The Naismith Rule - Mountain Walking Speed

The Naismith Rule - Mountain Walking Speed

Measure your distance from Point A to Point B as you intend to travel. Use the millimeter ruler on your compass to measure.

1 millimeter is equal to your map scale; so on a 1:50 000 scale map 1 millimeter = 50 meters;  on a 1:25 000 scale map 1 millimeter = 25 meters; and so on.


5KM Per Hour
1KM Per 12 Mins
500M Per 6 Mins
100M Per 1.2 Mins

Add 1 Min Extra For Every Uphill Contour You Climb
Ignore Downhill Contours




3KM Per Hour
1KM Per 20 Mins
500M Per 10 Mins
100M Per 2 Mins

Add 1 Min Extra For Every Uphill Contour You Climb
Ignore Downhill Contours


Is it good to have at least two walking speed calculations; for example 5km per hour and 3km per hour; as different situations, conditions and navigation techniques will effect your speed.

Mountain Skills 1 Photos From Last Weekend, In The Kerry Hills

Some photos from last weekend in the Kerry Hills, in superb weather and beautiful location, on a Mountain Skills 1.