Just to add, this is on the Android version, and I just get an error about turning on location and a black screen

We're going to need some more detail.

it won't work at all, even to load routes made in the browser version on my account. 

is it a case that you can't see the routes to load in the app or that you can see them but they won't load? A common problem is that people use an email to log into the website but a Google ID to log into the app. 

In relation to:

it won't work at all

can you be more specific?

At the risk of causing offense, can you confirm that the phone is online. Also, what version of Android & what phone? 

Just to add, you'll find help for the app under 'Settings'

Here's the series of events.

1. I open the app and get a red warning from the app about needing location permission. 
2. I click Plan in the top left. 
3. I enter a start and finish location and hit Get Route.
4. The plan menu goes away and then nothing happens. 

The phone is Galaxy s26 and it is only. Pretty new phone.

At the risk of causing offense, can you confirm that the phone is online.

I open the app and get a red warning from the app about needing location permission.

Which option do you select?

I enter a start and finish location and hit Get Route.

Which option do you select (Any, Paved, Gravel etc.)

The plan menu goes away and then nothing happens.

Detail please. What can you see?

It may be helpful to post screenshots so we can see what you can see. 

I've done a few tests on my own Android:

I receive an unmissable red message if trying to plot a route offline. No route is plotted.

Online, with Location services off (No gps - the title of your thread) I can plot a route. 

It might be a good idea to delete the app then re-install, paying attention to permissions etc in the setup. 

Isn't the problem that the Android settings for this app are not giving it permission to access "location" ? (I'm guessing that means "permission to use the phone's GPS function".)

If so, as per my Android (Samsung Galaxy): do a long press on the CT app icon, brings up a little window offering Select, Remove, Uninstall; but also top right an "i"; tap the "i", opens the setting in Android for this app. Tap on permissions, then Location; make sure the app is being given permission (I set "only when using the app")  

HTH

I have tried reinstalling the app, but that has not fixed to the problem. I have tried with different route options and different locations, but when I hit Get route it still just closes the menu and nothing happens.

When I enable location settings, it works fine. While I'm sure it is an accident, it is concerning that the app only work when I give it access to my location. 

Re ".... it is concerning that the app only work when I give it access to my location."

But you are overlooking that the whole point of the app is to use the GPS function of the smartphone to provide your location, enabling the app to display a map showing where you are in relation to your planned route, also enabling the app to give voiced instructions as you approach turns.

If you just want to see a map of your planned route without having your location tracked, just use the Cycle Travel website (which works pretty well on a smartphone with a reasonably sized screen).

For completeness, in case it is not clear, the url of the Cycle Travel website map is: 

https://cycle.travel/map

The next version of the Android app (currently under review with Google) should work without location enabled.

I would generally agree though that, if all you want to do is plan and view routes, the website will suit you much better – it has a much wider range of tools for planning routes. As Simon says, the app is really intended as something to put on your handlebars to guide you along a route.