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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

If you have a long walk to work...

110 replies

Changedusernameforthis2 · 31/03/2025 08:35

Got a new job and the walk is 50 minutes.
I could do with more fresh air, more exercise, all the usual things. Anyone got a similar length walk and is it OK? (I know you cant all know my exact fitness etc etc )
But generally speaking?
I'm figuring when I was London based getting home took me an hour, and only 20 mins of that was on a bus.

OP posts:
Heelworkhero · 31/03/2025 20:54

I find it bizarre, how many grown adults think that in the uk, not extreme weather, it’s not feasible to walk less than an hour!

garlictwist · 31/03/2025 21:32

Mine is about 45 mins. I quite like it. I am learning Spanish at the moment en route with a podcast.

CarrieOnComplaining · 31/03/2025 21:38

Cycling not an option?

Lassango · 31/03/2025 21:42

I enjoy walking but 100 minutes each day on the same route does sound boring. Is the route bike friendly?

Inspirationfailure · 31/03/2025 21:59

Mine is 45 mins each way according to Google maps, though I think I walk a bit quicker. It’s fine, I listen to podcasts or audiobooks or music, don’t really notice it tbh. Wear waterproofs (including walking boots) on wet days, option of a bus part of the way if really miserable. I don’t have to carry a laptop. Big benefit for me versus other types of commute is it always takes the same time - there are no traffic jams or cancelled trains to worry about, you are always on time. Plus it’s free and I get my steps in.

ETA I haven’t counted but only take the bus a few times a year, certainly less than once a month on average.

SP2024 · 31/03/2025 22:01

I have a 35 min walk, and used to walk 45 mins. It’s fine, just have decent waterproof jacket for the winter. I listen to podcasts.

MissGeist · 31/03/2025 22:03

My walk is 30 mins through a town centre so I feel very safe.
Tbh you'd be amazed how rare heavy rain is. I get it maybe a couple of timed a year in the morning. On those days I just take spare trainers to change into and make sure I've got slim trousers on.
I have a primark maggot coat for cold weather, it's not so insulated that I get too hot. Proper outdoor coats are too hot when I'm dashing along.
I love listening to the radio and saying hi to cats en route.

Springee · 31/03/2025 22:08

When DC was in nursery my walk back from work was 45 mins comfortable, 40 mins doable, 37 mins personal best. I preferred to go home to fetch buggy when he was little even though I was 3 mins from nursery, 6 mins from home at one point in the journey. I should say that DH always did drop off if not away on business.

It wasn't until DC was at school at just over halfway point on similar route that I enjoyed the walk.

I don't mind a 50 min walk to anywhere so long as the weather is fine. It does become a problem if there's snow or torrential rain though in no a way that a 35 min walk doesn't

thehorsesareallidiots · 31/03/2025 22:11

Heelworkhero · 31/03/2025 20:54

I find it bizarre, how many grown adults think that in the uk, not extreme weather, it’s not feasible to walk less than an hour!

Me too, tbh. You just get a good hooded coat and get on with it. Maybe it's just because I grew up in a walkable city and walked everywhere as a teen, but an hour's walk is entirely doable and so much more enjoyable than driving or public transport. I love walking and listening to music.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 31/03/2025 23:35

That's great as long as you don't have to carry heavy laptop etc
I'd be getting a bike in your shoes though

mondaytosunday · 01/04/2025 01:25

I used to walk three miles to work, in London. It was fine - not sure what you are asking? Only concern would be if it’s winter and dark and parts of the road are not well lit.

purpleme12 · 01/04/2025 01:37

I walk half an hour to work

But absolutely if my work was 50 minutes away, I would still walk it

PeloMom · 01/04/2025 01:46

not long ago I could walk to work for almost an hour or take the tube and a short walk and be there in 15 mins. 90% of the time I walked - it was nice in the morning with coffee and music to get into work headspace instead of being squeezed under someone’s stinky armpit on the tube. On the way back was a nice way to wind down.

Changedusernameforthis2 · 01/04/2025 07:14

mondaytosunday · 01/04/2025 01:25

I used to walk three miles to work, in London. It was fine - not sure what you are asking? Only concern would be if it’s winter and dark and parts of the road are not well lit.

It's really clear what I'm chatting about . People who have a similar commute, how they've found it etc

OP posts:
Beatzzz · 01/04/2025 07:19

Sounds like a wonderful way of getting physical activity into your day! Absolutely use it as an opportunity. As others have said, make sure you have appropriate outerwear for the elements but otherwise, enjoy!

unclejoesmintballz · 01/04/2025 07:26

Yes, this wouldn't bother me at all. I would enjoy it.
You wouldn't have to deal with rush hour! A 50 minute drive on the other hand 😵‍💫

Clearinguptheclutter · 01/04/2025 07:29

I’d say doable but you’d need somewhere at work to store your stuff as a you may not want to wear your trainers at work and sometimes you’ll be relaying on
waterproofs

is a bike an option?

podcasts will help a lot; and/or music but harder to keep playlists fresh

kweenkweenie · 01/04/2025 07:56

Why don’t you just ride your bike (or get one if you don’t have one)?

Changedusernameforthis2 · 01/04/2025 08:00

I do have a bike but I'm not confident enough on it to do daily. It's more of a leisure thing

OP posts:
kweenkweenie · 01/04/2025 08:01

Changedusernameforthis2 · 01/04/2025 08:00

I do have a bike but I'm not confident enough on it to do daily. It's more of a leisure thing

Well you will be very soon if you practise.

Purplecatshopaholic · 01/04/2025 08:02

Be prepared - decent shoes, etc - and enjoy the exercise.

fabricstash · 01/04/2025 08:03

I don’t mind it if the weather is bad occasionally. It rarely is. I also have a rains backpack - so properly waterproof. I take my laptop and don’t want to risk water in it

BeyondMyWits · 01/04/2025 08:19

It is fine if/whilst you are fit and healthy. Or even if things are declining but you have reliable (and costed and tested) alternatives.

I had a problem in that I worked only a 20 min walk from home, but there was no bus service, and taxis would not come out at their most lucrative times of day for a short fare.

Then I had a heart issue I had to take much more time off work than I would have (on SSP) because I simply couldn't walk the 20 min in any less than an hour, and then stand for 2x4hr shifts and walk the now hour home.

BitOutOfPractice · 01/04/2025 08:21

Wheech · 31/03/2025 20:47

I WFH now but commuted on foot for up to an hour/3 miles for many years. I loved it and like others have said, icy weather is the only one that can really stop you.

My tip for you is get a coat with a decent hood rather than relying on an umbrella. And don't let bad weather put you off. The first few minutes can be pretty grim if the weather is really bad but then it levels off. It's better to just have the mindset that you're walking and that's that.

This. “I’m walking and that’s that”. Most of the time the prospect is worse than the reality even in bad weather.

MissGeist · 01/04/2025 08:31

I found cycling more annoying as it meant it was a huge faff to pop to the supermarket en route. For a 30 min walk it actually took longer once I'd faffed around getting the bike out, taking a slightly quieter route through the park and locking up at the other end. You can't hold an umbrella or send messages when cycling either

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