How long will it take to walk around the world in days?

The Earth Underfoot: How Long Would it Really Take to Walk Around the World?

The idea of walking around the world sparks a sense of adventure, a primal desire to connect with the Earth on a deeply personal level. But beyond the romanticism, lies a daunting logistical challenge: just how long would such an endeavor actually take?

While the simple answer, based on pure calculation, points to around 834 days (roughly two years and three months), that figure only scratches the surface of the realities involved. Let’s delve into what makes such a journey more complex than just adding up miles.

The core calculation assumes a few key elements: an average walking speed and the Earth’s circumference. Considering a comfortable pace of 3 miles per hour and a commitment of roughly 8 hours of walking per day, you’d cover approximately 24 miles daily. The Earth’s circumference at the equator is around 24,901 miles. Dividing the total distance by the daily mileage yields the 834-day estimate.

However, this calculation operates in a theoretical vacuum. It doesn’t factor in a multitude of crucial considerations that would drastically impact the timeline.

The Obstacles on the Road (Or Lack Thereof):

• Ocean Passages: The biggest hurdle is the obvious one: oceans. Walking on water remains firmly in the realm of miracles. A true circumnavigation would necessitate sea travel, adding significant time and expense. Assuming minimal time spent in ports, even a well-organized ship journey between continents could easily add months to the overall timeframe.
• Impassable Terrain: Deserts, dense jungles, towering mountain ranges – the Earth is riddled with terrain that’s simply unwalkable. Circumventing these natural barriers would add considerable distance, and therefore, time to the journey.
• Political Boundaries and Visas: Crossing international borders presents a logistical nightmare. Obtaining necessary visas and permits for each country would be a time-consuming and potentially frustrating process. Some regions may be politically unstable or outright dangerous, requiring significant detours or even rendering a continuous walking journey impossible.
• Physical Limitations: Sustained walking for years on end would take a tremendous toll on the body. Rest days are crucial for recovery, and even with meticulous planning, injuries and illnesses are inevitable, potentially adding weeks or months to the journey.
• Resource Management: Carrying enough supplies for an extended trek is impossible. Resupplying requires careful planning and reliable access to resources, particularly in remote areas. This could involve waiting for shipments, adjusting routes based on availability, and adding extra travel time to reach supply points.
• Climate: Extreme weather conditions, from scorching desert heat to freezing mountain blizzards, would significantly impact walking pace and could even halt progress altogether. Adapting to seasonal changes and potential weather delays would be a major factor.

A More Realistic Estimate?

While the theoretical 834 days provides a baseline, a truly realistic estimate for walking around the world would likely stretch well beyond that. Factoring in ocean crossings, impassable terrain, logistical hurdles, and the inevitable delays, a seasoned adventurer would probably need to dedicate at least 4-6 years to such an undertaking.

Ultimately, walking around the world is less about the speed of the journey and more about the experience itself. It’s a testament to human endurance, a celebration of cultural diversity, and a profound exploration of our planet. While the calculated timeframe may be a starting point, the true duration depends on the walker’s commitment to overcoming the Earth’s many challenges, one step at a time.