Even though you should be walking your dog everyday... January is officially ‘Walk Your Dog Month’ and during lockdown in the UK we have an even better excuse for discovering new routes starting right from your doorstep.
Take a look at the below free apps that help you plan out routes, not just track your fitness. You never know what you might discover!
*please note some of these apps are available on either iPhone, Android or both.
viewranger™
This is one of our trustiest apps, and commonly an app we turn to when we give up trying to find out where we are on a traditional map!
This acts more of a GPS tracker for your phone. You can access free Open Street Maps, or you pay to download Ordnance Survey maps - either as individual maps, or for the whole of the UK. Maps for other countries are available, too.
Use it to record routes as you go, and save waypoints. It will display location, altitude, and grid reference. You can plan routes on its website beforehand using a computer (easier with a larger screen) and then access them on your phone. We particularly like the BuddyBeacon function which allows you to share your position with others using the app, or see where they are.
World Walking
This is something a bit different and could help your mind transport to somewhere else in the world. The World Walking app is essentially a constant pedometer, recording the number of steps you take each day. You get to choose famous global routes, such as Route 66 in the United States or Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca Trail, and try to take enough steps to complete it. The app encourages social interaction too and lets walkers form virtual clubs, working together to meet distance targets.
AlpineQuest
This is ideal for more of a navigation app, you can plan out routes using the free (lite) version and clearly view the Another navigation app that's great for exploring off the beaten track, the free (lite) version comes with online maps. If you want to access online maps for offline use, there is also a premium paid-for version of the maps. A useful feature is that you can create multi-layered maps, for example with an aerial photo layered on top of the terrain map. It includes a compass and map orientation function.
Footpath Route Planner
Footpath allows you to easily map out routes. Simply trace a route with your finger, and Footpath will show all trails and roads that will allow you to complete your walk. It can measure the distance you’ll need to travel and the height you’ll be climbing. It allows you to save and share routes for a later walk, and can work offline too.
Outdoors GPS
Access the full range of Ordnance Survey maps (although be aware that most are priced individually), or use Open Street Map or Google Maps for free. All maps can be stored in your phone – perfect for internet-free rural rambles. You can use the Route Builder function to plan a suitable walk, or import routes for online.
Have you found any cool new local dog walking routes recently? Don’t forget to tag us in your adventures using the hashtag #PawsToRoam
Happy Walking!!
