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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:
ballroompink · 22/04/2018 19:04

I do it when at work (on mat leave right now) and love it! Time to myself and keeps you fit. You do need comfortable, hardwearing shoes and more practical clothes but that's fine really.

DairyisClosed · 22/04/2018 19:05

It really depends on the walk. Of it us reasonably pleasant u would do it and enjoy it but so many parts of London are horriblr/fundamentally not very safe. Are you renting? Couldn't you move cliser/somewhere with direct public transport links?

WhatsGoingOnEh · 22/04/2018 19:38

I walk 35 mins to work and back, and I think I'm fatter and less fit than I've ever been. 🤔

Furano · 22/04/2018 19:40

45 mins walk is fine, especially if you aren’t caring much between Home and work.

It’s better if you have a desk or a locker and can leave work shoes etc there

In summer I used to sometimes walk in in a vest top then chuck my smart work top on when I got there. And in winter use a good quality rain jacket with a peaked hood.

Furano · 22/04/2018 19:42

so many parts of London are horriblr/fundamentally not very safe

No, they really aren’t. There are hardly ANY areas that are unsafe for an adult walking to/from work FFS

Flockoftreegulls · 22/04/2018 19:47

I did this in a former job in Manchester, it was about 40 minutes. I would have clothes make up etc at work and change when I got there. You need a really good waterproof coat and trainers. You can't hold an umbrella for that long.
I really enjoyed it, it was mostly through residential areas so I enjoyed nosying at houses and gardens. I could also slightly vary the streets I walked down. I used to listen to podcasts or radio 4. It's totally doable, free and good for your health!

DrunkOnCalpol · 22/04/2018 20:03

I do it, I've never found holding an umbrella tiring but as pp have said not good in the wind.
(I feel like if you are a fit healthy person and get tired from holding an umbrella then some work on your upper body strength may be in order)

mumonashoestring · 22/04/2018 20:13

I hate carrying an umbrella - not a strength problem, it just pisses me off having my hands full and as per the above, useless when it's windy! I have a good quality waterproof coat and a waxed cotton hat that folds into a pocket when I'm not using it - both keep my clothes and hair dry in the rain and squish down small enough to carry them in a shopping bag if it's warm.

Admittedly I prefer cycling to work but I do walk (3 miles) fairly often and the above paired with a decent pair of shoes (and some smart ones kept under my desk) keep me comfortable enough while doing it. And of course some decent music or an audiobook.

blueshoes · 22/04/2018 20:17

There are areas in London which are unsafe. This is not a controversial statement. And I have lived in London for the last 20 years.

Do be alert particularly in the winter months when the days are short and the street is quiet. I do still listen to music but have one ear phone out and avoid walking and checking my phone at the same time.

80sMum · 22/04/2018 20:20

It's interesting to see that many people use headphones when walking. That's something I have never felt inclined to do, as I like to hear what's going on around me. It would be a bit alarming if someone came up behind me and I hadn't heard them approaching, for example. I like a bit of prior warning if someone's nearby. Having said that, most of the time on my walking routes I don't meet or see any other people until I reach (or after I leave, depending on the direction I'm heading) 'civilisation', ie a tarmac road with a pavement. The rest of the time I am alone, with just the birds, rabbits and deer for company.

EventNotInData · 22/04/2018 20:23

There are some roads in London where you might be a target for bag snatchers at 6pm after dark. Very few though, and normally you can find a safer route

paradyning · 22/04/2018 20:27

I used to. It was brilliant. Dress appropriately for all weathers and our head phones on. I miss it!

Padfoot100 · 22/04/2018 20:41

I used to do it and loved it. Was 35 minutes though. It was a great way to start the day and got so used to it, it wasn't really a big deal. Felt a bit like 'free' exercise to me. Also surprising how little it did rain during the walk! That must have been more down to luck though. I'd wear trainers for the walk then change when got to work, it does wear shoes down quickly!

muffyduffster · 22/04/2018 20:49

My walking/cycle commute is this long, I'm 20 weeks pregnant with a toddler who goes to nursery next to my work, I've been driving lately but now the weather is nicer and days longer I'll start walking (waddling) again
Would agree that audiobooks (or podcasts) help you feel like you're triple multi-tasking; commuting, exercising and learning!
My top tip is Skechers go walk shoes; they're not the most stylish but they're like walking on air (no good for rain though)

muffyduffster · 22/04/2018 20:50

Also keep in mind how long your alternative (bus etc) takes, it took me almost as long to drive my two miles home one day this week as it would have to have walked.

MojoMoon · 22/04/2018 21:07

I do it a couple of times a week (45mins), cycle the other days (20 mins) or bus (40mins unless middle of night then under 20 mins). So walking barely adds any time on.
Tend to walk in my doctor martens rather than trainers as they are waterproof
I have a knee length Mac from RAINS (Danish brand so they know about rain) which has a peaked cap inside the hood, if that makes sense.
Rucksack also important.
I keep a pair of "office shoes" in my desk and a few bits of make up to touch up face if it has been raining.
I enjoy the walking the most - good time to catch up on podcasts or embarrassing vintage spotfiy playlists.

QuarterMileAtATime · 22/04/2018 21:08

I do this - 45-minute walk after school drop off, and then back again for school pickup. Less scenic than when I lived in Oxford and did it, but I much prefer to start the day walking than any other kind of commute. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes and that for the winter months you have a weatherproof coat with a sturdy hood that doesn’t flap off in the wind... although there have been surprisingly few truly wet days at those times.

AllActionBarbie123 · 22/04/2018 21:22

I used to walk from Victoria to my work Paddington and back everyday (and home when I got off the train) and I really enjoyed it. Just make sure you have a decent (waterproof) rucksack and some really comfy shoes- I wore trainers most of the year and fit flops in the summer.
One thing I was really surprised out was that it doesn’t rain anywhere near as much as you think!
Just enjoy it, I miss my walks a lot...

Oysterbabe · 22/04/2018 21:22

Also surprising how little it did rain during the walk!

This is so true, you don't get wet nearly as much as you'd expect.

Ohyesiam · 22/04/2018 22:01

You just need the right clothes, which you will get more and more right as time goes on. Sea salt waterproof coat, walking shoes, or Birkenstock in the summer, some good podcasts. I used to love it .

MissClareRemembers · 22/04/2018 22:07

I used to walk just over 4 miles daily for my commute (2 miles each way). At first my legs were like jelly afterwards but I soon got used to it. I loved it, watching seasons changing, seeing same people on the route and I lost 2 stone.

frieda909 · 22/04/2018 22:11

I used to walk about 50mins each way (in London) and it’s definitely doable but make sure you have some decent walking shoes! I also hated how sweaty I got, so started changing when I got to work. I listened to so many podcasts and it was brilliant!

Nowadays my walk would be more like an hour and a half each way, which is just a bit too far (although I’ve done it a few times during tube strikes!) but I do miss it.

blueshoes · 23/04/2018 12:17

80smum: It's interesting to see that many people use headphones when walking. That's something I have never felt inclined to do, as I like to hear what's going on around me. It would be a bit alarming if someone came up behind me and I hadn't heard them approaching, for example.

My aupair got attacked from behind in one of the safest residential streets just round the corner from our home when it was late and dark. Thankfully she managed to fend him off. I believe she was on her phone and there was no one else around.

This is not to scaremonger but it is worthwhile being alert to one's surroundings especially with head phones on. Also wear sensible shoes - helpful in a number of scenarios if you need to make a fast exit.

stayathomer · 23/04/2018 12:31

I used to walk an hour and a quarter every morning and again in the evening. The very odd time I'd take a taxi if absolutely wrecked/weather totally horrific but in general a good rain jacket and a change of clothes in your bag does the job (if it's raining put them in a plastic bag in your bag). I also used to bring a handbag size shower gel to give a quick little wash in the bathroom if I was really sweaty/stinky. I used to wear an old t- shirt under my jacket walking in, then change in work. A backpack with comfy straps and a good rain coat is all you really need and it's great, some good music or podcasts and you can beat the traffic, get fresh air and be healthy etc. God I miss those days ... Enjoy!

bookworm14 · 23/04/2018 12:55

I do this - it's about a 40 min walk from home to office. It's great exercise. Wear comfy shoes and listen to music or podcasts.