How Far Can A Nine year old boy Hike

[PaWithABra]

Anyone got any idea how far a nine year old boy of good general fitness can walk.

Mine asked me to take him hiking but i dont want to knacker him out nor just go 'round the block'

I remember do a 6 mile hike in the cubs or scouts but remember how old i was.

i did ten mile at that age and was fine..average fitness.. I would think about 6 for that age is best

cheers

looking at routes

From our house to lewes along the south downs is around 9 miles (train home)

I guess we could get the bus part of the way at the start.

www.familymagazinegroup.com/familytravel/story_10+Tips+For+Hiking+And+Camping+With+Kids.html

• 7-9 year olds can hike a full day at an easy pace, 5-7 miles over variable terrain.

isn't the internet great !

My nearly 8yo and I did a 12 k (7.4 mile) walk/cycle today - I just kept up a running commentary on how strong and healthy she'd be at the end of it :)

I guess it depends how up and down it is, and what the overall terrain is.

But my 8y DD could do 6 miles, yes.

my nearly 10yr old did a 12 mile sponsored walk last summer

Unless he's used to lots of walking, I don't think it would be a good idea to launch straight into a 9-mile hike - maybe build up gradually with a 3-mile, then 5-mile then 7-mile or something?

i think we will just go for it

we go for a walk most weekends so he is used to covering some ground.

If its too much there is small town about 2 thirds of the way in where i am sure we can ring for a 'taxi' or get the bus home.

Thanks for the input

both our girls (aged 4 and 8) hiked up and down Snowdon last year. We do mountain walk a fair bit though and they've climbed lots of mountains in the Lakes. We have friends with similar aged children - boys - who've done the same. From our experience, hikes with other kids and parents are always more successful - they don't notice distance as much tho you need someone who you know will not whine and is capable of lasting the route. Little rewards to keep up blood sugar levels are good. Take binoculars, book of animal track prints, etc. Start with short, circular routes and gradually increase distance. Also, begin with reasonable day in terms of weather. Personally, I wouldn't allow the option of taxiing back - just plan a shorter distance to start with.

he did it no problems

8-9 miles in 3.5 hours in freezing winds .. was a proper good adventure and we had loads of laughs on the way...