Walking continues to be a great activity for people all over the world. Not only is this a great way to spend some time outdoors and get fresh air, but it is also a low-impact way to burn some additional calories.
Whether you are taking a walk with your dog, some friends or by yourself… getting outside and taking a long walk from time to time can be quite beneficial for your body and mind. Walking provides mental clarity and improves cardiovascular function, among other things. Anyone that is interested in taking a long walk of five miles or more will likely want to know how long the walk will take so they can plan accordingly.
How Long Does It Take to Walk 5 Miles?
A five-mile walk is a great form of exercise, easy on the joints… and could result in someone taking 10,000 steps or more in a single day. The length of time that it takes to walk file miles will vary from person to person, but it typically takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 45 minutes – depending on the speed that you walk.
The typical person in average health and physical condition will usually log a walking speed of around 3.5 miles per hour. If you walk at a pace of three miles per hour, it will take you 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete your walk. If you pace four miles per hour, it will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete your walk.
However, there are other factors that could slow you down including: having to wait at stoplights, traffic or taking a rest for water or to tie your shoes.
When you are going to take a walk of this length, it is important that you are prepared. This should include wearing the proper shoes and apparel based on the weather and walking conditions. You should also bring some water, a light snack, and your phone to make a call in case of emergencies.
When it May Take Longer to Walk Five Miles
When you are going to take a file mile walk, you will likely be done within 1.25 to 1.75 hours. However, the actual time it takes will vary from one person to the next. Here are some things to take into consideration that can impact the time that it will take you to walk five miles.
Age and Level of Fitness
When wondering how long it takes to walk 5 miles, one of the most important considerations is the age and fitness of all people in your group. While you may want to walk at a quicker speed, if you or someone that you are walking with is older or has injuries, you may need to slow the pace down. In some cases, you may need to walk as slow as 2.5 miles per hour, which would then take you a full 2 hours to complete the walk. For those that are not yet in their ideal shape, wearing shoes that are designed for their weight and level of fitness can help you increase speed and remain safe.
Crowd and Environment
No matter where you are going to be walking, the surrounding crowd can impact your walking speed. When you are walking on an empty trail with no other people around, you will be able to walk at any speed that you want. However, if you are on a busy trail or city street, you will have to deal with other people getting in your way. This could require you to change your speed, go out of your way to avoid crowds, and other factors that can influence your overall pace.
Terrain
The terrain that you are walking in will have a very significant impact on the speed at which you can walk. When most people quote a walking speed, it is assumed that they are on a flat surface. However, there are a lot of paths that could have steep inclines and declines. These are always going to be more challenging and could take you longer to get through. Also, if you are walking on a path that has loose sticks, mud, and other natural debris, it could require you to slow down to make sure that you are walking safely through the terrain.
Weather
There is nothing quite as nice as taking a walk on a nice sunny day that is the right temperature. However, you are far more likely to take a walk in weather that is not as ideal. If there is cold weather rain or snow, it can reduce your speed. If the weather is too hot, you may need to take more breaks to drink water along the way. It is always a good idea for you to check your local hourly forecast before taking a long walk. Even if it seems ideal at the moment, it can change over the course of a couple of hours. Carrying additional clothing for changes in weather can help you enjoy your walk.
Mood and Spirit
Whenever you are going to exercise at all, your current mood and spirit can also impact your walking speed. If you are in a good mood and excited for the walk, you may move more briskly and complete a five-mile walk faster than if you are in a bad mood. A great way to improve your mood while going for a walk is by listening to some of your favorite music. This can help you feel motivated and excited about your exercise ahead.
Final Thoughts on How Long It Takes to Walk 5 Miles
Ultimately, taking a five-mile walk can be a great form of exercise… no matter how long it takes you. When you are looking to take a walk, the speed at which you walk and time it takes can vary based on many factors. The important thing to remember is you’re out there… getting it done!
If you are interested in starting a walking routine to get into better shape, you should read more about it here. This can provide you with an organized plan that can help you reach your fitness goals.
