Walking 2.6 miles to work?

somerandomusername

It's pretty flat and a relatively relaxing walk, only one small steep hill. Google maps estimates it will take 58mins to walk it but I walk at a slightly faster pace than what Google suggests so can probably do it in about 45mins - 50mins.

Do you think that's an acceptable distance / time to walk?

The only thing that bothers me is on a bike it would take about 15mins, so I'm losing an extra 30mins of home time each way. What do you think?

elsien

Depends on your circumstances. It would be fine for me because I am trying to walk further each day for fitness reasons so the extra time wouldn’t worry me. However, in bad weather, Nope.
If I was rushing back to a family and a busy household, I would feel differently.

Without knowing your circumstances, no one has any clue whether that is reasonable for you or not.

fwor

When I had a ~2 mile walk to work and back I used to really like the break - the brain will typically let go of anything that's worrying you, so it's out of your mind by the time you get home.

But… you need to be prepared for when it's chucking it down. If there's any kind of breeze, the only thing that will work is full waterproofs, including overtrousers. That part can be annoying if you're not well prepared to cope with an unforecast weather change.

maman

What options do you have? 🤔 Do you have/want /can afford a bike? Is there a public transport or other option if needed?

Obviously, it's a walkable distance but I'm not sure if I'd want that as the only option all the year round.

flaneurs_lobster

Mile and a half between home and work.

About 30 minutes to work.

About 1h30m to home.

There are over 100 pubs in the City of London.

somerandomusername

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81930332#Comment_81930332

I already have waterproofs like over trousers and a water proof shell jacket.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81930339#Comment_81930339

Well I currently cycle using an ebike but I've just moved into a new flat and there's no room to store the bike, and I don't want it just hanging out in the hallwall or living room, plus it gets very dirty during the rain so don't want to bring it inside. There's nowhere safe to lock it up outside either and removing the battery every night is a pain. I'm looking to sell it.

Jemma01

If someone can drop you off and you walk back? Unless you will be showering in the office?

somerandomusername

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81930361#Comment_81930361

No showers and nobody to drop me off. I'm going to test out walking for 1 week and see how it goes. Best way to decide to be honest.

Emmia

As part of my commute I choose to do a 30-35 min walk everyday, getting off the tube network several stops away from work specifically to do this. I'd happily do an hour's walk, and during the tube strikes last year I walked to and from work (~90 mins* each way).

I walk in all weathers, and I don't use waterproof over trousers (and only use a waterproof coat occasionally)... It's London, not the Cairngorms! Edit: also if you're doing a good speed, waterproofs tend to get sweaty.

The most important aspect really are shoes that you can walk in comfortably and are waterproof. I don't wear different shoes for my walk, but you may want to consider this aspect.

*It's a cycle-able distance, and I have options for bike storage at both ends, but there is no way I'd cycle.

GrubbyGirl_2

Have you thought about getting a folding bike with a bag? It will be much easier to take inside your flat

spenderdave

When I was a tad younger I walked a similar distance every day to work and reckoned around 45 minutes. There were very few days when it was wet enough to cause problems although some days I did arrive somewhat damp (and in summer when I sweated, remember 1976?). A lot older now, that would take me around an hour these days and I would not be up to much work when I arrived. Make sure Google (or what you use, Google is not the best - I use https://www.plotaroute.com/plotwithwaypoints) is set for your actual walking speed.