1. Choose a 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 are 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, not only the height difference between start and summit. Undulating routes can add a lot.
- Terrain. A clear path, rough ground, scree, boulders or scrambling. Rough ground can halve your speed.
If you are new to hilly walking, a first target of 10 to 15 km with a few hundred metres of ascent on good paths is a sensible starting point. Build up from there.
2. Estimate the time
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.
So a 12 km route with 900 m of climbing takes about 2 h 24 min for the distance plus 1 h 30 min for the ascent: roughly 3 h 55 min of walking. Imperial users 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. Then adjust:
- 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.
- Steep descents take time too. Naismith ignores downhill, but knees and loose ground often don't.
The hiking time calculator does this for you, with a pace factor you can adjust.
3. Check daylight and start time
Look up sunset for the date and place. Work backwards: finish time = sunset minus at least an hour of margin. Then subtract your estimated total time to get the latest sensible start. In mountains with afternoon thunderstorms, start earlier still.
Check how you 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. Know your escape routes
Mark points on the map where you could shorten the walk: a path back down to the valley, a road crossing, a lower alternative that avoids an exposed ridge. Knowing where they are makes turning back a calm choice rather than a scramble.
6. Check the 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, precipitation timing and any thunderstorm risk. The weather and safety guide explains what to look for.
7. Tell someone your plan
Leave your plan with a reliable person who isn't coming with you. 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. An agreed check-in that never arrives is the trigger for help; make sure it isn't triggered by a forgotten text.
8. Pack
Use the packing checklist. On a day hike the ten essentials still apply: they are what get you through an unplanned night or a slow walk out with an injury.