Joe Brown

This gives an approximation for walking time on good terrain. It assumes a speed of 3mph (5kph) and makes an allowance of 30 minutes per 1,000ft. (or 1 minute per 10m.) of ascent.

In this instance data used is from the O.S. Landranger 1:50000 series maps. Small undulations do not show on this map, thus estimates of height gain will tend to be low.
On more difficult terrain, particularly if scrambling, progress will be slower, as it will be if carrying a heavier load - e.g. a camping sack. Over longer distances the party will tire and go more slowly, again increasing the time. These times should therefore been seen as on the low side for most parties.

For those interested more accurate estimations can be made by using Tranter's corrections which attempt to take into account party fitness and the effect of increased loads. For more detail on this see Mountaincraft and Leadership (£14.99), the handbook of the MLTB.

See also Tranters Corrections

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