Trail maps UK

[Dax]

My OS Maps used to do that sometimes but not for the past year or so, and I also no longer have to login to view my offline maps on the OS app. Think it was a problem with the desktop site and the mobile app not remembering each other.

Mine still does this, running current OS Maps app on current iOS. I am fairly sure it’s a license check. Don’t think it’s related to the desktop site because I’ve never used that.

Probably this is due to usually only opening the app when I’m lost in the woods and want to know which direction to head. I suspect if I opened it somewhere I had internet access before getting lost in the woods, it would be ok. But I’m seriously thinking about cancelling my subscription and trying an alternative.

 

[JoeBlow]

I did state that I was not looking for an app to plan XC trails but rather something for, as you put it, "official trails" and those that seem popular but are unoffical like those around Ellwood and Staunton. I said "recognised trails" and received some kickback. Trailforks is free for one area so I'm not paying anything. Perhaps I'm missing something but the depiction of trails in Strava is not very clear.

In reply to Dax: Is that image a Strava image? My Strava does not look nearly as clearly defined as that. I think I'm going to have to play around a bit. I must be doing something wrong. The image on my screen is very fuzzy on both iPhone and PC.

 

[Dax]

In reply to Dax: Is that image a Strava image? My Strava does not look nearly as clearly defined as that. I think I'm going to have to play around a bit. I must be doing something wrong. The image on my screen is very fuzzy on both iPhone and PC.

Both images I shared are from Trailforks, the second is with the Strava segments overlay:

 

[Amber Valley Guy]

Maybe you need to use the desktop site? I don't have a subscription as I physically bought paper OS Maps of the areas I ride and used the code with the paper maps for free access to those maps via the app. To do this (via the codes) you need to register and redeem the codes with the desktop site first (or at least that's how I did it). Anyway what I'm saying is buy an os map and try it that way, via the code. No subs required.

 

[Dax]

I did state that I was not looking for an app to plan XC trails but rather something for, as you put it, "official trails" and those that seem popular but are unoffical like those around Ellwood and Staunton. I said "recognised trails" and received some kickback. Trailforks is free for one area so I'm not paying anything. Perhaps I'm missing something but the depiction of trails in Strava is not very clear.

The challenge with saying ‘recognised trails’ is they are recognised as different things by different groups. A mountain biker will recognise an unofficial trail as a Mtb trail. A dog walker might recognise it as a nice place to walk their dog. Natural Resources England/Wales or the landowner would recognise it as an illegal trail.

Due to the illegal nature of most trails in the uk (and the propensity of stuff to get over-ridden and under maintained when it’s shared online) trail builders work hard at keeping their trails off apps. Meeting up with some local riders and getting a tour, or going on the Strava heatmap, going exploring, getting lost and being prepared to walk down some stuff is the best way to find unofficial trails.

 

[JoeBlow]

Trailforks is fairly useless for anything other than official trails in the UK (hence the question about what sort of trails you’re looking for is relevant). It only shows the official trails (plus the classic XC singletrack Dr Johns and Big Pig) in the base view:

Cheers. I don't think Strava overlays are available on my free version. Strava certainly shows more trails than Trailfoks it's a shame they are not presented as well. After some experimentation I see what Strava is doing that causes the fuzzy lines. It's presenting the trails as a "heat map" which I assume is by popularity. Strava is showing all the trails at Penyard that someone very kindly sent me details of.

 

[Dax]

Cheers. I don't think Strava overlays are available on my free version. Strava certainly shows more trails than Trailfoks it's a shame they are not presented as well. After some experimentation I see what Strava is doing that causes the fuzzy lines. It's presenting the trails as a "heat map" which I assume is by popularity. Strava is showing all the trails at Penyard that someone very kindly sent me details of.

Correct, heat map is by popularity, the brighter the line the more it’s ridden by riders using Strava. I think the fuzziness is due to gps inconsistency between many riders:

Chase/penyard are great, definitely worth a ride. Afaik there’s nothing too surprising up there to catch you out either. Maybe the occasional small gap jump so look before you huck. Mind the chute next to the hill fort, it’s is a little bum clenchy.

 

[JoeBlow]

The challenge with saying ‘recognised trails’ is they are recognised as different things by different groups. A mountain biker will recognise an unofficial trail as a Mtb trail. A dog walker might recognise it as a nice place to walk their dog. Natural Resources England/Wales or the landowner would recognise it as an illegal trail.

Due to the illegal nature of most trails in the uk (and the propensity of stuff to get over-ridden and under maintained when it’s shared online) trail builders work hard at keeping their trails off apps. Meeting up with some local riders and getting a tour, or going on the Strava heatmap, going exploring, getting lost and being prepared to walk down some stuff is the best way to find unofficial trails.

I know and agree. Unfortunately my current personal circumstances mean that I have to be very opportunistic in grabbing 2 or 3 hours as and when I can. This morning for example. I do know a few people at FOD but scheduling meetings is almost impossible for me. This also means I can't afford to go exploring.

 

[Just gan]

Well I use Memory Map but it doesn't show explicit bike trails so I make up my own .

 

[Fruitoftheforest]

There are loads of mapping 'apps' around. Just choose one with OS maps as part of the package and grab a few GPX files from the internet and away you go. The MBR/MBUK ones will get you started, but just remember these use legal rights of way, so don't include any off piste.
I use Outdoor active, as it has OS maps and French IGN maps, plus voice guidance. Komoot and Strava don't have OS maps so they suck. The day Strava has OS maps will most likely kill off all the others.
As you are in Ross, message me and I'm happy to show you stuff in the Wye Valley.

 

[JoeBlow]

There are loads of mapping 'apps' around. Just choose one with OS maps as part of the package and grab a few GPX files from the internet and away you go. The MBR/MBUK ones will get you started, but just remember these use legal rights of way, so don't include any off piste.
I use Outdoor active, as it has OS maps and French IGN maps, plus voice guidance. Komoot and Strava don't have OS maps so they suck. The day Strava has OS maps will most likely kill off all the others.
As you are in Ross, message me and I'm happy to show you stuff in the Wye Valley.

I know there are lots of apps around, that's why I was asking for recommendations. Thank you for your kind offer but my personal circumstances mean that I have to be very opportunistic in grabbing opportunities to get out as and when I can. This makes scheduling impossible but once again thank you.

 

[Ndanger]

There are loads of mapping 'apps' around. Just choose one with OS maps as part of the package and grab a few GPX files from the internet and away you go. The MBR/MBUK ones will get you started, but just remember these use legal rights of way, so don't include any off piste.
I use Outdoor active, as it has OS maps and French IGN maps, plus voice guidance. Komoot and Strava don't have OS maps so they suck. The day Strava has OS maps will most likely kill off all the others.
As you are in Ross, message me and I'm happy to show you stuff in the Wye Valley.

Thanks for the recommendations, so if I understand correctly OS maps is compatible with gpx files and OS maps has routes that can be downloaded for offline use that are gpx files.

 

[Old Codger]

Thanks for the recommendations, so if I understand correctly OS maps is compatible with gpx files and OS maps has routes that can be downloaded for offline use that are gpx files.

The OS app has loads of routes that people have submitted, mainly cross country, and there will be a GPX file for you to download and send to the app of your choice. I sometimes do this but usually download the files to MemoryMap. I then redraw the routes as a Track in MemoryMap as most seem to wander about and usually cover what type of trail you are riding on so you don’t know if it’s a bridleway or a footpath. I’ve been down some trails only to be confronted with a locked gate, 6ft stile or barbed wire which is not funny with an e-bike.
If you want downhill routes then I would look at the individual bike parks, they all have maps at least for the authorised routes.

 

[zizajaun]

Komoot is rubbish in my experience. I've done maybe 15 "MTB" routes and all but one of them were terrible: trails closed or overgrown, 90% on roads or fire roads, etc. I have yet to find a good app. As others have said, Trailforks mostly contains standard routes on other maps, and the few off-piste routes have the same issues as Komoot. If you know the general area of some decent trails, looking at Strava heat maps can help you find stuff, but that's not very good either.

 

[Streddaz]

What's the best app for finding and navigating trails in the UK? I'm not interested in recording rides nor social media features which seem to be the main selling points of some apps. I am aware of Strava, Komoot and Tailforks which all require a subscription but I don't want to commit before knowing more. Which of these three is best? Are there any others? Are there any free ones?

From what I have seen of them they all seem to be somewhat light on trail information but that may be because I have not subscribed.

Al

I can't speak for the UK but I find Trailforks the best here in Australia. Plus you can contribute with trail reports and routes.

 

[JoeBlow]

I can't speak for the UK but I find Trailforks the best here in Australia. Plus you can contribute with trail reports and routes.

For here in the UK it's turning out to be my favourite for locating established trails. It's much clearer and better presented than the alternatives which seem to be turning into social media platforms.