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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...to ask your opinions on a ‘walking commute’.

189 replies

LemonsLemonsLemonsLemons · 21/04/2018 23:36

Background: new job, terrible public transport to new workplace. Scared to cycle, and can’t drive.

I need to be at my new work place fairly early each day (before 8). I figured it would be around a 45 minute walk door to door at a leisurely pace. Is there anyone out there who does a regular daily walking commute? Would 45 minutes of walking early every morning be miserable or invigorating?! And then of course 45 mins home again at the end of the day.

I’m curious to hear other experiences, and maybe tips from anyone who does a walking commute.

OP posts:
Imnoth3r3 · 22/04/2018 00:00

Walking is fantastic exercise and can be invigorating and relaxing at the same time. I walk everywhere (don't drive, live 30 min from shops etc) and you get used to it pretty fast.

A suggestion if you need to carry several things to work is to get a hand trolley (I call them "old lady carts"). It takes a load off when you need to carry a purse/bag, umbrella, coat, water bottle, etc.

PippaPug · 22/04/2018 00:00

Waterproof trousers as well! Not to bad coming home as you can change but going to work and having wet legs/feet all day is miserable!

Dynamitewithalaserbeam · 22/04/2018 00:04

Have you considered a bike? It would halve the commute and maybe take the pressure off timewise.

I'm considering getting an electric bike atm. Cycling would be quicker than driving, and a heck of a lot quicker, but there are two vicious hills.

Namechange128 · 22/04/2018 00:08

@LemonsLemonsLemonsLemons I'd come in on Monday and Wednesdays with running gear in my bag and wearing trainers (always kept my heels at work anyway due to the long walk), plus no big wallet, just credit card and some cash, then left my work wear in a bag under my desk and ran home with just a little sweaty Betty bumbag thing with phone, my card, cash and keys. The next day I'd take home the previous day's workwear, if that makes sense?

I never enjoyed running in to work, as work showers were minging, and didn't like having to schlep around with makeup or run with a big bag.

DuchyDuke · 22/04/2018 00:11

I would walk up to 60mins each way. Need to be more careful about it at night though, especially in London, so don’t rely on it being your only form of transport.

Judydreamsofhorses · 22/04/2018 00:13

I walk 30 minutes each way. I’m in Scotland, so often wet/cold. In winter I often change footwear when I get in, and I tend to wear a parka with a hood if it’s wet. I always carry a hat in my bag, and don’t like using an umbrella. I find opaque tights and dress/skirt better in wet weather as the tights dry out really quickly. I always listen to music, I find podcasts don’t work because I either lose the thread because of concentrating on crossing roads etc, or get too absorbed and risk getting run down!

80sMum · 22/04/2018 00:14

I sometimes walk to and/or from work. For me it's a 90 minute walk, mostly on footpaths and bridleways across comon land and through woods. It's lovely in the spring, summer and early autumn but I don't do it from November to March, due to the shorter daylight time.

If you're in a city and it's an urban walk, you should be fine, as you'll have street lighting to guide you.

I think it's a good thing to do and a great way to keep fit.

missnevermind · 22/04/2018 00:16

A suggestion if you need to carry several things to work is to get a hand trolley (I call them "old lady carts"). It takes a load off when you need to carry a purse/bag, umbrella, coat, water bottle, etc.
My new gym bag is on wheels. Not to big and looks quite normal.

sycamore54321 · 22/04/2018 00:20

I think it sounds lovely! I've regularly had 35 minutes walks before and found them no big deal at all. Don't use a single strap handbag, you want a backpack style on both shoulders.

For weather, a peaked baseball cap is a must - both for summer sun and more importantly to stop annoying rain on your face (I wear glasses so I hate rain on my face). Zero points for style but it really does the job. Even with a good raincoat, adding a cap helps a lot.

starsandstuff · 22/04/2018 00:21

My work is 40 minutes walk away and I go through phases of walking depending on laziness! I wear trainers and gym gear, with a raincoat and peaked-cap in the rain, and carry a change of clothes, wipes, deodorant and makeup in a backpack then freshen up and change when I get there. I listen to podcasts mostly, rather than music, as it's more distracting. I pass a park and going through rather than past makes the journey slightly longer, but I often walk through it on my way home so it feels like at least I'm getting some nature and not just walking through traffic. Although I have to say it gives me great joy striding merrily along at a faster pace than cars stuck in the rush hour crawl Grin It's great for arriving in work feeling invigorated and helps to destress at the end of the day. In fact you've resolved me to get back into making it more regular. Good luck!

TheClitterati · 22/04/2018 00:21

I did this last year and loved it. Audio books and podcasts were used and I looked forward to walk and listen/book etc.

After a couple of months walking, and getting noticeably stronger, I started jogging to work.

I work from home nw but keep up with walking g/jogging aiming for at least 10K steps each day.

longtompot · 22/04/2018 00:22

Top tip: Wear a peaked cap along with your raincoat for wet days. Saves your face getting soaked and moisteriser going into your eyes. I learnt this from pushing dd to and from school in a wheelchair.

IjustbelieveinMe · 22/04/2018 00:23

I have been walking to work like this everyday for the last 3 years. I would recommend wearing good trainers and changing your shoes when you get to work. I used to have a backpack but found it made my back sweaty so now I just carry a normal shoulder bag with my lunch in it and make sure it is not too heavy.

Just keep it simple. You don't really need to drag a trolley with you. Just adapt what you take to work each day, get your headphones in and go.

Pardalis · 22/04/2018 00:23

I do 20 mins to train station and then another 20 from Cannon St to office and then the reverse on the way home. It's part of my routine, I listen to lbc so get my fill of news and entertainment. I would definitely recommend it!

FranklinDelano · 22/04/2018 00:24

Am I the only one who gets sweaty walking to work? It's a gentle incline most of the way and I'd sweat even when I was fit and a regular gym-goer.

FrozenMargarita17 · 22/04/2018 00:24

I used to do this and actually liked it as a way to prepare myself. I would use my music to get me motivated for the start of work. But yes not so fun in winter.

SelkieUnderLand · 22/04/2018 00:24

Sounds perfect. My commute is an hour door to desk and i would love to swap it for a 45 minute walk.

UpstartCrow · 22/04/2018 00:25

Its not only cheaper than the bus, its less stressful, you start the day with some exercise and a clear head. And walking home is a good way to unwind. You've left the baggage at the office before you get home.

Put the money you save each week to one side for when you need public transport, and you'll have plenty left over.

TheClitterati · 22/04/2018 00:26

I bathed before I left home, and would change clothes/ shoes once I got to work.

I would get sweaty but a quick wipe with flannel and change of clothes worked very well.

minimalpatience · 22/04/2018 00:26

I do it and Iove it. I stick on my headphones and listen to music or an audiobook. I have quite a stressful job and I find the walking great for clearing my head / calming me.

I use an umbrella and carry a much smaller and lighter bag nowadays.

PickAChew · 22/04/2018 00:27

Depends where you live. 45 Mon each way somewhere with mild weather probably fine. If there's a risk that you have a period of proper winter and no backup that's going to be unaffected by said weather then it's unworkable.

OlennasWimple · 22/04/2018 00:28

Have you tried walking it both ways to get a feel for what you would be getting into? Eg are there any particularly bad junctions to cross, or narrow pavements, or small but steep inclines? There might also be some short cuts that you can take on foot that you couldn't on a bike or in a car

AjasLipstick · 22/04/2018 00:32

I'm another who has done similar. I did it for 3 years and I really loved it. It was a nice walk granted...one which took me down Lambeth Walk and onto the riverside...but I used to think and look at all the lovely buildings. I was very fit!

Original poster
LemonsLemonsLemonsLemons · 22/04/2018 00:33

Ahh, thanks for all the tips and suggestions, everyone. I love Mumsnet! This has really made me feel pretty excited about it now.

Namechange - thanks for describing the running logistics. That makes sense. I’ve now been browsing Sweaty Betty looking for a running bumbag...!

Will definitely get a pac-a-mac and some good trainers. And I hadn’t thought about a peaked cap, but that’s a great suggestion too.

OP posts:
IronicWitttUsername · 22/04/2018 00:35

Franklin i sweat loads too. It's so annoying