Apple Maps has quietly expanded its support for cycling in the United Kingdom and Ireland this week. Users are discovering they can now route cycling journeys across the length and the breadth of the country.Apple first launched cycling directions in Maps in late 2020, although at first it was U.S only in a smattering of cities. Support for cycling navigation in the UK has been available for a while, but coverage was patchy until now.With the recent backend update, Apple Maps app users can now plot full cycling journeys across the UK. Apple Maps cycling directions include warnings for steep hilly zones and highlights sections along the route where walking on the footpath may be required. It also knows about unpaved road areas, which may be uncomfortable to travel on a bike.To start a cycling route, simply select the bicycle icon in the Directions panel inside Apple Maps. You can additionally request to avoid busy roads, or hills. The planned route includes a preview of elevation, distance and ETA. Unlike automobile navigation, Apple Maps cycling directions do not support multiple stop routes.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel