With the UK enjoying splendid sunny weather, many are embracing outdoor adventures, exploring the country’s scenic walking trails. For those eager to step off the beaten path, reliable navigation tools are vital—not only to uncover new routes but also to avoid getting lost.
While Google Maps remains a popular choice for general navigation, it doesn’t cater specifically to walkers and hikers. Henry Burrell, Deputy Technology Editor at the Daily Express, recently put AllTrails to the test—a comprehensive smartphone app that aggregatesthousands of hiking trails in the UK and worldwide.
Available on both Apple and Android devices, AllTrails provides quick, user-friendly access to trail maps, enabling users to discover new routes and save their favorites. Henry uncovered several smart features designed for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers, including route creation and editing tools.
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Here’s Henry’s detailed review of AllTrails.
AllTrails is well-known among outdoor enthusiasts, boasting over 90 million users globally. It combines an extensive library of trail maps with community reviews and photos, allowing users to find highly-rated routes no matter where they travel. Whether you prefer traditional maps like Ordnance Survey or rely on digital guidance, AllTrails presents a strong alternative—but does it justify its subscription fees?
While there’s a free version called Base allowing trail saving, list compilation, and navigation, many features are reserved for paid subscriptions—Plus at £35.99 and Peak at £79.99 annually. The extra cost for Peak unlocks specialized tools such as community heatmaps, in-app route building, customizable routes, and even plant identification.
For many users, the Plus subscription offers excellent value. It enables offline map downloads—a crucial feature when cell signal is weak or absent. AllTrails’ GPS functionality stays accurate even offline, enhancing safety and confidence on remote walks.
The app’s route-building functions let users create and refine trails, which undergo verification before becoming publicly available, ensuring dependable route data. Over half a million curated trails worldwide provide an impressive range of choices, though more experienced hikers may find the app somewhat basic.
Compared to Google Maps, AllTrails prioritizes walking routes and elevation details, focusing less on urban features. While it might lack the rich detail of Ordnance Survey maps or Google’s street-rich data, its tailored trail info is perfect for countryside explorers wanting to find circular hikes with ease.
Navigation is simple: select a trail, tap start, and follow a top-down interactive map showing your location relative to the path. Unlike Google Maps, which mainly offers direct point-to-point routes, AllTrails embraces leisurely exploration with recommended scenic loops and user feedback.
Additional perks are integration with wearables like the Apple Watch and WearOS smartwatches, allowing users to receive alerts and follow routes hands-free. You can also send routes to Garmin or Coros sports watches and start your walk directly from your wrist.
Plus subscribers benefit from off-route alerts, warning when you stray from the path, and live location sharing, enhancing both safety and convenience. While continuous GPS use can drain battery, carrying a portable charger overcomes this concern.
Ultimately, AllTrails provides an easy way to venture outdoors, discover new trails, and enjoy walking with confidence. For casual hikers or those rekindling their love of walking, the modest £2.99 monthly cost offers great value for a safer, more enjoyable experience.