Hiking route
card template.

A route card breaks a walk into timed legs and gives each person in the group the same checkpoint, stop and finish estimates.

Write down each leg

Start with a waypoint you can identify on the ground. Measure the route distance to the next point and add up the ascent along that leg. For an out-and-back, record return legs separately because the same stretch may have a different uphill total in the other direction. Include the planned stop duration at each checkpoint.

Calculate the moving time

The planner uses 60 × (distance / flat speed + ascent / climb rate) in minutes when distance is in kilometres, flat speed is in kilometres per hour, ascent is in metres, and climb rate is in metres per hour. An optional percentage adds time for a particular leg. The example pace of 4 km/h and 600 m per hour of ascent follows the approach described by Mountaineering Scotland’s route-planning guide.

Work a sample route from 08:30

The first leg takes 33 minutes for distance and 14 minutes for ascent. The next leg starts at 09:27 after the stop. Its moving estimate is 79 minutes before the 25% allowance, or about 99 minutes with it. The planner keeps the exact minutes internally and rounds the displayed clock times.

Work backward from when you need to return

With a 15:30 return-by time, the example has around 2 hours and 29 minutes of margin from the 08:30 departure. If the estimated margin is tight, you can change the start time, shorten the route, or allow more moving time for your group. Check actual conditions and agree on when you will turn back. Share the route and expected finish with someone off the trail.

Open the editable route card and update the sample with your own legs. Print the card for use offline or export it to a spreadsheet.