Routecards & Route Planning

Marking a route on the map

It is vital that you can see the public rights of way and landmarks on the map when navigating. Too much ink means that you won't be able to see what you are walking on and have a greater risk of straying off onto the wrong path. Therefore:

Using the exact 6-figure Grid Reference, mark a small circle on each of your designated checkpoints.
Using small V-shaped arrows, mark your route along the footpaths, bridleways, minor roads and paths, with the arrows spaced out so that you can see what you are walking on. The point of the V will show your direction.
Avoid writing anything else on the map so as to not cover up any important information.
If marking a laminated map, use a permanent ink marker pen, and then rub out your markings using meths or similar after the expedition.

Distance - Height Gain - Time

Walking Speed

On average, teams on a DofE expedition will often walk at a speed of around 3kph on flat, even terrain. This might be quicker if walking along a long-distance cycle trail or road, or if carrying less kit. Equally, this might be slower if walking on uneven ground, such as rocky outcrops or open moorland terrain.

3kph makes calculations simpler i.e. 1km takes 20 mins, 0.5 km in 10mins, 0.25km in 5 mins.

Height Gain

When walking uphill, it tends to take longer. On average, we tend to allow an extra 1 min for every 10 metres climbed. On many maps, contour lines are spaced at 10m intervals, so this works out at 1 min per contour line.

When going downhill or staying at the same height, there is NO HEIGHT GAIN, and therefore you should record 0.