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You've decided you want to go for a hike/trail run, but you're not sure how to make a route - fear not! Here is a simple guide on how to plan your first route.
Step 1 - Choose your navigation software
This is the software you will use to create your route.
We use OS maps (£23.99 for the year) and then download the GPX file onto a smart watch.
However, you can create, follow and use routes easily on the free features using follow along navigation on a phone too. For a breakdown of what the plans include, click here.
We've also used Komoot's free features in the past for a bit of route inspiration but haven't used it's navigation features - we have heard good reviews. Click here for more detail of the app and here for a comparison of their packages (the free features give you the option to download one free 'region' that you can create routes in. Other regions require payment and there are also more premium options).
Step 2 - Familiarise yourself with the map symbols
OS maps have this handy guide on Public Rights of Way and their Map Legend.
The key ones you want to look out for are:
Key tip: not all footpaths are well maintained and some may have not been used regularly for a number of years - we have sometimes come across overgrown and brambly footpaths, requiring us to backtrack and re-route on track. Summer is notorious for this - a route you have done in winter may not be the same as in summer. Always have a plan b.
Below: Recreational paths - usually well maintained and regularly used by the general public (and therefore busier). These are a good place to start.
Step 3 - Choose your starting location
Look out for the parking symbol on a map.
National parks recommend keeping to car parks to prevent any damage to the natural habitat.
The Peak District have a campaign called 'Park and Protect'.
They state 'Please do not park on grass verges, by farm gates or other undesignated areas as this can reduce access for farm vehicles, the emergency services and damage protected habitats.'
In quieter areas use you common sense and ask yourself:
Am I blocking an entrance? Am I in a passing place? Am I parking on private land? Would an emergency vehicle be able to get past? Am I damaging the local habitat where I am?
Key tip: Keep a pot of at least £5.00 in coins for parking spaces - There are still some parking machines that still don't accept cards (even in 2022?! We've been stung by this before). However, a lot of these are free - a quick google search will guide you.
Step 4 - Click, drag and drop
Once you have identified your starting location, it's now time to create your route.
Keep the pins close enough to take into account changes in direction, passage through gates/styles. This will improve the GPS accuracy.
Below: Here I have followed the green dashed footpath that has joined onto a recreational path. The orange lines are contour lines, representing a gradient. The closer the lines are together, the steeper the gradient. Here, we are going up a steep hill to start after the Ford and FB (footbridge).
Below: I have dropped the circular pins to connect with each other on the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Not shown on the left will be a menu, telling you the gradient and distance accumulated thus far.
Below: I have taken particular care in making sure my pins are dropped accurately on the transition at the left turn on the top right of the screen near 'Nettle Dale' to join the yellow road back to the car. As you can see on the left, it has told me the distance and estimated time it will take for an average walk based on the elevation, distance and terrain.
Step 5 - Review your route and download offline (if able - premium features may apply)
Essential in the outdoors due to occasional drops in signal.
Below: Give it a catchy name, check the route profile to make sure you haven't duplicated any pins. Download the route off-line so you don't need to rely on data (if premium) and print off the route as a hard copy. Then, go enjoy your walk!
Below: A summary of my route. As you can see, it's quite a short and sharp to start with but then goes downhill and finishes on a slight uphill.
You can add waypoints, reviews and a difficulty rating after you have done the route. Make sure you note anything you would change for next time! If you want others to share in this walk, change the privacy settings to 'Public'.
Some other key things to think about:
1. Time vs distance
3km next to a lake that takes 45mins will be a whole lot quicker than 3km going up and down a hill that takes 1hr15. There are pros and cons to both. We suggest using time if you're just starting out. If you're new to a certain distance, you may not know how long it will take. Therefore using time may be less daunting.
Switching to time vs distance is useful especially in trail running, allowing you to focus on the effort rather than how far you're going.
2. How hilly will it be?
The old mantra of 'maintain the effort not the speed' when going up hill. If it's hillier, the distance will likely need to be shorter to account for the difficulty in terrain. The weather is also an important consideration for this, particularly in winter or on wetter days where the descent may be more slippery.
3. What will the terrain be?
Muddier sections will require more effort and demand more energy. Rockier surfaces require slower, more technical navigation due to the unpredictable surface.
4. What time of the year am I walking?
Windier wintry days will be more tiring. If you're going in summer - is there any shade such as woodlands?
If you're planning a longer route in winter, make sure you give yourself enough of a buffer in case the route takes longer than expected and it turns dark.
Key tip: Always bring a head torch in winter for back up.
Step 6 - Always bring a hard copy and compass with you as a back up.
You may think it's a little bit extreme to bring a map and compass on a walk with you if you're just following a well signposted route. Use your own discretion and if you choose to not bring a map, make sure you bring a battery pack and charging cable in case your phone needs some extra juice. We would, however always recommend use of a map and compass. You can never be too careful.
Key tip: OS Maps allows premium users to print off the walk which is a handy feature as you don't have to buy the entire map. Also, a means of waterproofing the map will save a lot of frustration e.g. a waterproof map holder, ziplock bags, dry bags etc.
Now you have made your route - here are some other considerations:
1. Always tell someone where you're going and what your ETA is.
2. Use your common sense
Do not follow the GPS route if you are not confident with what you see in front of you - Maps do not account for new changes in terrain.
Your exact location may differ dependent on GPS accuracy - GPS is a guide and is not always 100% accurate.
If in doubt, don't take risks
We hope you found this guide helpful, let us know in the comments below how you got on!
As always, hope you stay #troughtandabout
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