Last Updated on July 29, 2025
“Describe a long walk you have ever had” is a common prompt in the IELTS Speaking test. This guide provides sample answers, key vocabulary, common follow-up questions for Part 3, and an explanation of what this topic assesses. This cue card helps test your ability to describe a vivid experience, use narrative language, and explain how a physical journey impacted your feelings.
Learn how to answer “Describe a long walk you have ever had” with IELTS sample answers, Band 9 vocabulary, tips, follow-up questions & structure.
Cue Card Topic Breakdown
You will have:
- 1 minute to prepare
- 1–2 minutes to speak
Describe a Long Walk You Have Ever Had
You should say:
- Where this walk was
- Who you were with
- What you saw during the walk
- And how you felt about the walk
Why This Cue Card Matters
This cue card helps examiners assess your ability to:
- Tell personal stories with fluency and coherence.
- Use descriptive language to recount an experience.
- Express your reactions and feelings to a physical activity.
- Organize your thoughts into a clear narrative.
Sample Answer 1: A Trek Through the Himalayas
Where this walk was?
I am thinking of a very long walk I took in the Himalayan foothills, near a small village called Kasol in Himachal Pradesh, India. This was about two years ago, during a solo backpacking trip.
Who you were with?
I was by myself, actually. It was a personal journey, aiming to clear my head and truly connect with nature. While I passed other trekkers occasionally, the majority of the walk was a solitary experience.
What you saw during the walk?
The scenery was simply breathtaking. I saw towering pine and deodar trees, their scent filling the crisp mountain air. There were sparkling streams cascading down the slopes, and occasionally, small, quaint wooden bridges to cross. Higher up, I got glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance, majestic and serene. Along the way, I encountered a few local shepherds with their flocks, adding to the authentic, rustic charm of the landscape. The trail was sometimes narrow and rocky, other times soft with fallen leaves.
And how you felt about the walk?
Initially, it was quite challenging, physically. My legs ached, and the uphill climbs were demanding. However, as I kept going, a sense of tranquility and peace washed over me. The sheer scale of the mountains made my own worries feel insignificant. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and liberation. By the end, though exhausted, I was also invigorated and deeply content. It was a meditative and transformative experience that truly recharged my spirit.
Sample Answer 2: Exploring an Ancient City on Foot
Where this walk was?
This was a particularly long and memorable walk I had in Rome, Italy, about five years ago. My goal was to see as much of the historical city as possible on foot.
Who you were with?
I was with my best friend. We had planned this trip together, and exploring the ancient ruins and vibrant streets was something we were both very keen on.
What you saw during the walk?
We started early in the morning and practically walked across the entire historical center. We saw the Colosseum, grand and imposing, then wandered through the Roman Forum, imagining life thousands of years ago. We tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, admired the Pantheon, and got lost in the labyrinthine streets of Trastevere.
Every corner turned revealed a new architectural marvel or a charming piazza. We saw street artists, bustling cafes, and ancient aqueducts. The entire city felt like an open-air museum.
And how you felt about the walk?
It was exhilarating but also incredibly tiring. My feet were throbbing by the end of the day, but the sheer volume of history and beauty we absorbed was absolutely worth it. I felt amazed and deeply impressed by the ancient Roman civilization.
There was a strong sense of wonder and connection to the past. Despite the physical exhaustion, I felt intellectually stimulated and incredibly happy to have experienced so much history up close. It was an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Sample Answer 3: A Coastal Path Adventure
Where this walk was?
I will speak about a long walk I took along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, specifically a stretch near a small town called Ganpatipule, last summer. It was a scenic coastal path connecting several beaches.
Who you were with?
I went with my family – my parents and my younger sister. We had planned a relaxed vacation, and this walk was one of the highlights of our trip.
What you saw during the walk?
The walk offered incredible views of the Arabian Sea. We saw pristine, golden sand beaches, some rocky coves, and the waves crashing rhythmically against the shore. There were swaying coconut trees lining parts of the path, and small fishing boats dotted the horizon.
We passed by a few ancient temples perched on cliffs, offering panoramic views. We also spotted various seabirds and collected unique seashells along the way. The sun was bright, and the sea breeze was refreshing.
What about the walk? How did you feel about it?
It was incredibly refreshing and peaceful. The sounds of the waves were very calming, and the vastness of the ocean made me feel very small but connected to nature. Physically, it was a good workout, but it wasn’t overly strenuous.
I felt a strong sense of joy and contentment being surrounded by such natural beauty and sharing the experience with my family. It was a perfect blend of exercise, relaxation, and quality time, leaving me feeling revitalized and with beautiful memories.
Sample Answer 4: A City Park Marathon
Where this walk was?
The place was the huge Cubbon Park in Bengaluru, India. I had this particularly long walk there about six months ago, aiming to cover as much of its vast green expanse as possible.
Who you were with?
I was by myself. It was a Sunday morning, and I just wanted to enjoy some quiet time and physical activity after a busy week.
What kind of sights did you see during the walk?
Cubbon Park is a sprawling urban oasis. I saw a huge variety of trees, some very old and majestic, offering cool shade. There were numerous well-maintained flower beds, bursting with colorful blooms, and large open lawns where people were playing or picnicking.
I walked past historical buildings like the State Central Library and the Karnataka High Court, which are within the park’s premises. I also observed many people jogging, doing yoga, or simply enjoying the tranquility. There were also numerous statues and fountains scattered throughout the park, adding to its charm.
And how you felt about the walk?
At first, I felt a bit tired, as I’m not used to walking for such extended periods. However, as I continued, the fresh air and the serene environment had a very calming effect. I found myself becoming more mindful and relaxed with each step. The beauty of the park and the sight of others enjoying it made me feel very positive. By the end, although my legs were a bit weary, I felt incredibly refreshed, mentally clear, and energized. It was a wonderful way to unwind and appreciate the green spaces within a bustling city.
Follow-Up Questions (IELTS Part 3): Describe a Long Walk You Have Ever Had
What are the benefits of walking?
Walking offers many benefits. Physically, it’s great for cardiovascular health, helps manage weight, and strengthens muscles. Mentally, it reduces stress, improves mood, and can boost creativity. It’s also a low-impact exercise, suitable for most ages.
Do people in your country walk more or less nowadays compared to the past?
I believe people walk less nowadays. With the rise of vehicles, public transport, and sedentary lifestyles, walking for daily commutes or errands has decreased significantly. In the past, it was a primary mode of transportation for many.
What are the differences between walking in the city and walking in the countryside?
Walking in the city is often about convenience and commuting, with lots of pavements, traffic noise, and buildings. In contrast, walking in the countryside typically involves natural landscapes, fresh air, fewer people, and can be more about leisure or exercise, often on trails or unpaved paths.
What kind of places are popular for walking in your city?
In my city, Bengaluru, popular places for walking include large parks like Cubbon Park and Lal Bagh, where people go for morning and evening strolls. Also, some residential areas with wide footpaths are favored, and recently, “walkable” commercial streets are gaining popularity.
Vocabulary to Use for This Cue Card
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Breathtaking | Extremely beautiful or impressive | The mountain views during the walk were absolutely breathtaking. |
| Serene | Calm, peaceful, and untroubled | The serene atmosphere of the forest made the long walk enjoyable. |
| Invigorated | Feeling refreshed and full of energy | After the long walk by the sea, I felt completely invigorated. |
| Profound sense of accomplishment | A deep feeling of having achieved something significant | Finishing the trek gave me a profound sense of accomplishment. |
| Exhilarating | Making one feel very happy, animated, or thrilled | Exploring the ancient city on foot was an exhilarating experience. |
| Labyrinthine | Intricate and confusing, like a labyrinth | We got lost in the labyrinthine streets but enjoyed every minute. |
| Tranquility | The quality or state of being calm and peaceful | The tranquility of the countryside was a welcome change. |
| Rejuvenated | Make (someone or something) look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively | The long walk in nature left me feeling entirely rejuvenated. |
| Panoramic views | An unbroken view of an entire surrounding area | From the hilltop, we had panoramic views of the entire valley. |
| Strenuous | Requiring great effort or exertion | The last part of the climb was quite strenuous. |
Related Topics for IELTS Practice
- Describe a Historical Building You Have Been To
- Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
- Describe an Invention That Is Useful In Daily Life
- Describe a Place Where There Was a Lot of Noise
Final thoughts
This IELTS cue card is an excellent chance to show your skill in using descriptive language and creating a narrative using your voice. Do not forget to give a clear impression to the examiner by telling the context of the walk, what you experienced, and what feelings you had. You will be scoring well with a well-described answer!
FAQs on the IELTS topic “Describe a long walk you have ever had”
What kind of walk can I talk about?
You can talk about any walk that felt “long” to you: a trek, a stroll through a large park, exploring a city on foot, a pilgrimage, or even a long walk for a specific purpose.
Should I focus only on the physical aspects of the walk?
Not necessarily. While physical details are important, also describe your mental and emotional journey. Did it make you think, feel, or realize anything?
How can I make my description of the walk more interesting?
Use specific adjectives, describe sensory details, and explain the impact it had on you.
Do I need to mention exact distances or durations?
No, approximate details are perfectly fine. The focus is on the experience itself, not precise measurements.
Is it okay if the walk was challenging or negative?
Yes, it’s fine to express difficulties or negative feelings if they were part of your genuine experience. The examiner is assessing your ability to describe the walk and your feelings, not just positive experiences.
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