Best Map Apps & Tools for Planning UK Gravel Cycling & Bikepacking Trips (Beginners Guide)

Introduction

Gravel cycling and bikepacking are more popular than ever in the UK, and the good news is that you don’t need decades of experience to explore hidden lanes, forest tracks, and charming byways.

If you’re riding an e-gravel bike or a traditional gravel bike, mapping apps like OS Maps and Komoot can transform your route planning. With these tools, you can discover scenic routes, plan safe rides, and even prepare for multi-day bikepacking trips.

This guide is written for absolute beginners, especially riders over 50, and will walk you through how to plan routes, compare mapping apps, export GPX files, and find the best UK gravel byways.

Before you start plotting routes on your map app, it helps to know where to ride gravel in the UK — from scenic forest tracks to coastal fire roads — with up-to-date recommendations for 2025.
👉 https://gravelendurance.com/2025/11/20/where-to-ride-gravel-bike-uk-2025/

How to Use OS Maps for Bikepacking in the UK

Step 1: Choose the right map layer
For bikepacking and gravel routes, the 1:25k Explorer layer is ideal. It shows all bridleways, byways, and permissive paths. Green dashed lines indicate byways open to all traffic, and blue dashed lines show bridleways.

Step 2: Trace your route
Pick a starting point and plan a circular route to return home safely. Keep your first rides short—20–30 km is perfect for over-50 riders who are just building endurance.

Step 3: Check elevation and terrain
OS Maps shows contours that indicate hills and valleys. Avoid steep gradients on your first ride if you’re using a traditional bike or are new to gravel riding.

Step 4: Save and export
Once your route is planned, export it as a GPX file to your device or app for use during your ride.

Komoot vs OS Maps for Gravel Routes UK

Both tools are excellent, but they have different strengths:

OS Maps: Official UK mapping, clear rights-of-way, detailed contours. Perfect for accuracy and planning routes before your ride.
Komoot: Excellent community features, surface type info, elevation profile, and turn-by-turn navigation. Great for ride-day guidance.

Pro Tip: Plan the route in OS Maps for precision, then import to Komoot for navigation and to check user experiences and photos along the way.

Offline Map Tools for UK Gravel Cyclists

Remote rides require offline maps to avoid losing signal:

Both OS Maps and Komoot allow offline map downloads.
Save regions before heading out.
Combine digital maps with a small paper map as backup.

Why it matters: Gravel rides often take you down hidden byways where mobile coverage is patchy. Being prepared ensures safety and peace of mind.

How to Plan Gravel Bikepacking Trips Using Mapping Apps UK

Planning a multi-day bikepacking trip can be daunting, but these steps simplify the process:

Choose your start/end points: Select towns or points of interest as anchors.
Pick suitable gravel routes: Use OS Maps to check the byways and bridleways.
Refine in Komoot: Add waypoints, check elevation, and surface type.
Export GPX: Load onto your GPS device or smartphone.
Safety prep: Let someone know your route, carry water, snacks, and repair kit.

Surface Filtering in Komoot for Gravel Rides

Komoot allows filtering by surface type:

Select gravel to avoid tarmac-heavy routes.
Avoid technical off-road sections until you gain confidence.
Use filter to find scenic lanes and historic byways.

This is especially useful for older beginners who want enjoyable rides without unnecessary difficulty.

Using GPX Export from OS Maps or Komoot for Gravel Routes

Exporting GPX files lets you:

Follow routes on handlebar GPS devices.
Import into smartphone apps like Komoot or Strava.
Share routes with friends or cycling groups.

This step bridges planning and riding, making it easier to enjoy hidden byways confidently.

Best Mapping Apps with Elevation Profile for UK Off-Road Cycling

Elevation matters for over-50 riders:

Check steep climbs and descents before starting.
OS Maps and Komoot both provide elevation profiles.
Choose manageable hills for beginners.

Cheap or Free Mapping Tools for UK Gravel & Bikepacking

Not all riders want paid subscriptions:

Komoot free version covers essential features for short rides.
OS Maps offers limited free mapping; subscription unlocks full layers.
Other free apps: RideWithGPS, Strava, and Locus Map for offline navigation.

Budget-conscious beginners can start with free options and upgrade as confidence grows.

Tips for Over-50 Gravel Cyclists Using Mapping Apps

Combine digital and paper maps for safety.
Start with shorter routes, gradually increasing distance.
Use an e-gravel bike if tackling hills or longer loops.
Record rides and share feedback to help the community.

Getting Started: Your First UK Gravel or Bikepacking Ride

Pick a familiar area to start.
Use OS Maps to plot the route, then import to Komoot.
Check weather, pack essentials, and leave route info with someone.
Start slow, focus on enjoying the scenery, and track progress for future rides.

As you plan your rides using digital maps, make sure you also optimize your loadout — here’s a helpful guide on bikepacking essentials and packing light for long gravel adventures.
👉 https://gravelendurance.com/2025/12/04/bikepacking-essentials-packing-light-for-long-gravel-rides/

Conclusion

Planning UK gravel and bikepacking routes has never been easier thanks to OS Maps, Komoot, GPX exports, and offline tools. With a little preparation, you can explore hidden byways, scenic lanes, and forest tracks safely, even as a beginner over 50.

Ready to discover more gravel routes, mapping tips, and bikepacking advice? [Subscribe to the Gravel Endurance blog] and get weekly updates straight to your inbox.

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