Gravel Endurance

Introduction

Gravel cycling is booming across the UK, and you don’t need years of experience to enjoy it. Whether you ride a traditional gravel bike or an e-gravel bike, mapping apps like OS Maps and Komoot open up a world of quiet lanes, forest tracks, and historic byways.

This guide shows beginners and intermediate riders how to discover hidden gems, plan safe and scenic routes, and explore off-road byways any time of year. By following these steps, you can uncover routes that suit your fitness, distance, and adventure style.

If you’re new to mapping apps, check out our Gravel Cycling & Bikepacking Mapping Apps UK guide for beginners, which explains features, GPX export, and offline use.

How to Plan Hidden Byways Routes UK Using OS Maps and Komoot

Step 1: Start with OS Maps for Detail

• Switch to the 1:25k Explorer layer to see bridleways, byways, and permissive paths.
• Use the “Greens and Blues” rule: green dashed lines = byways, blue = bridleways.
• Check contour lines and gradients to plan rides that match your fitness level.

Step 2: Cross-Check in Komoot for Community Insights

• Import your OS route to Komoot to view surface types, elevation, and photos from other cyclists.
• Filter for “Gravel” to avoid unexpected hike-a-bike sections.
• Use Komoot’s Highlights feature to discover popular local routes.

Get Started with OS Maps & Komoot

Before you start exploring hidden byways, you’ll need the apps installed or ready on your device. Both OS Maps and Komoot are available on desktop, iOS, and Android, making it easy to plan and follow routes anywhere.

OS Maps

• iPhone / iPad (Apple Store): Download OS Maps
• Android (Google Play): Download OS Maps
• Desktop / Web: OS Maps Online – Ideal for detailed route planning before exporting to your GPS or phone.

Tip: Start planning routes on desktop for accuracy, then sync to your mobile app for navigation on the ride.

Komoot

• iPhone / iPad (Apple Store): Download Komoot
• Android (Google Play): Download Komoot
• Desktop / Web: Komoot Online – Best for importing GPX files, checking surfaces, and reviewing community highlights.

Tip: Use Komoot filters for Gravel Cycling and Popularity to discover scenic hidden byways near you.

If you’re new to mapping apps, see our full guide to UK gravel and bikepacking mapping apps for step-by-step instructions on GPX export, offline maps, and surface filtering.

Best OS Maps vs Komoot Tips for Finding Bridleways and Byways

Feature	OS Maps	Komoot
Official Rights-of-Way	✅ Accurate legal mapping	❌ Not official
Contour & Gradient Info	✅ Excellent	⚪ Limited
Surface Type & Ride Feedback	⚪ Limited	✅ Community insights
Turn-by-Turn Navigation	❌ Limited	✅ Excellent
Route Highlights	⚪ Minimal	✅ Popular spots & scenic routes

Pro Tip: Draft your route on OS Maps for accuracy, then refine it in Komoot for ride feel, surfaces, and scenic highlights.

Local Route Planning with OS Maps for Gravel Cyclists

Planning routes close to home builds confidence and fitness:

1. Set Realistic Distance: Start with 20–30 km loops.
2. Check Elevation Gain: Use OS’s gradient shading to avoid steep climbs until ready.
3. Layer Safety: Download offline maps and share your planned GPX with a friend.

Discover Scenic Byways Near Me UK with Komoot Map Filters

• Tap ‘Discover’ → ‘Gravel Cycling’ → ‘Highlights’ to see popular local trails.
• Use Surface Type and Popularity filters to reveal lesser-known bridleways and historic coach roads.
• Save community Highlights to build a personalised byway tour.

Step-by-Step OS Maps and Komoot Guide for Exploring Off-Road Byways UK

1. Scout on Desktop: Draw your route on OS Maps.
2. Export GPX: Import to Komoot.
3. Check Surfaces & Elevation: Refine for rideability.
4. Sync to GPS or Smartphone: Ensure offline access.
5. Ride & Record: Upload ride notes to Komoot to help other cyclists.

Extra Tips for New Gravel Riders

• E-Gravel Bikes: Great for longer days or building fitness.
• Bikepacking UK Ideas: Check our [Weekend Bikepacking Essentials] article for gear suggestions.
• Safety First: Carry a paper OS map as a backup, and share your route with a friend.
• Before planning your first hidden byway route, see our Gravel Cycling & Bikepacking Mapping Apps UK guide to understand OS Maps, Komoot, and other essential tools.

FAQs – Gravel Cycling with OS Maps and Komoot (2026)

Q1: Can I use Komoot without internet?
Yes. Download your route offline in advance for navigation during rides.

Q2: How do I find hidden byways near me in the UK?
Use Komoot’s “Discover → Gravel Cycling → Highlights” filters and cross-check with OS Maps for official rights-of-way.

Q3: Which app is better for beginners: OS Maps or Komoot?
Draft your route on OS Maps for accuracy, then refine in Komoot for surfaces, elevation, and community feedback.

Q4: Are OS Maps and Komoot suitable for e-gravel bikes?
Yes. Both apps show terrain, elevation, and surfaces, helping plan rides that match your e-bike range.

Q5: Can I share my planned routes with friends?
Absolutely — export GPX files from OS Maps or Komoot and share them to ensure safety and social riding.

Subscribe for More Routes & Tips

Enjoyed discovering new byways? Get weekly gravel route ideas, training plans, and event updates for 2026. [Subscribe to the Gravel Endurance blog] and never miss a ride-ready route.