Survival Skill: Route Cards

Route Cards



A route card is a simple and structured way of breaking your route down in to manageable chunks, providing details of distances, bearings, grid references, and what to expect / see along the way.



By using a route card you negate the need for constant mapchecks, thus speeding up your movement along the route.



A well-prepared route card always you to visualise the route without having conducted a rehearsal. Once a rehearsal has been conducted, further details can be added to enhance it. A route card gives you a 'safety net' when you are tired / stressed / cold.



A sign of a good route card is to be able to give it to someone else, without a map, and for them to be able to follow it to the end.



How to make a Route Card



Please see the attached example of one I quickly prepared.

1. On a map, find the start point (A) and the end point (Z).
   
2. Draw your route between the two. I shall have to assume that you have some prior knowledge of route planning (am happy to cover that in a later example if necessary).
   
3. Break the route down in to 'legs'. These can be based on time, prominent features, difficulty, whatever you deem fit. Do not allow the legs to be any further than 1km unless you are following the same prominent path for 25km, for example. Even then, break it down for breaks.
   
4. On your table (see example) start with the grid of the beginning of the leg, the distance from A to B (end of first leg) and grid of B.
   
5. Using the map, carefully study the route from A to B. Note everything that the map tells you - every twist and turn (1:25000 maps are better for this although 1:50000 is adequate). Note prominent buildings, structures, roads, permanent features first. Note contours, ascent and descent.
   
6. Also note what you can see at a distance and at what bearing - be aware that the weather may proclude you from seeing these things on the day - they are just an aid.
   
7. Note semi-permanent features such as woodblocks, dirt tracks, bridleways, etc - these may change over time and should not be relied upon.
   
8. In the remarks column, note the state of the leg and whether or not it is suitable for vehs/foot.