Walkers/hikers - what maps/apps do u recommend to get around in the countryside?

[YogaLite]

Google maps are totally inadequate when trying to convert to walking from driving.

Footpaths have signs but no directions on them at all.

Some trails are marked but picking the way for a new circular walk is nigh on impossible with a compass

Is there any free app that shows footpaths where u can plot the walk or do I need ordnance survey maps?

Os maps app costs £20 per year. Worth every penny.

ViewRanger

OS maps. Personally I like a hard copy as back up.

AllTrails. Just what you need.

Thank u, ViewRanger and AllTrails look good

OS paper map. Preferably the 25,000 scale. Nothing beats a beautiful map :-)

Always have a paper back up

Os maps subscription, covers web and app version. The app works really well it and about

OS maps all the way. You can plot out potential routes, track gradient and use the AR viewer. Worth every penny. You can also download sections to use offline.

All Trails is very good.

I use Viewranger and you can easily plot routes on it. I have happily used it to navigate all manner of routes. If you are going anywhere remote though the advice to carry a paper back up is good. Any phone app which uses location data burns through the battery surprisingly quickly.

I absolutely LOVE the OS map app!
Great for plotting walks or seeing walk ideas, then brilliant when actually out walking.

OS maps mostly but I don't like the upgrade to the app at all. I'll use a paper OS for route planning then a few different apps for navigation in the field. Openmaps is an open source so there are many trails marked which are not on the OS but it doesn't tell you what type of trail it is like the OS map does so I use a mixture of both in the field.

I use -
ViewRanger for checking location and plotting routes
OS paper map to use through the day to save battery
OS locate app and WhatThreeWords app for emergencies - needed to use these when we came across a seriously injured walker a few months back - had to use them to guide in Mountain Rescue, air ambulance and coastguard for winching - those two apps saved his life.

Another tip would be to hire a Mountain Leader who can teach you proper navigation skills - doesn’t cost much if it’s for a family, and it’s an amazing skill to have. They’ve lost so much work during lockdowns and would give you a great day out with learning included.

Great advice, thank you all.

Yes, I have learned from a bitter experience a hard copy is a must, hoping to print relevant sections rather than carry a big map.

Another vote for OS maps!
I use the online version for planning and local navigation. Paper version for anything else. Navigation off phone app surprisingly tricky as you don’t get the big picture as easily.

Another place to look if you want training is NNAS

For me OS maps, but if I have already worked out a route, I print off a paper copy. This is particularly useful if where you want to walk is on the fold of a map or the corners of a couple of maps.

@Peregrina

For me OS maps, but if I have already worked out a route, I print off a paper copy. This is particularly useful if where you want to walk is on the fold of a map or the corners of a couple of maps.

Some years back (pre app) we were wild camping in the Lake District and straddled the four maps. We ordered a custom "Lake District Central" map so it all fitted on one map which was far easier.

Worth it fot an awkward area that you get regular use from.

I also had a custom map made centred on my own house. This is very useful for local walks. A mapping app is fine, but there is something good about a paper map.

There may be location-specific apps too for where you're going - last summer DH and I had a week walking in Cornwall and in addition to our usual OS maps, I downloaded an app called iWalk Cornwall which was absolutely brilliant, works without any signal and has lots of local information on the walks you're doing (including pubs, history, loos, where to park, etc). It provides you with pre-planned walks which can be circular or point to point.

One I’ve found useful in conjunction with something more map orientated is Strava global heat map. It’s only on the website and not the app, you have to be logged in to get the full resolution.

It’s really handy for seeing where people actually go, often there will be little trails/cut throughs that aren’t on maps. I use it a lot for mountain biking as you can find the sneaky trails that are tricky to find. I usually take a screen grab of the area I’m going to before I get there, saves trying to stream it from places with bad signal.

Haven’t used it but have heard good things about Kommut - think I’ve spelt that right - both from walking and cycling perspectives. Did see a rumour on the UKClimbing forums that the new owners of ViewRanger will be running it down in favour of their own offering which is disappointing if true.

Make.sure you download what3words. Absolutely essential. Emergency services can pinpoint where you are exactly.

www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2020/09/13/lost-lakeland-walkers-what3words-message-put-them-outside-the-uk

Even better download OS locate which gives a grid reference to the same accuracy.

Thank you all