A mile is equal to 1609.34 meters – now this may make no sense to you if you don’t understand measurements and distance (don’t worry I’m with you on that one!), so to put it simply- 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers, which is around 2000 steps for the average person.
Considering you should aim to walk 10,000 steps a day a mile isn’t long if you put it into perspective. To answer your question directly, a mile should take you around 15-20 minutes if you walk at a moderate pace- but everyone is different so don’t worry if it takes you a little longer!
If you want to know more conversions, check out our comprehensive Miles-Kilometres and Kilometres-Miles conversion tool
Is walking a mile hard?
This may seem like a silly question but walking for longer than you’re used to can be a challenge. Those with cardiovascular, respiratory or muscular diseases will find walking harder compared to a healthy person- but the benefits of walking can really help, even if you’re completely healthy. Most people probably walk a mile a day without even realising it, especially the shopaholics out there who can shop for hours! Your steps add up throughout the day- even if you haven’t left the house, but if you want to burn calories, you need to consistently walk over a longer period of time.
Tips for walking a mile
Wear comfy shoes, there’s nothing worse than blisters when you’re walking! Whether your goal is to walk a mile or you’re already walking a mile a day, switch up your routine – try a different route, change your pace or maybe even try a little backward walking. A small change can make a walk less like a chore and much more enjoyable! My final tip- don’t forget your arms, the classic speed walk arm swing is there for a reason! Get your arms moving for a quicker pace and a little upper arm workout at the same time. The most important thing however is to ENJOY yourself, so grab some friends and get outside!
How long to walk 4 miles
Walking 4 miles is a great distance to help with a daily exercise routine or for a nice scenic walk in nature. As we have discussed above one mile should take anywhere between 15-20 mins, this means that walking 4 miles should take anywhere from 60mins to 80mins. This will depend on your walking speed and fitness level.
If you are going out for a 4 mile walk, you can plan some for fitness and some to help with getting out in nature, walking is a great way to help reduce stress and take in the plants, trees and animals around the area you walk.
How long does it take to walk 5K?
Using the rule of doubling your running time, the average person will take between 45 and 60 minutes to walk a 5K. However, some people can take a little longer and that is fine! If you’ve signed up for a 5K race and wish to walk some or all of it, make sure that the cut off time allows you to do so. If you are in any doubt, contact the race organiser. Many of them will be happy to accommodate your needs.
There are a few training plans out there for walking a 5K, and all seem straightforward enough for those wishing to get fit through walking.
Most training plans for walking a 5K last for around six weeks so make sure you have given yourself plenty of time before the race or event.
How to track my 5k time?
If you want to track your time, you can download one of the many free apps out there – Strava, Runkeeper and Map My Walk are just a few. They will provide you with statistics, maps and your overall time and pace so you can keep track of your time and can use it as a base to get faster, should you wish to.
Tracking your time can also help you figure out your eventual running time if you decide to go from walking to running.
Mobile phone apps might be all you need to monitor your speed and distance when walking, but if you’re interested in monitoring other metrics as you walk, such as heart rate – consider investing in a sports watch or fitness tracker. There is a wide range available to suit all budgets.
Walking is something most of us do every single day and it can have some pretty impressive benefits! Walking burns calories, so if you’re trying to lose a bit of weight without the ‘exercise’ put on your trainers and head outside! Walking benefits the heart, and muscles, ease joint pain, lowers blood sugar and boosts your immune system the best thing about it – it’s absolutely free!
How many miles can you hike in an hour?
The average distance you can hike in an hour is 2.5 miles. If we use the calculation that it takes around 20 mins 25 mins to walk a mile, Ramblers suggest it takes 24mins to walk a mile). This will depend on your walking pace, fitness levels, and the terrain you are covering.
How long does it take to hike 8 miles?
It will take around 3 hours to 4 hours to hike 8 miles. We already know that the average time taken per mile is 24 mins, using that information we can calculate how long it takes to walk 8 miles. Remember, if you are walking up hills or difficult terrain it will take longer, you always have to factor in weather conditions and rest stops too.
Walking for different reasons
People walk for so many different reasons and so your time will be different for each reason.
As part of recovery
People will use walking as a way to help them with recovery from an injury, especially if they’re a runner. This will mean that they probably are a little bit faster than those who are starting out.
For pleasure
Don’t underestimate the power of a walk for pleasure. Tramping through the countryside is one of the UK’s most underestimated pastimes. Your time will obviously be longer (if you decide to time it), and you can take that into account in any training you do.
Starting out on an exercise journey
When starting out, walking is the go-to exercise as it’s free, you can do it anywhere and you need minimal equipment. Walking is a great precursor to running which is why the couch to 5k programme mixes up walking and running over nine weeks.
Walking 5K is the ultimate goal for some people and working on technique is less important than with running or any other more impactful sport. Make sure you have a pair of comfortable trainers or walking shoes. Wearing traditional running gear like leggings, and light t-shirts.
Even if you’re beginning to walk for exercise purposes, remember to stretch after each walk to help recover and avoid injuries. Before you begin, remember that there is no rush. You’re not competing with anyone else. This is on you and everyone is always at a different stage on their exercise journey.
