upping the distance/varying terrain?

Time on your feet is key. I always tape my toes to prevent blisters. Hypofix is good.

I’m a lifelong hiker, I have hiked 21 miles in a day but this was The Peak District and we were a bit knackered the next day. I sadly have plantar on one of my feet though it has improved loads so do up to 10 miles currently but this is often quite rugged terrain and I’m no spring chicken. I have Scarpa walking boots, they were £100 and the most comfortable I have ever owned.

What month ? I have walked in all weathers but a big walk like that or any long hike I avoid if really hot. I belong to a women’s hiking group, they do everything from short walks to really long ones. It’s been great.

Agree with Rusooooo. Trail shoes sound more suitable for this. Some decent socks too. I like hilly twin skins, but everyone has a different preference.

Best way to prep is time on feet. Don't overdo it though. If you can get to say 15-18 miles in training then adrenaline will carry you through. Try and fit in some back to back (two days in a row) walks too of a decentish distance.

Don't panic if you get niggles in training, it doesn't mean that you are broken and can't do it. It might mean that you need to do some strength training and stretches to support you.

I don't take much kit with me. First aid kit, including blister plasters and K tape. K tape is good for unexpected rubbing. An extra layer. Waterproofs. Plenty of snacks and drink. Back up battery for phone and an OS map on my phone. Don't carry too much weight in your pack.

To add I have walked all the route this event is on (not in one go) and it is not easy. Very variable - if it's rained then it can be slippery and boggy.
There's long sections away from infrastructure too.
It's from Cromer to Holkham, which does include the shingle.
https://mightyhikes.macmillan.org.uk/choose-a-hike/norfolk-coast

I did a marathon hike a couple of years ago across the Chilterns so it was very hilly in parts.

I walk loads anyway, run and go to the gym. Fitness wise it was no problem. I only did two half marathon distance training walks before hand.

My only regret was that my walking boots were too snug and by the final few miles my feet really were in pain. One of my big toenails turned black and spent about two years falling out and growing back. It's finally ok now, though.

My dog came with me (Springer Spaniel, so highly energetic) and did the whole route running backwards and forwards off lead (DH would have picked her up if it was getting too much for her) so I did it with her and a friend.

It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life (I've run a couple of half marathons and hated them) go for it!!!

Two pairs of socks, one thin everyday weight and a thick pair over the top. Make sure that you are wearing them when shopping for boots too. The principle is that the socks rub each other rather than your skin

I am overweight and generally unfit (although reasonably active). A few years back I walked 54 miles in 24 hours with work colleagues to raise money for a good cause.

I've also done the 26 mile kilt walk.

Having good shoes and reasonable stamina helps a lot, along with walking partner (s) to keep each other encouraged and motivated.

Training wise we had about 5 months to prep and 1 month before I did 25 miles as my longest training walk. I found hill walking poles very helpful as our terrain was mixed along old railway line, woods, roads, pavements.

Stock up on blister plasters and immodium as that length of walk can really motivate the bowels!

@ErrolTheRednosedDragon I've never used walking poles so can't comment but have seen plenty of people use them on OPs route.

If you are fairly fit and used to walking it should be ok. I did 16 miles yesterday just as a fun, slow paced post Xmas country walk (although I broke it up with various breaks for a sandwich, cup of tea and cake, taking photos and then a pint near the end!) I just wore normal clothes, double thickness running socks and trail shoes.

The biggest issue will be time on your feet, Mr Monkey a very experienced sub 3.15 marathon runner says the slower runners have it harder as they spend so much more time on their feet.

So it will make sense to get a few long walks in, so you know what it feels like to spend 8 - 9 hours on your feet.

Also - good shoes, double layer socks and vaseline on anything that might rub (for women that also means the inside of your upper arms!)

@Runkittyrun I just looked up the route, I thought it would start or end at Holme with the coastal path but I guess Holkham makes sense! I'm less familiar with the Cromer end.

We did a 23 mile fundraising walk every year as kids in Somerset, so quite hilly, and it was fine. I did the full distance at 9 and I had very little legs, had a supply of energy sweets and blister plasters/ spare socks. It was a big organised thing though so there were 'squash points' every 3 miles to keep everyone hydrated, if we'd had to carry our own water it would have been a nightmare

I’ve run marathons but find walking the distance is harder. Longer time in your feet and more foot related issues. Comfy worn in boots are essential, and for me fresh dry socks to put on, I would change my socks around mile 8 and 16. Built up the training, follow a marathon plan but just walking it.

I’ve done the moon walk in Edinburgh a few years ago. I trained with a friend, we walked every Sunday for the weeks leading up to it, gradually increasing to the biggest being 21 miles. I was overweight too but reasonable walking fit which it sounds like you are too.

I also agree get good footwear and break them in. We did it in just under 8 hours, I did get some blisters at the end, oddly as I had none in training but I think it was the going up Arthur’s Seat and sliding slightly in my trainers that did that. The instructions at the start were to have your trainers slightly loose and I think I overdid that. By the end we were very tired but of course it was overnight and we had no sleep. Definitely go for it, it was a very satisfying thing to do!

I'm feeling equal parts excited/apprehensive. Maybe I should do the half thus time abd look for a longer one if that goes well. I'd so love to do the full distance though.

I think most would - it's a bit over zealous.

I think you want to make sure you can sustain a fast pace over distance and build up your stamina for that. As others have said its the hours on your feet which will be the killer. That said I've done 15 mile hill walks without much training and survived so I would imagine on the flat with some training thrown in and you'll be fine op.

As someone who had never walked that distance before, I signed up two years to do the exact same marathon and it was one of the best thing I’ve ever done.

It is superbly run, you won’t need to carry food/drink apart from maybe a few snacks as it’s all provided via pit stops en-route. With it being in May, it shouldn’t be too hot. There’s no right or wrong re boots/trainers as long as they fit well and are comfy. If you know the coastline, the walk does do the shingle stretch between Weybourne and Cley which is slow going.

Is it hard, yes or it wouldn’t be a challenge for people to sponsor you. As for can you do it, yes you can. Everyone pulls together and supports each other to get to the end. Some people who do it are ultra fit, want to do the quickest time etc but the vast majority are doing it to raise money or walking in memory of someone so as long as you finish before it gets dark, it doesn’t matter how long you take to complete it. Time on your feet, build up the miles over the next few months. If you can reach 20 miles a few weeks beforehand then you’ll manage the rest. Once you’ve signed up, you get training and kit tips. Last few weeks, no long walks so your feet are well rested.

Go for it, you won’t regret it!

My 16 year old did it for his D of E expedition. He was doing his Bronze award but only 2 of them doing bronze so they had to join the silver group and walk further. He loved it all. He only did 4 weeks training including 1 practice walk of 22 miles.

Regarding boots vs shoes, you really don’t need boots unless you are carrying a heavy pack or have particularly weak ankles. The only time I ever wear boots for a hike is if I’m going to need crampons 😁

You can do it! I agree with PPs that decent, worn-in hiking boots and socks are vital. Also take paracetamol and ibuprofen, and use them strategically during the second half. I run long distances and find that my joints (knees and hips) get very sore towards the end, so I always have a painkiller strategy for race day (not for practice runs though - NSAIDS prevent healing through necessary inflammation).

I think maybe you should do the half distance one first and if that goes well you could do a longer one later on in the year or next year.
I'm a long distance hiker and hike several times a week and also do treks of up to 4 weeks with tent etc. However, I find it very hard going past the 20 mile point. It's the bottoms of my feet which are the weak point - at some point they start burning and no amount of rest can stop it.
That's not to say I couldn't do a 26 mile hike. I can - but it would be hard work and painful.

Some tips if you do want to do it:
a) get decent hiking shoes rather than boots for the terrain you have described. They need to have a decent sole on them and cushioning - ie. not normal trainers. They are lighter than boots and it does make a difference - but if you are someone who has a tendency to go over on your ankle get a lightweight boot.
b) when doing training hikes observe where your toes, heels etc get a bit red from rubbing. The points which go red on say a 10 mile hike are the ones which turn into blisters on a longer hike or on the 2nd or 3rd day of a trek. Put blister plasters over those places before you start a long hike and that prevents them developing in the first place.
c) absolute minimum weight in your rucksack so check what food is offered along the route and plan accordingly. Don't take gas, stove and pans etc as someone else suggested - far too much weight for little gain. A thermos with coffee or tea is better if you want a hot drink.
d) appropriate comfortable clothing including a waterproof jacket (and trousers). Check the weather on the day - if it's forecast to be a perfect day, no rain, then leave the jacket at home.

One of the most popular things I bunged in the first aid packs for DofE were large wound dressings - this type in 10 x 20cm and 10 x 6 cm - as the moment you feel a hotspot, you put them on and it protects everywhere, compared to a little plaster that rubs off, gets stuck in a blister or you just get another blister forming 1cm away from the original.

The other things I'd suggest would be seam free compression leggings, big, seam free knickers and a lot of protection - either liquid talc or more dressings - at the top of the thighs. Sweat, seams and a tiny, almost unnoticeable friction can become absolute agony if it's over a larger distance.

Should I have put a disclaimer, is that what the internet has come too?

*Other training schedules are available.

I'd rather be "over zealous" and prepared than blow a knee, ankle or shoulder and fail the hike and be out for the rest of the year, possibly several years.

*This post contains no factual information and should not be taken literally or in any way seriously. Other training schedules are available. Other TV Listings are available. No children or animals were hurt in the posting of this message. If you notice this notice you will notice it is a notice. NAMALT. Objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are. Caution: Hot Drinks are Hot.

Good luck OP! It sounds like a great challenge.

A tip from me would be to train so that you're able to go and go at a steady pace without the need to stop too often. I did a half marathon walk in New York some years ago, I was reasonably young and fit at the time but oh my gosh my legs ACHED for the next few days and I think it was the constant stop/start of needing to wait to cross the roads.

I’ve done this….31 miles on roads with hills. I can do an 8 mile hill walk without too much trouble but I. No way super fit.

not lying the 31 mile was hard. Compeed and boots/shoes you are very comfortable in and good socks. Keep hydrated and fed. Too much sugar makes you sick.bananas are good.

but it’s perfectly doable, I’d recommend trying to do some practice on hills so a flat walk will seem super easy. Keep increasing your distance.