how long to walk?

[Stoneycreek]

When planning a walk/hike, is there a general rule of thumb for estimating how long it will take?

for example I have marked out a circular route on white timber trail that states it being 15km in length. apart from the beginning of jefferies track it would seem to be fairly level, so is 5km per/hr walking pace a reasonable expectation?

[Son of a Beach]

Opinions in this vaguely related topic suggest that 4 kmh is a good speed for flatish walking with a full overnight pack.

[Maelgwn]

Try googling ' Naismiths rule'

It's our start point but it depends on experience terrain and many things ...

[Stoneycreek]

Thanks guys

[eggs]

I refer to a Heysen Trail rule - which is the "official" recommendation for that trail with full packs.

It is 1 hour per 3 km plus 1 hour per 300m of climbing.
I have recorded my walk times now in various places and find it a useful estimate most times without having to really push the walking.

[ninjapuppet]

When I take people new to bushwalking, I find 3kph is a good estimate and eggs post is Fairly accurate.

Alone, I average 4-5 kph on flat open ground but that can easily drop down to 1kph in thick bush.