# Hiking Time Calculator (Naismith’s Rule)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/sports/hiking-time/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The hiking time calculator estimates how long a hike will take using Naismith's rule with Langmuir's corrections for descents – from distance, ascent, descent, terrain and break time.

## Inputs

- Terrain
- Descents
- Distance (km, mi, m, yd)
- Total ascent (m, ft)
- Total descent (m, ft)
- Breaks (min, h)

## Results

- Walking time on the flat
- Added for ascent
- Descent correction (minutes)
- Total hiking time

## Formula

```
Time = distance ÷ speed (5 km/h on paths, 4 km/h rough) + 1 h per 600 m of ascent − 10 min per 300 m of gentle descent (+10 min per 300 m on steep descent) + breaks
```

## Explanation

Naismith's rule, from an 1892 Scottish mountaineer, is still the standard way to plan hill walks: an hour for every 5 km plus an hour for every 600 m of climbing. Langmuir added that gentle descents speed you up and steep ones slow you down.

### How to use the Hiking Time Calculator

- **Terrain**
- **Descents**
- **Distance**
- **Total ascent**
- **Total descent**
- **Breaks**

Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Choose the terrain and type of descent, then enter distance, total ascent, total descent and break time.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterTerrainChoose one: Good paths (5 km/h), Rough ground (4 km/h), Off-trail / difficult (3 km/h)DescentsChoose one: Gentle (5–12°), Steep (over 12°)DistanceUnits: km, mi, m, ydTotal ascentUnits: m, ftTotal descentUnits: m, ftBreaksUnits: min, h

### What each result means

- **Walking time on the flat** = [Distance]÷1000÷[Terrain]
- **Added for ascent** = [Total ascent]÷600

## Worked example

Inputs — Terrain: Good paths (5 km/h); Descents: Gentle (5–12°); Distance: 15 km; Total ascent: 800 m; Total descent: 800 m; Breaks: 30 min.

Results — Walking time on the flat = 3 h 0 min; Added for ascent = 1 h 20 min; Descent correction (minutes) = -27 min; **Total hiking time = 4 h 23 min**.

## Key terms

- **Ascent**: Total height climbed.

## FAQ

**Is Naismith's rule accurate?**
It is a good guide for fit walkers; add time for heavy packs or large groups.

**What is Tranter's correction?**
An adjustment for fitness and fatigue on long days.

**Should I include breaks?**
Yes – plan 5–10 minutes per hour.

**How do I estimate ascent?**
Add up the climbs on a map or in a route-planning app.


## Sources

- [Naismith's rule – Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal (1892)](https://www.smc.org.uk/)
- [Langmuir – Mountaincraft and Leadership](https://www.mountain-training.org/)