Fiona Outdoors logo My independent guide to the best of Scotland outdoors

Brits walk for longer – but not faster

Written by Fiona

December 28 2016

A new survey has found that British walkers spent more time on foot than anyone else in Europe in 2016.

The results are based on statistics are recorded on the app, ViewRanger, which allows walkers to plan, navigate, record and share all of their outdoor adventures. It included data from millions of walking routes recorded by app users throughout the year.

On average, Brits like to get out for 3 hours 4 minutes on each walking trip and cover a distance of 8.1 miles at a speed of 2.6 miles per hour. In contrast, Slovakian walkers spent just 2 hours 17 minutes on average on each trip.

German walkers proved the fastest, covering an average of 9.3miles at 3.3mph, while American walkers appear to take a more leisurely approach than any in Europe, travelling at 2mph and covering 8 miles.

The results follow the launch of ViewRanger’s 2017 Outdoor Challenges, which is designed to inspire people all over the world to step into a healthier new year.

The Challenges will see walkers, cyclists and runners complete between 250 and 6,000 miles throughout 2017, using the app to keep track of their mileage and share their adventures.

As well as helping outdoor enthusiasts to record and share their stats for each trip, ViewRanger contains free offline maps and more than 150,000 downloadable route guides that offer inspiration for walking trips in the UK and abroad.

More Like This

Adventure

Simple games to enjoy after an outdoor adventure

Adventure

Bike and hike: Corbett Beinn Bhreac and Munro Beinn Dearg, via Glen Bruar

Walk

When bad weather traps you in a bothy, hostel or tent

Adventure

New ultra running adventure for Scotland: Cape to Glen

Walk

What to eat on long hikes: Nutrition tips for hillwalkers and backpackers

Adventure

Fiona Bagging: Beinn na Gainimh, Sma Glen, Perthshire