With the sun shining, there’s no better time to head out into nature and explore the UK's breathtaking trails. But there’s no need to stuff your backpack with massive OS (Ordnance Survey) maps. The most powerful navigation tool you own is already in your pocket!
Forget the old-school maps and pricey GPS devices. Today’s smartphones, with the right apps, can be your guide, safety net, and personal trainer all rolled into one. We’ve rounded up the essential apps that turn your phone into the ultimate hiking companion. Plus, to help you get kitted out for your next trek, we're giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Garmin Venu 3s!
Whether you're strolling through the Yorkshire Dales or summiting in Snowdonia, your trusty mobile will help you uncover new routes, stay safe, and track every step.
Your guide to navigation apps.
Different apps shine in different areas. Here’s our breakdown of the best navigation tools for UK walkers:
- OS Maps: This one’s the gold standard. It taps into the official, highly detailed Ordnance Survey maps trusted by hikers for generations. If precision and reliability are non-negotiable for you, OS Maps is your go-to. But if you’re going for a stroll around the local common, it’s probably overkill.
- AllTrails: Think of it as social media meets hiking. With thousands of user-submitted trails, reviews and photos, it’s perfect for discovering walks nearby - including hidden gems you won’t find on a printed map. When it comes to finding great walking routes, you can’t beat local knowledge!
- Komoot: Planning something longer or more adventurous? Komoot offers turn-by-turn voice navigation, making it feel like a sat-nav for footpaths. It’s brilliant for hikes, bike rides or weekend treks into the unknown.
The most important app for your safety: What3Words.
If you take one safety app with you, make it What3Words.
This ingenious tool divides the world into tiny 3-metre squares and gives each one a unique three-word address. If you ever get lost, injured or stuck in a remote spot, you can use the app to share your location with emergency services - down to the exact metre. Fast, simple, potentially lifesaving.
The Golden Rule: Always download offline maps.
You can’t rely on mobile signal in the hills, valleys and remote paths of the UK. That’s why downloading your maps before you go is absolutely essential. That way, you’ll always have some means of finding your way if your mobile signal gives up on you.
Apps like OS Maps, AllTrails, and Komoot let you save your route directly to your device. Offline access not only gives you peace of mind, but it's also a smart move for your mobile plan. It saves your data and extends your battery life by avoiding the constant search for a signal.
Track your trek with a smartwatch.
Want to know how far you've walked, how high you've climbed or even how many calories you’ve burned? Pairing your phone with a fitness tracker can turn an everyday walk into a full-on wellness activity.
Wearables like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch or Fitbit sync with hiking apps and give you real-time updates on distance, elevation gain, heart rate and steps.
Looking for a great deal on wearables? Check out the latest smartwatches at Currys.
Giveaway time!
With a few key apps - like OS Maps for navigation, What3Words for safety and the golden rule of downloading offline maps - your phone becomes the only gadget you’ll need for a successful day out on the trail.
So go on: download the apps, choose your route and set off on your next adventure. Happy trails!
To enter our Garmin Venu 3s giveaway, let us know in the comments below: What's your favourite hike or walk? We'd love to see your adventures, so feel free to share your photos!
The competition closes on Monday, 18th August 2025 at 23:59. The winner will be picked at random, so keep an eye on your inbox or DMs for a message from us.
Happy trails!
