Q: What can I create?

You can contribute three kinds of things:RoutesA Route is a complete hike or walk. It includes one or more Route Segments plus your authored content: descriptions, highlights, ordering, titles, tips, and context. A Route can include Segments you create yourself and Segments created by other authors — so you can build on existing building blocks rather than starting from scratch. Think of Routes as storytelling and composition, not just lines on a map.Route SegmentsA Segment is a reusable, self-contained piece of a route. It can include path geometry (the line on the map), written instructions or guidance, and images and other supporting details. Segments are created as part of the route creation process — you don't add them independently. Once a Segment exists, it can appear in many different Routes (yours or anyone else's), and each use is counted separately. The more often a Segment is used, the more it can earn. Segments are about accurate, reusable building blocks — not just raw path data.

Question 1

What can I create?

Accepted Answer

You can contribute three kinds of things:

Routes

A Route is a complete hike or walk. It includes one or more Route Segments plus your authored content: descriptions, highlights, ordering, titles, tips, and context. A Route can include Segments you create yourself and Segments created by other authors — so you can build on existing building blocks rather than starting from scratch. Think of Routes as storytelling and composition, not just lines on a map.

Route Segments

A Segment is a reusable, self-contained piece of a route. It can include path geometry (the line on the map), written instructions or guidance, and images and other supporting details. Segments are created as part of the route creation process — you don't add them independently. Once a Segment exists, it can appear in many different Routes (yours or anyone else's), and each use is counted separately. The more often a Segment is used, the more it can earn. Segments are about accurate, reusable building blocks — not just raw path data.

Question 2

What's the typical workflow for creating a route?

Accepted Answer

The recommended workflow has four phases:Phase 1: Draft in Studio (Before You Walk)Log in to Hawthorn Studio, create a new draft route, give it a working name and basic details, and optionally plot out your planned waypoints on the map.Phase 2: Walk the Route (Field Work)Walk the route with your phone. At each waypoint, take photos that will help walkers navigate. Make notes about arrival instructions ("Turn left at the oak tree"). Add or remove waypoints as needed based on what you discover. Note any hazards, facilities (pubs, toilets, parking), or points of interest.Phase 3: Finish in Studio (Back at Your Desk)Upload your photos to each waypoint. Write clear arrival instructions for each step. Add route description, highlights, and getting-there directions. Add facilities, hazards, and points of interest. Review the route on the map to check it looks right.Phase 4: Submit for ReviewClick "Submit for Review" when your route is complete. An editor will review your route and either approve it (goes live, photos converted to illustrations) or request edits (returns to you with feedback).

Question 3

Do I have to set up my route in the Studio before I walk?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to, but it helps. If you create a draft route in the Studio first, photos and draft instructions from the app sync back to the Studio as you walk — so when you sit down afterwards, most of the raw material is already there waiting for you.If you prefer, you can also walk first and set everything up in the Studio afterwards. Take photos on your phone, make notes as you go (voice memos work well), then upload and write up when you're back. The Studio is designed to be flexible — use whatever workflow suits you.

Question 4

How do I create a route?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Create a new routeLog in to Hawthorn Studio and click the "+ New Route" button. Fill in the basic details:Enter a route name — this is what walkers will seeSelect a difficulty level (easy, moderate, or difficult)Choose the route type (circular, linear, or out-and-back)Write a brief description of what makes this walk specialAny fields that still need completing before you can submit will be highlighted with a red border, so you always know what's left.Step 2: Plot your waypointsClick "Edit Route Steps" to open the map view. This is where you'll build out your route by placing waypoints:Use the search bar to find your starting locationClick the map to place your start waypoint (marked "S")Continue clicking to add waypoints along your route — each click creates a new waypointThe system will automatically calculate a path between waypoints, snapping to roads and pathsYour final waypoint becomes the finish point (marked "F")Place waypoints at key decision points: junctions, gates, stiles, or anywhere walkers need clear guidance. Don't worry about getting it perfect first time — you can always adjust later.Step 3: Fine-tune segment pathsThe auto-generated path between waypoints is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust it:Click on a segment (the line between two waypoints) to select itYou'll see small circles (vertices) along the pathDrag any vertex to adjust the route — it will snap to nearby roads and pathsThis is useful when the auto-routing chose a different path than you actually walkedTips for editing waypoints and segmentsAdding an intermediary waypoint splits the segment at that point. Click on a segment trace on the map and then the red pin, or use the "Add Waypoint" button in the route steps panel.Deleting a waypoint joins the two segments either side of it. Click on a waypoint on the map and use the delete button, or remove it from the route steps table.Reordering waypoints can be done by dragging them in the route steps panel on the right.All of these edits can also be made in the Hawthorn app while you're out walking — the Studio and app stay in sync.

Question 5

How do I write good instructions?

Accepted Answer

How to add instructionsIn the route editor, click on any segment (the section between two waypoints) to select it. You'll see a panel on the right showing the segment details. Click the "Edit" button next to "Navigation Instruction" to add or modify the instructions for that segment.Each route step has two types of instruction:Segment instructions (Navigation Instructions)These tell the walker what to do during the segment — how to reach the next waypoint. Good segment instructions:Describe the path ahead: surface, terrain, landmarks to passMention what they're heading towards so they know they're on trackInclude approximate distances or time where helpfulNote any turns or decision points along the wayExample: "Continue uphill along Bloomfield Road, passing houses on both sides. The road curves gently to the right. After about 200 metres, look for the footpath sign on your left."Waypoint arrival instructionsThese tell the walker what to do when they arrive at a waypoint to join the next segment. Keep these short and action-focused:Describe the specific action: turn left, go through gate, cross roadReference visible landmarks: "at the oak tree", "by the bench"Don't describe the segment ahead — that's what segment instructions are forExample: "At the fingerpost, take the path signed 'Bridleway to Oakham'."💡 Important: Write standalone instructionsDon't reference other segments or waypoints by name (like "after Waypoint 3"). Segments can be reused in other routes that may not include those steps, so each instruction needs to make sense on its own.

Question 6

What happens to my photos?

Accepted Answer

When your route is approved:Your photos are automatically converted to illustrations using AIThis gives a consistent visual style across all routesThe original photos are archived (not deleted)You can review the conversion results in the Conversions pageIf any conversions fail, editors can retry or manually adjust them

Question 7

What are facilities, hazards, and POIs?

Accepted Answer

You can enrich your route with additional information that helps walkers plan their day:Facilities — Useful amenities near the route: parking, toilets, pubs, cafes, shops, accommodationHazards — Warnings about conditions: muddy sections, busy road crossings, livestock, flooding riskPoints of Interest — Things worth knowing about: historical sites, viewpoints, wildlife areas, local storiesHow to add featuresFeatures are added to specific segments along your route. Here's how:Click on a segment in the route editor to select itScroll down to the "Features" section in the panelClick "+ Add" to add a new featureChoose the feature type: Facility, Hazard, or Point of InterestSelect from existing features or click "+ Create new..." to add a new oneFill in the details: name, type (e.g., Parking, Café), and optionally a URL for more infoA marker will appear on the map — drag it to position it preciselyClick "Save" to add the feature to your route💡 Tip: Features are reusableOnce you create a facility (like a specific pub or car park), it becomes available for other routes to use too. Check if someone has already added the feature before creating a duplicate.All features are automatically aggregated into the route overview, so walkers can see parking options, refreshment stops, and hazards at a glance when planning their day.

Question 8

What gets validated before I can submit?

Accepted Answer

Before submission, the system automatically checks that your route is complete and ready for review.Required fieldsYour route must have:A name (at least 3 characters)A description (at least 10 characters)A difficulty level set (easy, moderate, or difficult)A route type selected (circular, linear, or out-and-back)At least one waypoint and one segmentAll segments have valid GPS tracesAll waypoints have proper names (not just "Waypoint 12345")How to submitWhen you're ready to submit your route for review:Go to the Routes list in Hawthorn StudioFind your draft route — it will show "Draft" statusClick the "Submit for Review" buttonIf validation passes, your route enters the review queueIf there are issues, you'll see a message telling you what needs fixing💡 Validation errors are helpfulIf submission fails, the error message tells you exactly what's missing. Click on the route to open it and look for fields highlighted with red borders — these are the ones that need attention. Fix each issue, then try submitting again.

Question 9

What happens during the review process?

Accepted Answer

Your route enters the Review QueueAn editor (not you — to ensure quality) reviews itThey check: instructions are clear and accurate, photos will convert well to illustrations, route makes sense and is safe, all required fields are complete, and whether any new segments could reuse existing ones from other routesThey either Publish (route goes live) or Request Edits (returns to you with notes)If edits are requested, you'll see the feedback and can make changes before resubmitting.

Question 10

Can I edit a published route?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with safeguards:Published routes are read-only in the StudioClick "Create Draft to Edit" to make an editable copyMake your changes to the draftSubmit the draft for reviewWhen approved, it replaces the published versionThis ensures live routes are never accidentally broken by in-progress edits.

Question 11

Do I own my content?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you keep ownership of what you create.To run and grow the platform, Hawthorn needs permission to use that content. So you grant us a long-term license that lets us keep Routes available over time, improve formatting and presentation, adapt visuals (for example, turning photos into illustrations), and use content in marketing and promotion.That license continues even if your revenue participation reaches the minimum rate, which helps keep the platform stable and useful for everyone.For full details, see the Contributor Agreement.

Question 12

How does money flow when someone buys a Route?

Accepted Answer

Every sale follows the same basic pattern:We calculate Net Revenue (after app store fees, VAT, refunds, and similar costs)50% goes to Hawthorn to operate and improve the platformUp to 50% goes into a Contributor Pool, shared by contributorsThat Contributor Pool is then split based on what kinds of contributions were involved.

Question 13

How are routes priced?

Accepted Answer

Route prices are based on walking duration, using price points allowed by the app stores. Current GBP pricing:Route DurationPriceUp to 2 hours£0.99Over 2 hours£1.99Prices in other currencies are determined by the app stores. These prices may be adjusted over time as the platform develops.

Question 14

How is the Contributor Pool split?

Accepted Answer

From the Contributor Pool:15% → Route author85% → Segment authorsSegment earnings are weighted by segment length, and if a Segment appears twice, it's counted twice. More usage means more earnings.

Question 15

Why don’t waypoints earn separately?

Accepted Answer

Every segment leads to and from a waypoint, so waypoint work is already reflected in the segments they connect. Keeping earnings tied to segments makes the model simpler and avoids double-counting — your waypoint instructions, photos, and details all contribute to the value of the segments around them.

Question 16

What is "decay" and why does it exist?

Accepted Answer

You'll earn from your content for up to 10 years from first publication, with the rate reducing over time.Starting from the date your content is first published on Hawthorn (not when it's edited or updated), payout rates gradually decrease:Time since first publicationPayout rateYear 1100%Year 280%Year 360%Year 440%Year 520%Years 6–1010%Year 11+0%Walking routes change over time — paths get rerouted, stiles are replaced by gates, landmarks disappear, new hazards appear. Keeping routes accurate and safe takes ongoing effort from editors and sometimes re-walking. The decay reflects this: as routes age, more of the revenue goes towards maintenance, updates, and funding new content. From year 6 onwards, participation sits at 10% through to the end of year 10, after which it ends.

Question 17

Does editing my Route reset the decay clock?

Accepted Answer

No — and that's intentional. The decay clock is based on first publication, so fixing typos, updating descriptions, and making small improvements won't reset it. We don't want to discourage you from keeping things up to date.

Question 18

What happens if my route is offered for free or at a discount?

Accepted Answer

Hawthorn may occasionally offer routes at a reduced price or free of charge — for example, giving new users their first route at no cost. This helps grow the platform, which benefits everyone.Revenue participation is always based on the Net Revenue actually received from each sale. If a route is given away for free, no revenue is generated and no payout applies for that transaction. If it's sold at a discount, your share is calculated on the discounted amount.Promotional offers are used to attract new walkers to the platform. More users means more future sales at full price — including for your routes.

Question 19

When and how do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Earnings are calculated quarterlyPayments are made 45 days after the end of each quarterPayments are made after revenue is actually receivedYou'll see earnings accrue before they're paid out.

Question 20

Is there a minimum payout amount?

Accepted Answer

Yes — £25.If your balance is below £25, it rolls overOnce you reach £25, you get paid automaticallyVery small balances may expire after long periods of inactivityThis keeps admin overhead low so more money goes to contributors.

Question 21

Where can I see my earnings?

Accepted Answer

You'll be able to see earnings per Route and Segment, track your total balance, and view payout history once payments begin.

Question 22

What happens if my Route or Segment is removed?

Accepted Answer

If content is removed, it won't earn future revenue, but any earnings you've already accrued are unaffected. We don't guarantee that content will stay live forever, but removal doesn't claw anything back.

Question 23

Is this a royalty?

Accepted Answer

Not quite. This is revenue participation, which means you don't own a permanent slice of revenue, and participation tapers off over time. From year 6 it settles at 10%, and ends entirely after 10 years from first publication. This structure lets the platform evolve sustainably while still rewarding contributors meaningfully for their work.

Question 24

Can these rules change?

Accepted Answer

Possibly — but only going forward. We may adjust payout models for future contributions as the platform grows. We won't retroactively reduce earnings you've already accrued.

Question 25

What if I get stuck in the Studio?

Accepted Answer

Common solutions:Can't add a waypoint? Make sure you're in "Add Step" mode (green button)Map not loading? Try refreshing the pageSegment path looks wrong? Click the segment to edit and drag the pathSubmission failing? Check the validation errors — they'll tell you what's missing

Question 26

Still have questions?

Accepted Answer

If anything here isn't clear, get in touch. We want this to feel fair, transparent, and easy to understand — no hidden tricks, no fine print surprises.

Contributor FAQ

Part 1: What You Create

What can I create?

Part 2: The Route Creation Process

Part 3: Ownership & Licensing

Part 4: How You Earn

Part 5: Getting Paid

Part 6: Content Removal & Changes

Part 7: Getting Help

Ready to start contributing?