Planning a long journey, with interconnections to road, rail and train is set to become a whole lot easier thanks to a new iphone app from Sustrans.

The free app, available from the Apple iTunes store, will make the UK-wide transport network, available for mobile phones.

Also included in the app, is access over 25,000 miles of walking and cycling networks across the UK.

Sustrans has created the app from their OS based online mapping facility and it has been specifically designed to help people make more of their everyday journeys on foot or by bike.

It is hoped the app will be available free via the iTunes store in the next few weeks.

Local knowledge

The app includes 25,000 miles of route – including all 13,000 miles of award winning National Cycle Network and a further 12,000 miles of regional and local routes and links.

Martyn Brunt, Sustrans’ Development Manager for the Network, said: “Whether it’s getting around locally, finding your nearest bus stop or supermarket, a safer route to school, or looking for places to go, this is an invaluable everyday tool that anyone can use. The high standards Sustrans has applied in developing the National Cycle Network mean it shows the best routes for walking and cycling across the UK, and the level of local detail, no matter where you are, makes it a great ‘go-to’ app for local knowledge, everyday travel or leisure.”

All routes have been assessed and approved to be included in the mapping and are shown at a 1:10000 scale.

Integrating with the public transport network and providing links to the Transport Direct journey planning website, it makes it easier to get bus and train updates from any location –  so you can plan longer journeys.

The app also recommends routes for easy local travel as well as more long distance ones for leisure walks and rides.

Frequent updates

The latest route developments and additions to the Network will be updated fortnightly and you can plan and save routes or share them with your friends.

You can also record and keep a GPS track of your route as you walk or ride along and centre the map on your current location.

As well as a great travel tool, the app is also fantastic for everyday use to find out what your local area has to offer.

The mapping highlights local grocery shops, schools, libraries, museums, sports centres and other local amenities, along with leisure attractions, places of interest and information on car clubs, bike shops and public transport.

It also has a direct link to the Sustrans website where you can get event updates, the latest transport news, and details of local walking, cycling and neighbourhood projects in your area.

‘The complete National Cycle Network’ app has been created by Isomaly and has been funded by Sustrans along with funding from the Scottish Government, who have provided this financial boost to give an impetus to the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.