Reversing routes

GPX sat nav users can try our free walks in reverse
Image created with Google Gemini AI

Did you know that if you follow our walks using the free GPX files that come with every route you can also experience them in reverse - which means that there are actually 600 free walk options on Hertfordshire Walker.

Here's how to do it using the Ordnance Survey (OS) app and the free versions of Komoot, GPXViewer, and AllTrails.

Ordnance Survey (OS) app:

(Premium subscription required for some features)

To reverse a GPX route in the OS Maps app:

1. Open or create a route:
• If you've already created and saved a route, go to main menu > routes > my routes and select the route you want to reverse.
• If you're creating a new route, start plotting it as usual.
2. Access route plotting toolbar (or edit mode):
• When planning or editing a route, you'll see a route plotting toolbar.
• If you're editing an existing saved route, you might need to click "eEdit" or a similar option to enter the editing mode.
3. Find the "reverse route direction" tool: Look for an icon that typically represents reversing a direction (often a double arrow or similar). This option is usually found within the route plotting/editing toolbar.
4. Click to reverse: Tap or click the "reverse route direction" icon. The route on the map should instantly flip its direction.
5. Save your changes: Once reversed, make sure to save the route. You can usually give it a new name (e.g., "original route - reversed") to differentiate it from the original.

Note: While you can import GPX files into OS Maps, the most straightforward way to reverse a route is generally within their own route planner.

Komoot (free version)

To reverse a GPX route in Komoot (website or app):

On the website:

1. Open the tour: Go to your "planned tours" (or "completed tours" if you want to reverse a past activity) and open the tour you wish to reverse.
2. Edit tour: Click the "edit tour" button.
3. Find the reverse icon: In the green planning menu on the left side, you'll see a double arrow icon. Click this icon.
4. Save or replan:
• If you want to change the original tour's direction, simply click "save."
• If you want to create a copy of the tour with the reversed direction (keeping the original intact), click "replan tour" and then "open in planner." Now, reverse the direction and then click "save." It will be saved as a new tour.

On the mobile app:

1. Open the tour: Go to your "profile" and then "planned tours" (or "completed") and select the tour.
2. Access more options: Tap the three dots (overflow menu) in the upper right corner.
3. Reverse tour:
• If you're planning a new tour, you'll see "reverse tour" directly as an option.
• If it's an already saved tour, you can choose "edit tour" to modify the existing one, or "plan similar tour" to create a new, reversed version. Once in the planning/editing mode, tap the three dots again and select "reverse tour."
4. Save: Remember to save your changes.

Important: Komoot requires an internet connection to reverse a tour.

GPXViewer (free version)

To reverse a GPX route in GPXViewer (mobile app):

1. Open your GPX file: Make sure you have the GPX file loaded and displayed on the map in GPXViewer.
2. Open left main menu: Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) to open the main menu.
3. Go to "track/route info": Select this option from the menu.
4. Select the track/route: In the list of tracks and routes, tap on the specific track you want to reverse.
5. Find the three dots: Scroll down below the statistics for the track. You should see three dots on the right side. Tap them.
6. Select "reverse direction": Choose this option.
7. Confirm: A dialogue might pop up asking to delete speed and time information from the track; confirm "yes."
8. Go back to map: Return to the main map screen, and your track's direction will be reversed.

AllTrails (free version)

AllTrails allows you to reverse routes, but this functionality is primarily available on their website, not directly within the free mobile app.

You can then access the reversed map in the app after saving. To reverse a GPX route in AllTrails (free version via website):

1. Go to AllTrails.com: Open your web browser on a desktop or laptop (or even your mobile phone's browser, though it's less optimised) and go to AllTrails.com.
2. Log in: Sign in to your AllTrails account.
3. Access "my maps" or "explore":
• If you've already saved the route as a custom map, hover over "saved" in the top header and select "my maps." Then open the map you wish to reverse.
• If you're starting with an existing trail, search for it, then select the map image from its details page to open the route.
4. Open map creator tool (edit mode):
• Once the map is open, click the "pen icon" (edit icon) in the bottom right to open the map creator tool. This will copy the trail map into the editor.
5. Edit route: Look for the overflow menu (three dots) next to "route" in the editing panel. Click these dots.
6. Select "reverse": From the options, choose "reverse."
7. Save custom map: Click "save" and then "save custom map." You can rename it to differentiate it (e.g., "walk name - reversed").
8. Access in app: Once saved, the reversed map will be available in your AllTrails mobile app under saved > lists > my maps.

Key takeaways:

• OS Maps: Reversal is typically done within their route planner.
• Komoot: Easy to do both on the website and within the mobile app for planned or existing tours.
• GPXViewer: A dedicated feature within the app's track/route information section.
• AllTrails: Requires using the website to reverse a route, but the reversed map becomes accessible in the app.

Always remember to save your reversed route with a distinct name to avoid confusion with the original!

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