Hiking apps have revolutionised the way outdoor enthusiasts explore the UK’s breathtaking trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these apps provide invaluable assistance, navigation, and information to enhance your hiking experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best apps in the UK, highlighting their features, prices, and benefits. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect hiking app for your next adventure!
What are hiking apps used for?
Hiking apps serve as essential tools for outdoor adventurers, offering a wide range of functionalities. They typically provide detailed maps, trail routes, GPS navigation, and real-time location tracking. Moreover, they often offer valuable information about trail difficulty, distance, elevation gain, points of interest, and user reviews. Some apps even include features like offline maps, social sharing, weather forecasts, and safety precautions.
Benefits of using hiking apps:
Navigation: Hiking apps can guide you along unfamiliar trails, ensuring you stay on track and reach your destination safely.
Trail Discovery: Discover new hiking routes and explore hidden gems with curated lists of trails and user-generated content.
Detailed Information: Gain access to comprehensive information about trails, including difficulty ratings, elevation profiles, distance, and user reviews, helping you plan your hike effectively.
Safety: Some apps provide safety features like real-time tracking, emergency contact integration, and notifications for potential hazards, ensuring a safer hiking experience.
Offline Access: Many apps allow you to download maps and trails for offline use, enabling navigation even in areas with limited or no network coverage.
Can you use a phone GPS for hiking in the UK?
Yes, you can use your phone’s GPS for hiking in the UK. Hiking apps utilize the GPS functionality of your phone to provide accurate location tracking and navigation. However, it’s important to note that GPS signal reception can be weaker in remote areas or densely forested regions, potentially affecting the accuracy of your location. It’s always a good idea to carry a physical map and compass as a backup.
Will GPS apps for hiking drain your battery quickly?
In short, Yes. Using GPS apps for extended periods can consume battery life more quickly. However, most hiking apps offer power-saving features to optimize battery usage. You can also conserve battery life by dimming your screen, closing unnecessary background apps, and carrying a portable charger or spare battery. Additionally, it’s advisable to download offline maps before your hike to reduce reliance on continuous internet connectivity.
Is it worth paying for hiking apps?
While many hiking apps are available for free, some offer premium versions or additional features at a cost. The decision to pay for a hiking app ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Paid versions often provide enhanced features such as offline map downloads, advanced route planning, extended trail databases, and extra safety functionalities. If you frequently hike or desire more advanced capabilities, investing in a paid app can significantly enhance your hiking experience.
Will GPS work without a mobile phone signal?
Yes, GPS functionality can work without a mobile phone signal. GPS signals are received from satellites and do not require an active internet connection. However, it’s important to note that without a mobile phone signal, you may not have access to certain app features that rely on data, such as live weather updates, trail reviews, or real-time sharing. To ensure uninterrupted GPS functionality, consider downloading offline maps and saving relevant trail information before venturing into areas with limited network coverage.
Best Hiking Apps UK 2024
Pros:
- Extensive collection of hiking routes and trails in the UK, providing diverse options for hikers.
- Detailed trail information, including difficulty ratings, distance, elevation, and user reviews.
- Offline maps available for download, ensuring navigation even in areas with no network coverage.
- Integration with GPS for accurate tracking of your location.
- Active community of outdoor enthusiasts sharing their experiences and recommendations.
Cons:
- Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.
- User interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
- In-app purchases required for certain premium features and additional map downloads.
Pros:
- Vast collection of hiking trails in the UK, along with user reviews and ratings.
- Easy-to-use interface with clear trail information, including distance, elevation, and difficulty.
- Ability to download maps for offline use, ensuring navigation in areas with limited network coverage.
- AllTrails Pro subscription offers advanced features like real-time GPS tracking, custom map printing, and safety alerts.
- Option to record and share your hikes with friends and the hiking community.
Cons:
- Some advanced features require a paid subscription.
- Limited offline map availability in the free version.
- In-app purchases required for certain map overlays and additional features.
Pros:
- Focuses on safety with real-time tracking and location sharing.
- Sends notifications to emergency contacts if you don’t return from your hike on time.
- Provides detailed trail maps, including difficulty, distance, elevation, and user-contributed content.
- Offline maps available for download, ensuring navigation without an internet connection.
- Cairn Pro subscription offers additional features like enhanced tracking and weather forecasts.
Cons:
- Some advanced features require a paid subscription.
- Limited trail database compared to other apps.
- In-app purchases required for premium features and additional map downloads.
Pros:
- Offers a comprehensive collection of hiking and biking routes in the UK.
- Detailed trail information, including distance, elevation, and difficulty.
- Provides turn-by-turn voice navigation for easy route guidance.
- Offline maps available for download, ensuring navigation without an internet connection.
- Option to plan personalized routes based on your preferences and fitness level.
Cons:
- Some premium features and regional maps require in-app purchases.
- User interface can be complex and overwhelming for beginners.
- Limited free offline map downloads.
Pros:
- Powered by Ordnance Survey, providing highly accurate and detailed maps of the UK.
- Access to a vast collection of Ordnance Survey maps, including topographic and aerial views.
- Offline maps available for download, ensuring navigation in remote areas.
- Advanced features like 3D mapping and augmented reality for an immersive hiking experience.
- Option to print custom maps or sync with compatible GPS devices.
Cons:
- Some advanced features require a paid subscription.
- In-app purchases required for certain map tiles and additional features.
- Can be overwhelming for casual hikers or beginners.
Pros:
- Community-driven platform with a vast database of user-generated hiking routes and waypoints.
- Provides detailed trail information, including difficulty, distance, elevation, and user comments.
- Offline maps available for download, ensuring navigation in areas with limited network coverage.
- Option to share your own hikes and discover new routes contributed by other users.
- Allows customization of waypoints and tracks to match your specific hiking preferences.
Cons:
- User interface can be less intuitive compared to other apps.
- Limited additional features and functionalities compared to dedicated hiking apps.
- May require reliance on user-contributed content, which may vary in accuracy and reliability.
Pros:
- Curated collection of hiking trails and routes, contributed by the hiking community.
- Provides detailed trail information, including difficulty, distance, elevation, and user reviews.
- Option to download maps for offline use, ensuring navigation in areas with no network coverage.
- Easy-to-use interface with clear trail descriptions and photos.
- Ability to record and share your hikes, connecting with fellow hikers.
Cons:
- Limited offline map availability.
- User interface can be simplistic, lacking some advanced features found in other apps.
- Relatively smaller trail database compared to other popular hiking apps.
Pros:
- Offers detailed, offline maps of the UK and other countries, based on OpenStreetMap data.
- Provides hiking and cycling routes, as well as points of interest along the trails.
- Option to bookmark and save favorite locations or trails for future reference.
- User-friendly interface with straightforward navigation and search functionalities.
- Free offline map downloads for worldwide regions.
Cons:
- Hiking-specific features may be limited compared to dedicated hiking apps.
- Some advanced features and additional map layers require in-app purchases.
- User-generated content and trail information may be less extensive compared to specialized hiking apps.
Pros:
- Popular app for tracking various outdoor activities, including hiking, running, and cycling.
- Provides GPS tracking, distance, elevation, and speed measurements for your hikes.
- Offers a social component, allowing you to connect with friends and participate in challenges.
- Provides detailed activity statistics and performance analysis.
- Option to join communities and discover popular hiking routes.
Cons:
- Hiking-specific features may be limited compared to dedicated hiking apps.
- Some advanced features, like beacon tracking and personalized heatmaps, require a premium subscription.
- Trail navigation features may not be as extensive as other specialized hiking apps.
Pros:
- Allows easy planning and creation of custom hiking routes by drawing directly on the map.
- Provides detailed information on distance, elevation, and estimated completion time for the created routes.
- Option to export routes to other GPS devices or share with friends.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive map editing tools.
- Offers the ability to search for nearby trails and points of interest.
Cons:
- Currently available only on iOS devices.
- Some advanced features and route editing tools require a premium subscription.
- Limited availability of pre-existing trail databases compared to other apps.
Pros:
- Provides detailed 3D maps and virtual reality flyovers of hiking trails.
- Offers comprehensive trail information, including difficulty, distance, elevation, and slope angles.
- Offline maps available for download, ensuring navigation in areas with limited network coverage.
- Integration with GPS for accurate location tracking.
- Option to discover new trails, explore user-contributed content, and plan personalized adventures.
Cons:
- Some advanced features and additional map layers require in-app purchases.
- Limited trail database compared to other popular hiking apps.
- User interface can be complex and overwhelming for casual hikers.
Pros:
- Primarily focused on mountain biking, but also offers a significant collection of hiking trails.
- Provides detailed trail information, including difficulty, distance, elevation, and user ratings.
- Offline maps available for download, ensuring navigation without an internet connection.
- Offers the ability to submit trail reports, contribute to trail maintenance, and interact with the mountain biking community.
- Option to sync with compatible GPS devices for enhanced navigation.
Cons:
- Hiking-specific features and user-generated content may be limited compared to specialized hiking apps.
- User interface and navigation can be geared more towards mountain biking.
- Limited availability of trail information in certain regions.
Pros:
- Comprehensive collection of hiking maps, including topographic, satellite, and road maps.
- Offers offline maps and navigation for areas with limited or no network coverage.
- Detailed trail information, including difficulty, distance, elevation, and user-contributed content.
- Integration with GPS for accurate location tracking and waypoint marking.
- Option to plan and save personalized routes, record tracks, and share your adventures.
Cons:
- Some advanced features and map layers require a premium subscription.
- User interface can be complex, requiring a learning curve for new users.
- Premium subscription pricing may be higher compared to other hiking apps.
Pros:
- Helps identify and learn about mountains, peaks, and other geographic features in the UK.
- Provides detailed information about peaks, including names, elevations, and distances.
- Augmented reality feature allows you to view and identify peaks using your device’s camera.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive search and navigation functionalities.
- Useful tool for mountain enthusiasts and peak baggers.
Cons:
- Requires a one-time purchase or occasional free promotions.
- Limited to peak identification and information, lacking full trail mapping and navigation capabilities.
- May not be as comprehensive or frequently updated as other map-based apps.
Pros:
- Offers a unique and interactive wildlife identification experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Provides a vast database of bird species, mammals, insects, and plants found in the UK.
- Detailed information and images for each species, aiding in identification and learning.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive search and browsing functionalities.
- Option to record and submit your wildlife sightings to contribute to citizen science.
Cons:
- Limited to wildlife identification and information, lacking full trail mapping and navigation capabilities.
- May not be as comprehensive or frequently updated as dedicated field guides.
- Relies on user-contributed sightings and data, which may vary in accuracy and reliability.
Pros:
- Creates visually appealing and shareable 3D videos of your hiking adventures.
- Relive your hike by visualizing your route on an interactive map with photos and highlights.
- Integration with GPS for accurate tracking of your route and elevation gain.
- Easy sharing on social media platforms, allowing you to showcase your outdoor experiences.
- Provides statistics and insights about your hike, including distance, duration, and speed.
Cons:
- Some advanced features and video editing tools require a premium subscription.
- Limited focus on navigation and detailed trail information.
- May have limitations in accurately capturing and displaying complex trail networks.
Pros:
- Comprehensive survival guide offering essential knowledge and tips for outdoor survival.
- Covers various topics, including navigation, shelter building, first aid, and edible plants.
- Accessible offline, making it a valuable resource in emergency situations or areas with limited network coverage.
- High-quality illustrations and step-by-step instructions for survival techniques.
- Provides quizzes and challenges to test your survival skills.
Cons:
- Requires a one-time purchase.
- Primarily focused on survival skills and may not have extensive trail mapping or navigation features.
- May not be as regularly updated as dedicated hiking apps in terms of trail information.
Pros:
- Tracks and records your walks and hikes, providing statistics like distance, duration, and calories burned.
- Provides GPS-based route mapping and navigation functionalities.
- Integration with heart rate monitors and other fitness devices for comprehensive activity tracking.
- Social features allow you to connect with friends, join challenges, and share your achievements.
- Option to create personalized training plans for specific goals.
Cons:
- Hiking-specific features may be limited compared to dedicated hiking apps.
- Some advanced features and personalized training plans require a premium subscription.
- Trail information and community contributions may not be as extensive as specialized hiking apps.
Download your preferred app, lace up your boots, and embark on unforgettable adventures on the scenic trails of the UK!
