How to plan your hiking route

Setting off on an adventure along the trails is an exhilarating experience, but it requires proper preparation. Who hasn't heard of a hiker getting lost as night falls or caught off guard by a storm due to poor route planning? Fortunately, these situations can be avoided if you follow our advice.

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy nature. Whether it’s a short walk or a multi-day trek, properly planning your hiking route is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Good preparation allows you to anticipate potential challenges and avoid unpleasant surprises. By mapping out your route ahead, you can set off with confidence and fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and the joy of being outdoors.

Contents

Choosing a Hiking Route Suitable for Your Skill Level

The first step in preparation is selecting a hiking route that matches your experience and physical condition. Our first piece of advice is to be honest about your level: a beginner hiker should not attempt a demanding high-altitude trail. Research the difficulty of the route, including the total elevation gain (the sum of all climbs), the type of hiking path, and its terrain. A wide, well-marked path is much easier to follow than a steep or poorly defined trail. Also, consider the nature of the terrain: some routes are smooth and easy-going, while others are rugged and demanding. Walking 10 km on a flat forest path is entirely different from covering the same distance on unstable scree in the mountains! Choose your route based on these factors, not just the raw numbers. Finally, assess your endurance and current fitness level honestly. If you haven't been hiking recently, start with a short walk with minimal elevation gain, then gradually increase the difficulty.

Most guidebooks and specialised websites provide route classifications (such as easy, moderate, or difficult). Check these details to determine if a trail suits your abilities. Ask yourself key questions: How many kilometres can I comfortably walk in a day? Am I used to climbing several hundred metres in one go? If in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose a route slightly below your limit rather than pushing beyond it. You'll enjoy the hike more if it's within your capabilities rather than struggling through an overly ambitious challenge. For example, don’t underestimate the mountains: a hiking route of 5 km with 1000 metres of elevation gain can be far more exhausting than a 10 km walk on flat terrain!

If you're planning a multi-day trek, preparation becomes even more crucial. Divide your route into realistic daily stages and research accommodation options at each stop (mountain huts, lodges, campsites) or designated areas where wild camping is allowed. In France, for instance, bivouacking is generally permitted from dusk to dawn outside restricted zones, but it's best to check local regulations. For more details, read our guide to successful wild camping. Also, ensure you have access to food and water along the way or carry sufficient supplies in your backpack.

Consulting Walking Maps and Guides, and Gathering Terrain Information

Proper preparation involves gathering reliable information about your chosen route. To do this, rely on hiking maps and specialised guidebooks. In France, IGN maps at a 1:25,000 scale (1 cm = 250 m) are the go-to reference for visualising elevation, trails, and terrain details. Study the map to identify the trail route, intersections, water sources, and exposed or challenging sections. Hiking guides (guidebooks, websites, dedicated apps) often provide detailed route descriptions, estimated hiking times, difficulty ratings, and sometimes feedback from other hikers.

Check the terrain conditions before setting off. Trails may be temporarily closed or hazardous due to weather events (landslides, fallen trees, river flooding, etc.). Consult updates from national parks, local tourist offices, or hiker forums to find out if the route is accessible during your planned visit. Also, check whether the season is suitable: some mountain trails are only accessible in summer, while others may become muddy or slippery after heavy rain. Gathering this information in advance will help you avoid unpleasant surprises on the trail.

Additionally, prioritise marked and maintained trails, especially if you're hiking in an unfamiliar region. Trail markers (paint markings on rocks or trees, directional signs) indicate that the route is official and maintained by local authorities, providing an extra level of safety. On IGN maps, these marked trails are usually well-defined (for example, Grande Randonnée or GR routes in red and white, smaller hiking trails in yellow, etc.). Following a marked route simplifies navigation and reduces the risk of getting lost. Of course, experienced hikers can explore off-the-beaten-path trails, but this requires advanced navigation skills and extra caution.

Taking the Season into Account

In early spring, snow may still be present at higher altitudes, making it impossible to cross certain sections without specialised equipment. Conversely, in the height of summer, intense heat can make walking uncomfortable on exposed trails with little shade—setting off early in the morning and carrying plenty of water will be essential.

Check the sunrise and sunset times to avoid being caught out by nightfall. Adjusting your route and schedule according to the season and weather conditions will ensure a safer and more enjoyable hike.

Planning: Mapping Your Route and Estimating Duration

Now that your route is defined and you have gathered all the necessary information (maps, weather forecast, etc.), it’s time to move on to the concrete planning of your hike. This stage involves mapping out your path and calculating the key parameters of your journey.

Which Planner App to Use for Mapping a Route?

Once your route is selected, it’s time to map it out to refine the planning. Today, numerous digital tools make this task easier. A hiking GPS, mapping applications, and specialised route planning software help you prepare your hike with precision.

Several dedicated websites and apps, such as Topo GPS or Komoot allow you to select or trace your path on a map. These tools automatically calculate the distance and elevation profile of your route. Many of these applications integrate official hiking trails and even waymarking details, helping you follow a well-structured path.

Take this opportunity to identify points of interest along your route. For example, mark scenic viewpoints, peaks with stunning vistas, lakes for picnic breaks, or mountain huts where you can rest. Incorporating these stops into your itinerary helps to pace your hike and plan suitable locations for breaks (or for camping if you're hiking for multiple days).

If you're using a GPS device or a smartwatch, you can preload your route. Most hiking GPS watches and phone apps allow you to import a route file (usually in GPX format) created in planning software. This enables you to follow the mapped route directly on your device once you're on the trail.

Beware of Mobile Network Limitations – Useful Tips

• Make sure to download your maps in advance for offline access (mobile network coverage is unreliable in the mountains). This is particularly useful for staying on track at intersections or in foggy conditions. However, don’t rely solely on technology—batteries can run out, and GPS signals can be unreliable in dense forests or deep valleys.
• Always carry a hiking map of the area, with your route highlighted, along with a compass (we'll cover this in the equipment section). Knowing how to navigate with a paper map remains an essential skill.

Estimating Distance, Elevation Gain, and Walking Time

Planning a route isn’t just about drawing a line on a map—you also need to estimate the effort required and the time it will take. Using the tools mentioned earlier, you can determine the total distance of your hike and the cumulative elevation gain. These two factors are crucial in assessing difficulty. For example, a 15 km trail on mostly flat terrain requires far less effort than 15 km with 1,200 metres of climbing! Analyse the profile of your route: how many climbs and descents does it include, and over what distances? A route with constant ups and downs can be more exhausting than one long climb followed by a descent.

Based on the distance and elevation gain, you can estimate your walking time. Walking speed varies from person to person, but on relatively flat, easy terrain, an average hiker covers around 4 to 5 km per hour. For ascents, a common rule of thumb is to add 15 to 20 minutes per 100 metres of elevation gain—meaning roughly 1 extra hour for every 300 to 400 metres of climbing. These are just averages: a highly trained hiker will ascend faster, while a beginner might need an hour for just 200 metres of elevation gain. For example, a 12 km hike with 600 metres of ascent might take around 3 hours (for the distance) + 2 hours (for the elevation gain) = 5 hours of actual walking time, excluding breaks. Be sure to adjust for difficult terrain or a slower pace.

Also, remember that descending can take time, particularly if the terrain is technical or if fatigue sets in—descents can be tough on the knees.

Once you have an estimated walking time, allow for safety margins. It’s best to set off early in the morning to make the most of daylight and to plan regular breaks. For example, schedule a short 5-10 minute break every hour to hydrate and rest, and a longer stop for lunch if you're on a full-day hike. Factor these breaks into your plan—they’re part of the enjoyment and will help maintain your energy. If your estimated arrival is late in the day, ensure you allow enough time before sunset. Finishing earlier than expected is always better than being caught in the dark because the hike took longer than planned.

By carefully planning distance, elevation gain, and walking time, you’ll have a clear vision of your hike and can approach it with confidence.

Finally, always have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected. Identify alternative routes on your map, such as a shortcut for a quicker descent or a less exposed path in case of bad weather. Thinking ahead about these options is an essential part of good planning.

You can find all these essentials in the Navigation and Lighting Equipment corner at Glisshop. Gear up with everything you need for safe and confident hiking.

Conclusion

Planning your hiking route in detail may seem tedious at first, but it’s the key to making the most of your adventure. In summary, choose a route that matches your fitness and preferences, gather information about the terrain and weather, carefully plan your hike (distance, elevation gain, timing), and carry the right navigation and safety gear. This thorough preparation will give you peace of mind during your walk, ensuring you know where you're going and how to get there, allowing you to focus on the joy of exploration.

A well-prepared hike is not only safer but also far more rewarding. You’ll avoid unnecessary difficulties and risks while fully immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. So, lace up your hiking boots, plan your next adventure, and set off to explore the great outdoors safely. Happy hiking!

Key takeaways for preparing a hike:

• Choose a route suited to your ability and research it thoroughly (maps, guides, trail conditions, weather).
• Plan your hike in detail: distance, elevation gain, estimated walking time, breaks, and have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes.
• Carry the right navigation tools: IGN map, compass, GPS watch—and know how to use them.
• Pack your backpack properly with water, food, suitable clothing, a first aid kit, and a head torch.
• Inform a trusted person about your planned route and estimated return time.
• On the trail, follow waymarked paths, pace yourself, monitor the weather, and don’t hesitate to turn back if necessary.