PLAN A TRIP
Route planning and GPX files
Turn a digital line into a realistic ride by checking legality, direction, terrain, climbing and escape options.
Reviewed · General UK planning guidance · Check current operator and manufacturer information
Validate the route
Compare the file with authoritative mapping and current land-manager information.
- Check legal access, one-way sections, closures and permitted trail direction.
- Review distance, ascent, surface, exposure and the hardest section—not only average difficulty.
- Identify water crossings, road links, remote areas and seasonal restrictions.
Build decision points
A useful plan includes ways to shorten the day.
- Mark escape routes, shelter, reliable supplies and the last sensible turnaround point.
- Estimate moving and stopped time conservatively around the slowest rider.
- Share the route and overdue procedure with a reliable contact.
Navigate offline
Prepare for weak signal and a damaged or flat phone.
- Download the route and surrounding map, not merely the line.
- Carry adequate battery reserve and a paper-map backup on remote rides.
- Stop safely to resolve uncertainty instead of following an unverified line downhill.
Useful official guidance
Rules, conditions and services change. Use these sources and the relevant venue’s current information before relying on a plan.
Spot something that needs updating? Tell us about a correction.