Does a longer trekking pole increase stride length on flat UK terrain?

No—on flat terrain, a longer pole does not increase stride length, and may actually reduce walking efficiency. The length of your pole does not physically extend your leg's reach. Your stride length is determined by your leg length, hip flexibility, and walking speed, not by the pole.

The science of walking

Walking is a pendulum motion. Your leg swings forward from the hip, and the distance it covers (your stride length) is primarily a function of:

• Leg length: Longer legs naturally take longer strides.
• Hip flexibility: Greater range of motion at the hip allows for a longer step.
• Walking speed: As you walk faster, your stride naturally lengthens.

Your trekking pole is an accessory to this motion, not a driver of it.

The correct technique: the 90° rule

On flat terrain, the standard advice is to set your pole length so that your elbow is at roughly a 90° angle when the tip is on the ground. This gives you the most efficient arm swing. Your arms should move naturally, like a pendulum, in time with your legs.

• A pole that is too long forces you to reach upwards. This shortens the natural arc of your arm swing, which can actually reduce your walking rhythm and shorten your stride.
• A pole that is too short forces you to stoop, which reduces your hip extension and can also shorten your stride.

The rhythm connection

A properly adjusted pole helps you maintain a steady cadence (the number of steps per minute). A steady cadence is the foundation of efficient walking. By providing a rhythm, the pole can help you walk faster, which may increase your stride length. But the pole itself does not pull your leg forward.

In short: A longer pole does not directly increase stride length. It can, however, support a faster cadence, which may increase it.

Practical advice

• Set your poles to the 90° rule for flat terrain.
• Focus on your cadence: Aim for 120‑140 steps per minute. This is more effective than using a longer pole to try to "reach" further.
• If you want a longer stride, work on your hip flexibility and walking speed. The pole is not the answer.

The verdict

On flat UK terrain, a longer trekking pole does not increase stride length. The correct length is one that allows a natural arm swing and an upright posture. If you want to walk faster, increase your cadence, not your pole length.