Cyclists' top tips for using OS Maps

OS Maps can help you plan your next ride with confidence, stay on course when following a route and track your progress. Before you head out, think about where you want to go, how far you want to ride, whether you want to stick to roads or avoid the traffic completely. A little planning goes a long way!

Finding a route

One of the key features of the OS Maps app and desktop version is its detailed mapping, with all 607 OS paper maps in the palm of your hand.

Choose from thousands of recommended routes across the UK by simply selecting 'find routes' in the main menu. From here, you can search for routes by activity type, distance and duration. You can also filter the search results by difficulty to find the right ride for your skill level. The desktop version also allows you to select ‘circular’ if you’d like to end up where you started and ‘point to point’ if you don’t.

Within OS Maps, cycling routes are split into two activities, off-road cycling and road cycling and whichever you choose will depends on what type of bike you have. As you zoom in and out of the map, the routes will appear and you can click on each one for more information, such as a description, rating and elevation profile. In need of a little inspiration? Check out our favourite traffic-free routes in the West Midlands [link to article on getoutside.uk].

Creating a route

As well as searching for routes, you can also use OS Maps to create your own. Simply select ‘create routes’ and then your chosen activity before tapping the map to start plotting your route. Remember to name your route and add a description before saving it. It’s a great idea to familiarise yourself with OS Maps symbols to understand what different coloured roads mean, where you can and can’t go and how to find traffic-free cycling trails.

Watch these short videos for more information on how you can find and create your own route in OS Maps.

National Cycle Network

Did you know the UK has over 16,575-miles of traffic-free and quiet on-road cycling and walking routes to explore? These make up Sustrans National Cycle Network and you can see them in OS Maps. The National Cycle Network is a fantastic resource for cyclists, especially those starting out. The routes are all waymarked and follow quieter roads and gentle off-road paths, suitable for most types of bikes.

To access the National Cycle Network, click on the National Cycle Network map overlay on the OS Maps app or desktop version and find your nearest. Over 3,200 volunteers and community members help to maintain these routes and each one is numbered and links up to others, creating an expansive network of cycling heaven!

Navigating

When you’re out and about, you can use OS Maps’ in-app GPS navigation to follow a route and make sure you stay on track. Simply select a route and press ‘start route’ in the app to follow it. Your location will be shown by a pink arrow and you can set up notifications to tell you if you’ve gone off course.

Mobile phones can easily be secured to your handlebars by a phone or device mount and if you have a Premium subscription, you can use OS Maps offline, in flight mode, if you’re conscious about saving battery.

Recording your activity

The OS Maps app can help you track your progress by recording your activities. The app features an activity recording function that allows you to log your rides and monitor your performance over time. You can either record as you cycle or record yourself following a particular route. The app will monitor your distance, time, speed and elevation gain.

Linking with GPS devices

Are you ready to take your cycling to the next level? Using the OS Maps app with a GPS device can greatly enhance your cycling experience, providing you with real-time feedback on your ride. There are several ways to link the two and use a GPS device to follow or/and record a route created on OS Maps. The easiest way is to export the GPX file of the route to your GPS device.

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Using a navigation app, like OS Maps, to plan your cycling routes allows you to discover new places and rides most suited to you. It will also help you stay on course and avoid getting lost or ending up on busy roads. By knowing where to cycle and the best routes to take makes cycling an enjoyable, rewarding, and healthy activity for the whole family.