geocaching in the lake district, will we need special kit rather than just a phone?

[RoobyMurray]

Probably a really stupid question, but do you need an actual phone signal or 3G to geocache with a phone? Or does the GPS bit of the phone still work, even if you can't make calls?

So if we're in the Lake District and unable to make calls can I still use my phone or do I need to get a GPS device thingy whatsit? ta

GPS will work, it is separate. The problem may be having software on the phone to give you the precise location.

Have a look at what apps you can get for your phone which give you a good display of lat/long and distance to a set location.

great thanks Cindy, I'll do that.

So if the GPS still works, does anyone know if the geocaching app will still work too?

One waypoints are downloaded, I would have thought it would work. Won't know until you try and it may vary by app. Any that include mapping may not work, except for those that store the map on your phone like ViewRanger (uses OS maps, so Cost).

Do you have android or iphone? What app(s) are you considering using?

C:geo is on android

C:geo lets you create a list of nearby caches, store those, then displays a compass with distance. You can filter by Status:All Member Access if you are not a premium Geocaching.com account holder.

Would work for caches that are near a place you do get a signal or wifi.

Combined with ViewRanger OS grid squares for the area (will cost to download) then you could have map and compass on phone. Then use a paper map as backup.

The above assumes you have Android. The apps may be on iOS, though not sure.

I'm really new to geocaching (only done two locally!) and I'm using the official geocaching app for iPhone.

this one

Don't count on a phone signal unless you are in a town or can access internet via a building ie pub with wifi.

Lovely scenery though

The iPhone app lets you download the geocache info and maps in advance so no signal needed while you're out and about. In fact if you do a search for a place the button in the top right lets you save all the results into a list, complete with maps and info. I try to remember to do them before I go.

well, for anyone else who is wondering this -

of course we had no signal at all in the Lakes (which I knew we wouldn't) and the Geocache app didn't work at all.

my app doesn't have an option to download stuff in advance, so maybe that's just the premium version.