Itís tempting just to check the start point of your route and that thereís a path to where youíre going. But proper planning means studying the map to see what sort of terrain youíre going to be dealing with at all stages of the journey. Will there be steep ground? Are there awkward rivers or streams to cross? Any cliffs to avoid? Thick tree plantations which can slow progress and make navigation difficult?

And while youíre checking out the type of terrain along the way, make a note of key places on your route. These may be river crossings, sections of scrambling or difficult ground, or even just a halfway point. Theyíre all places which are important on the journey, where you may have to change plans from one route to an alternative if, for example, you canít get cross the river safely, or if you reach the halfway point and realise you donít have enough time to reach your original destination and return.

At all these key places you should have an alternative plan in mind. That may not be as unsatisfying as just turning back: many times there will be an alternative route you can do Ė which, of course, should also be fully planned out.