Walking farther and more: learning from long-distance walkers in London

This study presents findings from semi-structured interviews with long-distance urban walkers in London, UK, aimed at uncovering the underlying motivations and implications of this niche mobility practice, situating it within the new mobilities paradigm and sustainability transitions. Highlighting the contrast between current low walking averages in cities and the historical evidence of significantly longer walks, the research explores the potential for increasing acceptable walking distances in future urban environments. Eleven in-depth Interviews with long-distance walkers revealed a range of walking distances, reflecting the interplay between geographical scale, attitudes towards mobility and travel time, and perceived feasible thresholds. For walk-commuters, the acceptable distance generally aligns with the average commuting time across all modes in London. Maintaining mental health and physical activity emerge as the primary motivation even for the most pragmatic urban commuters. Long-distance walkers in London associate walking with autonomy, flexibility, and bodily freedom—rather than ‘slowness’. This contrasts with how car-free campaigns typically frame walking and walkability projects. Reframing walking can facilitate its integration as a viable, empowering mode of urban transport, highlighting the sensory and embodied experiences that contribute to the transformation of perceptions and daily practices related to pedestrian mobility.