A walking glossary for route planning

Plain definitions of the planning words used in these guides, from linear route and stage endpoint to route provenance and walking log.

These are the planning words used in the guides on this site. They are practical labels for keeping a walk plan clear, not official National Trails definitions, and none of them is a statutory or legal term. Each entry links back to the guide that uses it.

Access notice

Published information affecting use of a route or place. Write it down with the date you saw it. Used in Maps, waymarks and staying safe.

Circular route

A route intended to return to its starting point. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Connection window

The time available to make a transport connection. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Decision point

A place or time at which a planned choice is made. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Fallback option

An alternative plan prepared for changed circumstances. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Linear route

A route finishing somewhere different from its starting point. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Route briefing

A concise record of route details, logistics and checks. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Route provenance

The source and history of a route description. Used in Maps, waymarks and staying safe.

Route variant

An alternative alignment within a broader route. Used in Maps, waymarks and staying safe.

Stage

A section of a longer route used for planning or description. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Stage endpoint

The location where a planned walking section ends. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.

Walking log

A dated record of a completed walk and its observations. Used in Planning a long-distance walk.