This article is all about the best app for people who love walking, horse riding, or cycling on UK paths. We use very simple words and short sentences so it is easy to read. The app that many people love for footpaths and bridleways is Footpath Route Planner. It helps you find and follow these paths safely and fast.
What Are Footpaths and Bridleways?
In the UK, special paths let people enjoy the countryside.
- Footpaths are for walking only. Signs are yellow arrows. You can stroll quietly in fields or woods.
- Bridleways are for walking, horse riding, and cycling. No cars or motorbikes. Signs are blue arrows. Paths are often wider and good for horses or bikes.
The UK has a lot of these paths. There are over 140,000 miles of footpaths and about 20,000 miles of bridleways. They go through nice places like hills, forests, and parks.
But sometimes it is hard to know where the paths are. You might go on private land by mistake. Or you miss a beautiful route. A good app fixes this problem.
Many people look for the best app for footpaths and bridleways, the best app for bridleways, UK bridleways app, or best app for bridleways UK. Footpath Route Planner often comes out on top because it is simple and shows real public paths well.
Why Use an App for These Paths?
Without help, you can face issues like:
- Getting lost.
- Walking on roads too much.
- Not knowing if horses or bikes are allowed.
- Spending time with old paper maps.
A good app shows maps on your phone. It works without internet in many places. It helps plan routes and gives directions as you go.
The best app for bridleways UK needs clear UK path data from councils. It should be easy for beginners too.
Other apps like OS Maps, Komoot, AllTrails, and Outdooractive are good. But Footpath Route Planner stands out for quick planning on footpaths and bridleways.
What Is Footpath Route Planner?
Footpath Route Planner is an app for phones (iPhone and Android). Millions of people use it for walks, runs, bike rides, and horse rides.
It is very easy. You draw a line with your finger on the map. The app snaps to real paths. This makes planning fast.
Many users say it is the perfect app after updates added good UK maps.
Best Features of Footpath Route Planner
Here are the top things that make it great:
- Draw and Snap Feature Touch the screen and draw where you want to go. The app follows real roads, trails, footpaths, or bridleways. It stops you from making bad routes.
- UK Public Rights of Way Layer In the paid (Elite) version, turn on a special layer. It shows:
- Footpaths in yellow.
- Bridleways in blue.
- Other rights of way too. The data comes from UK councils. It is up-to-date and trusted. This is why many call it the UK bridleways app.
- Quick Distance and Hill Check See how far your route is. See how much up and down there is. Good for picking easy or hard walks.
- Offline Maps Download maps for your area. Use them with no phone signal. Very useful in the countryside.
- Voice Directions The app talks to you. It says “turn left” or “go straight”. Hands-free help while you walk or ride.
- Many Map Styles Use normal maps, hill maps (topo), or satellite views. Add the rights of way layer to see paths clearly.
- Good for All Activities Walkers, horse riders, cyclists, and runners love it. Share routes with friends easily.
Users give high marks. One said: “Footpath now has full OS maps at a better price. It is the perfect walking app. I stopped my other subscription.” Another liked the overlay for footpaths and bridleways even when zoomed out.
How to Use It for Footpaths and Bridleways
Want a nice walk? Open the app. Turn on the UK rights of way layer. Yellow lines are footpaths. Blue lines are bridleways.
Draw your route with your finger. The app snaps to safe paths. Check the distance and hills. Download the map. Then go!
For horse riding, look for blue bridleways. Plan a loop ride. Avoid footpaths where horses are not allowed.
For cycling, find bridleways for off-road fun. No cars!
It is fun for families too. Plan short, easy paths for kids.
How It Compares to Other Apps
Many apps help with UK paths. Here is a simple look:
- OS Maps: Official UK maps. Very detailed. Has special horse routes from British Horse Society (over 600 bridleway rides). Good for riders. But full access costs more for some people.
- Komoot: Nice for planning. But sometimes picks wrong paths.
- AllTrails: Lots of ready routes from users. Good ideas, but not always best for official bridleways.
- Outdooractive: Strong tools. Offline works well. But some say the screen looks busy.
Footpath Route Planner wins for many because:
- Drawing with finger is super easy and fast.
- Snap to real paths stops mistakes.
- UK rights of way layer shows bridleways and footpaths clearly.
- Cheaper for good maps than some others.
It is not the only app, but for quick custom routes on public paths, it is a top choice.
Who Should Use This App?
This app is great if you are:
- A walker who wants quiet, legal footpaths.
- A horse rider looking for bridleways (many say it is the best app for bridleways).
- A cyclist who likes off-road tracks.
- A family wanting safe days out.
- Anyone in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland who loves nature.
It works all over the UK. Paths are everywhere!
Simple Tips to Use It Better
- Try the free version first. Then get Elite for the full UK layer and more maps.
- Download maps at home (saves phone data).
- Turn on voice help for easy following.
- Share your route with friends before you go.
- Always look at signs on the ground. Apps help, but real signs matter too.
- Respect the countryside. Stay on paths. Close gates. Take rubbish home.
Why Many People Pick Footpath Route Planner
It is simple. It is fast. It focuses on real public paths like footpaths and bridleways.
No extra hard stuff. Users trust it because of good data and regular updates.
In 2026, more people go outside. Apps like this keep trips safe and fun. You explore responsibly and enjoy nature.
Final Words
If you want the best app for footpaths and bridleways, the best app for bridleways, a good UK bridleways app, or the best app for bridleways UK, try Footpath Route Planner.
Download it free from the App Store or Google Play. Start with easy routes. Upgrade if you like it.
Get outside and enjoy the UK’s beautiful paths. Happy walking, riding, or cycling!
Disclaimer:
This article is for information only. It is not sponsored, not paid, and not an affiliate article. We are not connected with the Footpath Route Planner app or any other app in this guide. App details and prices can change at any time, so please check the official app store for the latest info. Apps are not always 100% correct, so always follow real signs and local rules when you walk, cycle, or ride. We are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or problems from using this information.
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