How do you feel about the phrase 'within walking distance'

jaymorgan

I see this phrase used so often, but it always makes me think about how subjective it is.

What is a reasonable walking distance for one person, is different for someone else.

I'm also super keen to learn how people who use a wheelchair feel about this phrase?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!

66Mustang

I have not voted because I'd say it depends on the situation.

Saying that the pub is within walking distance... fine.

Use of the phrase somewhere important like a legal document or benefit claims form... need to expand further.

Just my opinion.  

Grinchy

I think there should be an explanation of exactly how far it is, i struggle with my mobility, can't walk for more than a few minutes without extreme pain,  

C_J

Although I can see both sides I myself also think there should be an explanation of how far a certain place is not everyone is the same and some people maybe with learning difficulties  or other issues may not understand the phrase or meaning in the expression.

Alex_Alumni

I certainly feel the term is used very loosely by places like estate agents, to mean a walk of 20-30 minutes, which really should be made clear!

Would say it's okay to be used, but there should be an explanation. That's what makes these things more inclusive and accessible! 

JessieJ

The phrase doesn't bother me, I just take it as a guide for the average person to walk somewhere & no more. And, from that, as a disabled person, I know roughly how far that it would mean to me & of course, that would be different for all disabled.

rustledjimm

It's such a vague and ambiguous term. I don't think there's anything wrong in using it but I believe if used it should come with further explanation, like the exact distance for example.

OverlyAnxious

I don't think there's anything wrong with it.  Most people probably don't know the exact distance when using it.  I just assume it to mean around a mile.  Though I have been able to walk both a lot more and a lot less than that myself.

I find estate agents and lettings agent aren't generally to be trusted anyway, their property descriptions are often exaggerated in all areas.

jaymorgan

Thanks so much everyone, this has been a really useful discussion, and it's great to have different perspectives!

Hannah_Alumni

I don't mind the phrase but as someone who has had bowel issues, if I read the phrase "within walking distance" I'd google how far that is from a bathroom to another bathroom. 

I think that the phrase coupled with other words can be misleading. "it's just within walking distance". What's just? a 20 minute walk? a 40 minute walk? My grandparents are in their 80's and go on walking days where where they are gone 6+ hours. I'm in my 30's and cannot do that   

I also think for those with disabilities, if someone says "it's not far, within walking distance" and that person manages it but with a lot of struggle, it can create this "well you've done it before" kind of view. 

rustledjimm

As someone with Crohn's "walking distance" definitely varies wildly.

While in remission for me walking distance can be a 30-40 minute walk. Cause I don't mind that long of a walk, and I know that's further than "walking distance" for even some who aren't disabled.

But when I'm flaring? Lucky if I call 5 minutes "walking distance", not just due to potentially needing the toilet urgently but the constant pain and fatigue really brings down how far I can walk.

Hannah_Alumni

The amount of times when I was flaring and I'd drive, well I was driven, a "5 minute" walk @rustledjimm

rebel11

I once had to attend a meeting at a hotel (a hotel in the middle of nowhere), my mind was telling me, it must be local, buses etc. So got off at the station, I did the asking people bit 'it's just down the road', they pointed me in the right direction, I never got there, ended up in a field, mud up to my knee caps. I'm sure they held the meeting because they didn't want me to attend.  

Hannah_Alumni

 @rebel11 Yeah, I think just down the road in the countryside means something else entirely!