How to plan a hiking route, from map to GPX file

What to decide before you open a map

A hiking route starts with a few simple choices: the starting point, the target distance, and the shape of the route — a loop that returns to the start, or a point-to-point crossing that needs a second vehicle or public transport at the far end. These constraints shape everything that follows: a 12 km outing with 400 m of ascent isn't prepared the same way as a 25 km mountain crossing.

Loop or crossing: what it actually changes

A loop keeps logistics simple: a single parking spot, a predictable return, and the option to cut things short if the weather turns or the group tires. A crossing covers more ground without retracing your steps, but adds a constraint — a second vehicle left at the far end, or a last bus or train whose timetable bounds the end of the day. This choice is worth settling before plotting the first point, not partway through.

1. Plot the route on the mapDrop waypoints: start, summits or landmarks to reach, finish. The "hiking" routing mode favours marked trails over roads. The full detail of this step is covered in the guide on creating a route from scratch.
2. Check the ascent and the profileOnce the track is drawn, look at the elevation profile that builds automatically. It's what shows the outing's real difficulty, far more than distance alone — the guide on elevation profiles covers how to read it and spot steep sections before you set off.
3. Look at the ground surfaceThe track can be coloured by the real ground surface — dirt, gravel, rock, tarmac. Useful for knowing whether the route suits a family outing, or whether good boots and poles are in order.
4. Anticipate the weatherA 7-day forecast can be checked directly on the route and at its highest point, which often matters more than the weather down at the trailhead — a summit can stay in cloud while it's bright sunshine at the car park.
5. Take the route out on the trailThe GPX file exports to a GPS computer or watch, or can be printed as a PDF road book with map and profile. A share link also lets you send it directly to the people coming with you.

How much time to allow

Distance and ascent combined let you estimate a realistic duration for the activity — walking and trail running don't cover the same terrain at the same pace. The guide dedicated to this estimate covers how to fine-tune it to your own profile. This estimate mainly helps set a departure time with a safety margin, so you're not still descending after dark.

Do you need a dedicated GPS, or does a phone do the job?

For a first hike, a phone is plenty: the GPX file opens in most mobile hiking apps, and real-time positioning works straight from a browser. A dedicated GPS computer or watch mainly helps with battery life over a long day, or better screen visibility in bright sun — not with planning the route itself, which happens beforehand on a bigger screen.

The step often overlooked: checking your position once you're out there

A route planned in advance is still a forecast. On the ground, real-time positioning lets you locate yourself on the loaded track and confirm you're still on the right path — particularly useful in fog or dense forest, where visual landmarks are scarce.