Is an hour walking commute too much?

[crochetmonkey74]

I've moved a bit further away from work but am missing walking there. My old walk was 20mins , New walk would be an hour each way. Is this a terrible idea?
On the way home, I would have the option of getting the bus after 20 minutes of the walk but the morning one wouldn't have this option. Anyone got an hour long walk to and from work? How do you find it?

I used to have long walk into work, and other than the darkness I generally preferred it in winter to summer. I walk very quickly and except on the coldest days, I was able to dress so that I was warm while walking. But on hot summer days, I’d easily overheat, especially on the way back. I used to keep a change of clothes at work just in case it tipped it down.

I've got a bike, but I'm a nervous rider. I like a bike round a nice safe park but wouldn't want to bike to work

I would love this option! Monthly travel costs a fortune. And I second a proper electric bike.

Are you ugh about the walk home because you'll be mentally tired or physically tired?

Sounds great way to wake up and wind down. I've done it and loved it as you see the seasons change...

I have a shorter walk myself but I think this sounds like a really good idea (I've thought about doing the same thing myself and making a longer walk out of my own walk). I can't see how this is very much different from going for a run or going to the gym before work, which loads of people do!

I do really enjoy walking, and do have other options for days when it is just not plausible (ie having to stay at work late)
I think I'll give it a go. Have got a good raincoat and backpack and like the idea of a change of clothes at work

Definitely mentally tired after work , and possibly physically too! But then I could get the bus

Yes actually this is true!

@Anameisaname is there a raincoat brand he would recommend? As am always looking for a good one. I walked dogs a lot in Wales!
Sorry to interrupt, OP.

I walk to work - takes just over an hour each way. I love it! I walk a slightly longer route so I avoid busier roads and cut through some parks. I think it very relaxing and it allows me to think and reflect. A friend enjoys listening to podcasts on her walk commute as another option.

I had a one hour walking commute in a previous job and loved it. Part of the walk was alongside a river and the last 15 minutes through a park. The rest however was along a main road so I had to be mindful of being splashed on a rainy day.
I'm an introvert so appreciated the thinking time at the beginning of the day and winding-down time at the end.

You might find the walk clears your head, and you will soon get used to the extra physical effort, but it is nice to have an option to get the bus.

You can try see how you get on. It will certainly keep you fit.

I'd be tempted to taxi on really wet days. Obviously they'll be more wet days in winter so I'd try to put money aside all year to cover it if you need to.

Fitness and weather dependent.

My commute is an hour on the train. An hour walk sounds a much better use of time. And the option of the bus if you’re tired or the weather is bad.

I think it is fine provided you have options for days you don’t want to. I would think carefully about logistics so you’re only carrying the minimum day to day so keeping more stuff in work. In the summer you may find you want a shower when you arrive if you’re walking briskly or at least only put your work top on once you’ve arrived.

Include a cap with a good peak in your wet weather kit, keeps face dry and better than hood.

I used to walk a 30 minute commute, but moved to 3 miles away so then swapped to bike. I found an indirect route that was part bike path & part quiet roads

I think fine in mild weather but I would not wish to be walking an hour in lashing rain or strong wind, etc

Sounds fine to me, that’s your movement for the day to. In London it takes an hour to get anywhere, on public transport! I’d consider cycling that though, would be so quick, maybe get an e-bike?

Having the bus option to get back with a shorter walk is good. How many days a week would you be doing it ?

Do you have an opt out point? I used to do similar but when I was in a rush / rain / exhaustion I could reduce the walk by taking a bus half the way.

Yes, not having to carry too much stuff would be my only caveat. And whatever you’re carrying, have a proper ergonomic backpack. And decent shoes.

I work from home now but I’d love this. If I lived in a more walkable place I’d even do an hour walk before and after I log in for work every day.

It’s great that you can take the bus back if you want sometimes and personally I’d definitely stick to simple walking rather than faffing about with a bike which I too prefer to use in parks etc