How to Pick a Walking Route

Walking is something you can do anywhere, pretty much anytime it fits your schedule. Picking a route isn’t hard, but spending a little extra effort on finding a walking route can net you safety, a good workout and many things to look at along the way. Here's how to pick a walking route.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Pick a route that is appropriate to your level of fitness. For instance, if you are a beginner, do not choose something that will take three hours to complete and requires steep hill climbs.
2. Choose a route that is safe at the hours that you can walk it, if you enjoy walking in the city.
3. Walking in a rural area provides many options. If you are walking on a trail, check that it is open to hikers and look for warning signs.
4. Check out Web sites for your area or local athletic stores for trail maps or other walking routes.
5. Talk to people you meet who are also out running or walking (but try not to interrupt their workouts). Experienced walkers will know about good places to walk and can tell you the distances involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Walking alone or walking after dark can be dangerous. Tell someone where you are going or leave a note. Never walk in a place you know to be dangerous.
• Rural trails are shared with wildlife. Be aware of how to interact with wild animals.