Walking time calculator

See how long a walk should take at your pace, with room for stops, so you are back before dark.

Your details

Distance in
Distance
Your pace
Time for stops
Climb (optional)
Setting off at (optional)

Walking 5.0 miles at 3 mph

1 hr 50 min

including any stops and climbing you added

  • Walking time1 hr 40 min
  • Hillsadd the metres of climb: Naismith adds an hour for every 600 m
  • At a brisk 3.5 mph1 hr 26 min
  • At a gentle 2 mph2 hr 30 min
  • Towards your 150 brisk minutes a week100 minutes

Stiles, crossings, mud and company all slow things down too, so treat this as the least time it will take.

The working

Distance divided by speed

5 miles at 3 mph is 5 ÷ 3 = 1.67 hours, or 1 hr 40 min. Add 10 minutes of stops and you are out for about 1 hr 50.

Hills

Naismith's rule

Hill walkers add about an hour for every 600 m of climb (Naismith's rule), or 10 minutes per 100 m. Rough, boggy or rocky ground adds more.

Plan it well

Before you go

  • Check sunset times in winter
  • Tell someone your route on remote walks
  • Take water, a snack and a layer
  • Plan a short cut in case you need it

Your walk

Climb, arrival time and brisk minutes

Add the metres of climb and we use Naismith: 6 seconds for every metre up, so 300 m adds 30 minutes. Add when you are setting off for an arrival time: 5 miles at 3 mph is 1 hr 40 min, plus 10 minutes of stops, so leaving at 10:00 gets you there about 11:50. At 3 mph or more the walking counts towards the 150 minutes of moderate activity the UK Chief Medical Officers suggest each week.

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

  • WeatherWind, rain and snow can double times.
  • GroupsA group goes at the slowest walker's pace.
  • NavigationIt does not know your route; carry a map on the hills.

Questions

Common questions

How long does it take to walk 5 miles?

About 1 hr 40 min at 3 mph, without stops.

How long to walk 1 km?

About 12 to 13 minutes at an average pace.

How far can I walk in an hour?

About 3 miles at a brisk pace.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Before you push on

New to exercise, or got a heart, lung or joint condition? Have a word with your GP or practice nurse first. Stop and get help if you feel chest pain, faintness or unusual breathlessness, and call 999 if it is severe.

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