anyone use gpx type maps on an android phone? ive tried various apps but cant get any to do what i want, which is- load a route and then let me follow it! i thought there would be a nice user friendly way of doing this by now.

Oruxmaps isn’t half bad… Although takes some effort loading the maps in if you don’t use a data plan.

Maverick?
can download via wireless at home free OS 1:50k & 1:25k map tiles for the area you need (by scrolling around)

Uploaded Gps trail needs to be in a trk format – but plenty of apps on net for that.

Viewranger

back country navigator, free on trial for 3 weeks, £6.99 if you want to continue. Free OS maps to 1:25k, download to the phone map sections you want to use without data connection. Seems fairly easy to use, to download gpx files to follow, save routes you’ve created etc etc