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

[LemonsLemonsLemonsLemons]

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.

I would happily do it if I could, but living in Kent and working in Central London knocks it out of the equation sadly.

I do this. I love walking in in the morning, it's a lovely start to the day and I feel very energised.

Fucking hate the walk home. I'm tired. It's uphill. I've had enough of the day and just want to be home.

I sometimes walk in pushing my bike because I love walking so much and then cycle home.

Years ago I regularly walked to a job that was (at first) 45 minutes each way. It was a lovely walk, partly long the sea front, which faces east so in winter I would see the sunrise over the sea on my outward journey. Before long, I found that I was doing it in 35 minutes, while still being able to enjoy the views. I don't think I'd got massively fitter so much as you can walk any route a bit faster when you know it well and don't have to think about where you're going all the time. I did take the bus occasionally when I was running very late or had injuries but I basically walked that route every day for about 4 years and I loved it. You get to unwind completely after work in a way that you can't if you have to concentrate on driving, or if public transport makes it so quick that there's no transition time to speak of.

I used to do similar in my early twenties - I wore rollerblades though.

I used to walk to drop my son off then go to work - altogether it was around 45/50 mins each way. It wasn't a problem unless the weather was bad, but I was in much better shape. I don't drive, but if I did I would probably still have walked that on nicer days.

Decent coat and shoes are a must but otherwise that's not a bad distance.

I managed it pg - only stopped work few days before birth - up and down some really steep hills but it was summer and I had plenty of time and was used to walking so it was okay even enjoyable.

Heavy rain - type you can wring the coat and under garments out with later is a pain but worst conditions for me personally are icy - or melt and re-frozen snow. Perhaps it's less an issue with London's microclimate.

DH does 20 min walk train then 45 minute walk back to house – really bad weather or short on time he will grab a taxi up the hill.

When I lived in Edinburgh I walked 40 mins each way because it took roughly the same amount of time as the bus (it always got stuck in four-way traffic trying to get onto the Bridges) and I really enjoyed it. It saved me money and I got fitter.

I've since moved away and it now takes about 1h 15m each way, which I do fairly regularly but can't always face it every day.

Yes! Do it, but agree get a backpack and waterproof and don't worry if you look more like a rambler than a stylish city gal. Keep your nice shoes and jackets at work if you can. You'll find your work shoes never wear out that way too. And I would definitely recommend a hat instead of umbrella.

I cycled my commute for a years and years, approx 18 mile round trip. I loved it! I got out of the way of it and haven't managed to get motivated again and subsequently have gained tons of weight! Currently I walk but it is a very short commute so not enough to really call exercise unfortunately. You will love it. I wouldn't splash out on loads of gear though until you see if you will keep it up.

When I was walking 45 mins each way I was so fit, and more importantly REALLY happy. Walking is the best for mental health.

Totally agree with that diddle
Its fantastic!

Put your equivalent bus / train fare / petrol money into a tin / bank account each day you walk, then if you ever do need a taxi you can take it out of that, and if you don't then you're saving up a really nice bonus for each year.

Decent trainers, work shoes left at work, decent jacket/waterproof trousers for winter.

It'll be something that you just get into the habit of and you'll feel great for it.

There's something nice about walking to and from work that keeps home and work very separate in your mind. A good destressing opportunity

I used to have a longish cycle to work, and was a highlight of the day. If I got a job within 45 mins, I'd happily walk some days.

And for the podcasts, one ear bud only!