Open it once.
Check its direction and make sure the map detail you need is available.
The field guide built for outside
Go out. Come back.
Start in the beacen Library or bring any GPX. Keep it offline. Follow it on your phone or wrist. Record the line you actually rode.
Start with a routeBring before you leave
Import & prepare.
Choose a route from the beacen Library or import one or more GPX files, then keep everything you need on the device.
- OpenChoose from Library, or open a GPX from Files, Mail, a message, a website, the share sheet or another route app.
- CheckRead the distance, climbing and route line before committing to it.
- DirectionChoose Forward or Reverse before navigation begins.
- KeepSave the route and map while you still have signal.
OFFLINE COPY READYThe line stays with you.
Prepare phone first
Leave ready.
Navigation starts on iPhone or Android. A compatible Apple Watch or Wear OS watch is optional when you want the line on your wrist.
Keep it optional.
On iPhone, send an available route directly to a paired Apple Watch. The transfer is local and does not need coverage.
Start it separately.
beacen does not start or record a workout. Use Apple Workout, Strava, WorkOutDoors or another fitness app when you want one.
Keep beacen ready when you raise an Apple Watch
On Apple Watch, open Settings, then General, Return to Clock and beacen. Turn on Return to App. You can also choose After 1 Hour as the longer return time. Menu wording may vary with watchOS updates.
Record make your own
Record a route.
Let GPS settle, record the movement that matters, then name, trim and save the result as a proper route.
GPS · locked
12.8 km01:42
12.8 km01:42
AcquireWait for a dependable position before distance begins.
RecordPause without losing the route; finish when the adventure is done.
RefineTrim the start or end when the recording includes the car park faff.
Recover when plans move
Stop. Read. Rejoin.
When signal, weather, battery or terrain changes the plan, beacen keeps the saved route visible. It does not replace judgement.
- OfflineImported GPX navigation can continue once the route is already available on the device.
- Map detailUncached map tiles may still need connectivity. Cache the area before heading out.
- ConnectedDirections to the trailhead, uncached detail and optional private iCloud sync on Apple devices may need a connection.
- Off routeStop somewhere safe, read the whole map and choose a sensible return.
Answers field notes
Detailed answers.
The small print that matters when you are already outside.
Why does beacen not record a workout?
beacen is intentionally a navigation companion. Start your preferred workout app separately when you want to record an activity.
How do I keep beacen visible when raising my wrist?
On Apple Watch, open Settings, then General, Return to Clock and beacen. Turn on Return to App. You can also choose After 1 Hour as the longer return time. Menu wording may vary by watchOS version.
Why does a route say it is already in my library?
beacen has recognised that the route is already stored and avoids creating an unnecessary duplicate. Open the existing route from your library.
Can I navigate a route in reverse?
Yes. Choose reverse navigation before starting the route.
Does beacen work offline?
Imported GPX navigation can work without a network connection once the route is available on the device you are using. Uncached map detail and directions to the trailhead may still require connectivity.
What happens when I leave the route?
beacen moves through warning and confirmed off-route states, then provides direct rejoin guidance and breadcrumbs. It does not automatically calculate a new road route.
Can I use beacen with Apple Workout or Strava?
Yes. beacen is designed to navigate alongside Apple Workout, Strava, WorkOutDoors and other fitness apps.
How do share links work?
Creating a share link publishes a sanitised route snapshot through beacen’s sharing service. Anyone with the unlisted link can view the preview and download the GPX, so treat the link as public rather than as a password.
How do I share a route?
Open the route’s sharing controls. Choose Copy Link to create or copy its public share link, or choose Share GPX File to send the file directly without creating a public link.
How do I stop sharing?
Use Stop Sharing for that route. This revokes its public snapshot and makes the share link and GPX download unavailable.
Does beacen require an account?
No. beacen does not require a beacen account.
Where are my routes stored?
Routes remain stored locally on your devices by default. On Apple devices, you can optionally enable private iCloud sync through your Apple account.
Why is a map temporarily missing detail?
The route can still be available while map tiles are not. Map detail may need a network connection when tiles have not already been cached.
How do I recenter the Watch map?
Use the recenter control on the navigation map to bring the view back to your current location.
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