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'll definitely consider this for the worse weather days- will scope out some good parking places , I think generally I would like the simplicity of just walking from home but this could be an option sometimes

I’d do it and listen to a podcast or audiobook on the way

I did it for years (it was 50 minutes but I'm a slooow walker so it took me an hour lol). It was wonderful and I miss it .

Invest in good shoes, good coat, good waterproof parka, good backpack, and you're good to go!!!

If cycling makes you nervous, could you do it just part of the way

It's a definite no to cycling

I also love podcasts - so this will be good listening time- I am going to try it out tomorrow and I will report back!

How many miles is it @crochetmonkey74 ?

I don't know on miles - I only know it takes me an hour - I walk at an average speed

just googled- it's 4.2 miles one way

Do what the cyclists at my work do, drive in on the Monday with their work wear for the week which they store and then get changed when they get in and take it home the following Monday.

I would invest in good all weather gear (and make sure I take it even if the morning is beautiful - you never know weather wise in the UK) and some walking shoes even if it's along a residential type route, they'll protect your feet and ankles but also avoid less robust work shoes being worn out

At an average speed that would be closer to an hour and a half

I'd say that 4.2 miles is probably not going to be sustainable. Whey you said an hour, I was comparing it to when I commuted, walking for about 45 minutes each way, so probably between 2.5 and 3 miles each way. That was sustainable for five days a week but it would make me tired if I was carrying shopping home.

100% feasible if you ask me.
In fact it is good exercise. So go for it.

Not exactly a commute, but I used to have an hour round trip to drop one kid at school then one at nursery before heading home to work - then the reverse to collect everyone at the end of the day. Took me just over an hour. Personally, I loved it - embedded exercise as you say. And I found it quite meditative. I miss it now they're both at school!

Definitely take a change of clothes for warmer weather though.

I had an hour walk to work at my last job. Was nice to have a walk and listen to music, clear head etc in the morning. In the evening I usually took a bus home and it was more like 45 min. Wasn't an issue for me, but then had no childcare issues at that point.

My SIL walks currently (or gets bus/drives) from outskirts of a city to her job in the city, it works really well because she can either do it in 50 mins or 55 mins - the longer one takes in the countryside but if she adds another 5-10 mins at the start she can go to a supermarket before she heads off or visits the shops in the city centre on her way in. She really loves her walk but is leaving in I think a month for a new job which is more time in London.

I did this for decades until my 50s, when I started working full time from home. I worked for various clients and walking to their offices would take between 45 mins and 1 hr 15 depending on distance. I occasionally got the bus home if I was tired. Get some decent shoes and something to listen to.

It's definitely an hour

Google maps says it's 4.2 miles but thats probably the main roads, not allowing for cut throughs etc

Definitely takes me an hour as I've done it before

@User135644

will you walk 3 miles ther, then 3 miles home again?

@crochetmonkey74

how many miles is it? What are your options?

Heavy bag? Work shoes?

Oh, another thing I thought of. Ensure you have the correct gear on for doing it, I recently walked for miles in leggings (not gym ones) and non cotton knickers and got nasty sores in between the leg/bottom area (chub rub?), due to sweat.

A good rucksack will be vital. A decent cup to take tea/coffee in and/or water bottle. Snack for if you're hungry but don't need to have one especially if you've had breakfast. On the way home you may need a snack, I often just take plums and/or protein bar. I've happily done without that. You may also need a drink on the way home.

The one thing I'd say about weight loss and walking. The best way to do it for weight loss is to walk until you're slightly out of breath, so quickly. But, you can just do this for 30 mins or in 15 min bursts and then just walk at a normal pace.

But as per above, I've definitely lost weight this way with the fast walking and surprisingly, it's not that hard to get into it, it's aerobic exercise. You can put air pods in and listen to music/audio books etc but sometimes I just like to skip them and listen to natural sounds.

Sounds perfect. Also invest in a bike to mix it up a bit

I love walking and don't mind the rain. I'd get a rain coat and walk both ways. The exercise will be so good for you.

I was just coming on to say in contrast to a PP, I definitely wouldn't wear wellies for that distance. I wear wellies a lot for dog walking but for brisk flat distances I would thoroughly recommend these. I've walked miles in mine and they are so comfy and waterproof.

You will need good supportive, waterproof shoes. You have the bus option on the way home so you should.be fine.