How to Plan a Day Walk You Will Actually Enjoy

The best walks often begin the evening before, with a map spread out on the kitchen table and a cup of tea going cold beside it. A little planning does not take the spontaneity out of a day outdoors. It simply removes the small problems that can turn a pleasant ramble into a long, tired trudge back to the car.

Start with who is walking

The right route depends first on people, not places. A walk that suits a fit group of friends will not suit a family with young children, and the pace of the whole party is that of its slowest member. Think about:

• Everyone's recent walking experience
• Any injuries, health conditions or fear of heights
• Whether a dog is coming along
• How much everyone wants to talk, stop and look at things

As a rough guide, a gentle half day is often five to eight kilometres on easy ground. Add hills, rough paths or heavy packs and the same distance takes a good deal longer.

Choose a shape for the route

Circular walks are popular because they return you to the car without retracing steps. Linear walks, which end somewhere different from where they begin, are more interesting but need a bus, train or lift at the other end. Out-and-back routes are simple and let you turn around whenever you like, which makes them a sensible choice if the weather or your energy is uncertain.

Read the map properly

Look beyond the line of the path. Check the contour lines to see where the climbs are, and note how close together they sit. Look for stiles, gates, road crossings, farms with livestock, woodland and open moor. Find the places where you could shorten the walk if you needed to, such as a lane that leads back toward your start.

Work out timings

It helps to work backwards from sunset, particularly in autumn and winter, when daylight disappears quickly. Allow for lunch, photographs and the inevitable moment when someone stops to watch a buzzard. Always plan to finish well before dark, and carry a head torch in case you do not.

Check the weather and conditions

Look at the forecast the night before and again on the morning. Pay attention to wind and visibility, as well as rain, because strong wind on a ridge can be far more tiring than a shower. After wet weather, low paths can be boggy and streams can be harder to cross.

Think about getting there and back

• Where will you park, and is there a fee or a time limit?
• If using public transport, what is the last bus or train home?
• Is there a pub, tearoom or shop on the way, and will it be open?

In rural areas, buses can be infrequent and phone signal patchy, so it is wise to download directions and timetables before you set out.

Share your plan

Tell somebody where you are going, which route you plan to take and when you expect to be home. Agree what they should do if they have not heard from you by a certain time. It is a small courtesy that can matter a great deal if something goes wrong.

Have a plan B

A good route has an escape. If the weather turns or someone is struggling, know which path or lane leads to safety. Turning back is not failure. It is how experienced walkers stay out for decades.

Frequently asked questions

How far should a beginner walk in a day? There is no single answer, but many people find five to ten kilometres on gentle ground a comfortable first goal. Build up gradually and notice how your legs and feet feel.

Do I need a paper map if I use a phone app? It is wise to carry one. Phones run out of battery, lose signal and can be hard to read in rain, while a paper map never needs charging.

What if the weather turns bad halfway? Use your plan B. Shorten the route, take the lower path or go back the way you came, and do not push on simply to finish the walk.