SAFETY AND ACCESS
Navigation and emergencies
Prepare offline navigation, share the plan and know how to request help when mobile coverage is poor.
Reviewed · General UK planning guidance · Check current operator and manufacturer information
Prepare to navigate
A phone is useful, but signal and battery are not guaranteed.
- Download the route and surrounding map for offline use.
- Record the trailhead, grid reference, key junctions and realistic turnaround time.
- Carry a power reserve and a paper-map backup for remote or complex rides.
If something goes wrong
First prevent a second incident.
- Move away from active trail lines if it is safe to do so and keep the casualty warm.
- Give the location, nature of incident, number of people and hazards to the emergency call handler.
- Do not move a seriously injured rider unless remaining creates greater danger or emergency professionals instruct you.
Low-signal planning
Registration services help but do not create coverage.
- Consider registering the phone for emergency SMS before the trip.
- Leave route and return details with a reliable contact who knows when to raise concern.
- Use recognised grid-reference tools, but verify that you know how they work before an emergency.
Useful official guidance
Rules, conditions and services change. Use these sources and the relevant venue’s current information before relying on a plan.
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