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Strava Unveils New Hiking Features and Apple Watch Navigation

9to5Mac •
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Strava rolls out version 467.0.0, sharpening its hiking toolkit after hiking clubs on the platform grew 5.8× last year. The update targets both free users and paid subscribers, placing advanced route planning and offline navigation behind a paywall.

Route Discovery lets hikers spot popular trails nearby, mirroring the app’s running and walking options. Route Builder lets users craft custom hikes, specifying distance and elevation. Both tools are free, but deeper analytics require a subscription. The ability to preview trail conditions helps planners avoid missteps.

On the trail, Strava introduces off‑route alerts, downloadable routes for offline use, and route‑following on the Apple Watch, removing the need for a phone. Live elevation data appears instantly, and a full‑screen record map pops up with a single tap. These features streamline navigation for solo hikers and reduce battery drain.

The update also boosts social sharing: sticker stats, club support, and cinematic 3D aerial animations of completed routes. Paying members gain activity replays, while Map Style Improvements roll out later this summer with richer surface data and points of interest. Strava now delivers a comprehensive hiking experience.