1. Choose a hiking route that fits the slowest person
Plan for the least experienced or least fit member of the group, not the strongest. Look at three numbers for any route you're considering:
- Distance. The total, not just the distance to the top. On an out-and-back route, double the one-way figure.
- Total ascent. The sum of all the climbing, which on an undulating route can be a lot more than the height difference between start and summit.
- Terrain. A clear path, rough ground, scree, boulders or scrambling. Rough ground can halve your speed.
If you're new to hilly walking, 10 to 15 km with a few hundred metres of ascent on good paths is a sensible first target. Build up from there.
2. Estimate how long the hike will take
The classic method is Naismith's rule, devised by a Scottish mountaineer in the 1890s:
Allow 1 hour for every 5 km of distance, plus 1 hour for every 600 m of ascent.
A 12 km route with 900 m of climbing therefore takes about 2 h 24 min for the distance plus 1 h 30 min for the ascent, or roughly 3 h 55 min of walking. In imperial units people often use 3 miles per hour plus 1 hour per 2,000 feet, which gives very similar results.
Naismith gives moving time for a fit walker on reasonable paths with a light pack. Adjust from there:
- Add stops. Ten minutes per hour is a realistic average for snacks, photos and map checks, plus a longer lunch.
- Slow it down for heavy packs, children, rough or wet ground, heat, snow or a large group.
- Allow for steep descents. Naismith ignores downhill, but knees and loose ground often slow you.
The hiking time calculator does this for you, with a pace factor you can adjust.
3. Check sunset and pick a start time
Look up sunset for the date and place, then work backwards. Your finish time is sunset minus at least an hour of margin. Subtract your estimated total time from that to get the latest sensible start. In mountains with afternoon thunderstorms, start earlier still.
Check how you'll get home, too. If you depend on the last bus or train, that time is a hard deadline.
4. Set a turnaround time
A turnaround time is the clock time at which you turn back, wherever you are. Set it from your latest safe finish time and the time you need to return. On an out-and-back walk it's roughly the halfway point in time, not distance: the return is often faster downhill but slower if everyone is tired.
Agree it as a group before you start and stick to it. The summit will still be there next time.
5. Mark escape routes on the map
Mark the places where you could shorten the walk: a path back down to the valley, a road crossing, a lower alternative that avoids an exposed ridge. If you know where they are, turning back is a calm choice instead of a scramble. Map and compass basics help with spotting them.
6. Check the mountain forecast twice
Read a mountain or hill forecast the evening before and again in the morning. Look at wind at height, cloud base, freezing level, when rain is due and any thunderstorm risk. The weather and safety guide explains what to look for.
7. Tell someone your hiking plan
Leave your plan with a reliable person who isn't coming. Include:
- Who is going, and a description of the group.
- Where you start and park, with the car registration if relevant.
- Your route and any planned alternatives.
- When you expect to be back, and the time at which they should call for help if they haven't heard from you.
- The emergency number to call: 112 in Europe, 911 in the US and Canada, or the local equivalent.
Then message them when you're down. If an agreed check-in never arrives, they call for help, so don't let a forgotten text be the reason.
8. Pack the ten essentials
Use the packing checklist. The ten essentials apply on a day hike too, because they're what get you through an unplanned night or a slow walk out with an injury.
Day hike planning FAQ
How far should a beginner hike?
A first target of 10 to 15 km with a few hundred metres of ascent on good paths is sensible. Plan around the slowest person in the group and build up from there.
What time should I start a day hike?
Work back from sunset: finish at least an hour before dark, then subtract your estimated total time. Start earlier in summer mountains where afternoon thunderstorms are common, or if you need to catch the last bus or train.
What is a turnaround time?
The clock time at which you turn back wherever you are. You set it at home from your latest safe finish and the time needed to return, and everyone agrees to it before setting off.