Walking App Recommendations
- Thread starter Snowbald
- Start date
Norman_Conquest
Well-known member
Go for your rant and explain why.You've only said that because you know I'm lurking and about to break into a massive rant as to why W3W is an absolute pile of poo.
W3W has helped me a lot with my DofE kids and got them out of a sticky situation.
Sisyphus
Well-known member
That’s a good point RaaB. I should have said the app is useful for plotting and tracking, but for serious hill walking you always need the paper OS and a good (not phone!) compass. The OS app will zoom down to 1:25k. Apologies for the H&S lecture!
OS Maps are great. I use this to plot routes and also for navigation when I'm out and about.
I also like https://dynamic.watch If you have a Garmin watch you can download the app and export from DW to your watch. I have a Garmin 235 that give you a red line to follow. I export the GPX from OS maps and import it in here. You can plot routes directly in DW Map too - I just prefer OS maps.
I also like https://dynamic.watch If you have a Garmin watch you can download the app and export from DW to your watch. I have a Garmin 235 that give you a red line to follow. I export the GPX from OS maps and import it in here. You can plot routes directly in DW Map too - I just prefer OS maps.
I have used Viewranger for a long while. Very useful if you just need to quickly check your location and loads of suggested walks/routes. Now taken over and is outdooractive. Same deal but actually better maps.
RedAsABeetroot
Well-known member
RumbledYou've only said that because you know I'm lurking and about to break into a massive rant as to why W3W is an absolute pile of poo.
Norman_Conquest
Well-known member
I've requested a 'massive rant' from chickenrunner on this subject.
Andy_W
Well-known member
Good to see so many using the OS Maps App, I use that loads finding good dog walking routes. You can download the maps too, in case you get stuck with no signal or whatever. Handy to keep a compass and learn the route, if you go off the beaten track.
Only problem with OS(or the routes), is that a lot of the rights of way are through fields which are waist high in crops, or whatever. Really wish the farmers had to keep these tracks open, so they were walkable to some degree at least, or just change the rights of way so their field edges can be used instead. In fact all field edges should be able to be used, and I think in Scotland this is pretty much the case already, and has been for decades.
The bridleways are much better than the public rights of way mind.
I use strava sometimes too, if you look on the heat maps and select running/ walking then you will find most of the heavy traffic routes are good.
Only problem with OS(or the routes), is that a lot of the rights of way are through fields which are waist high in crops, or whatever. Really wish the farmers had to keep these tracks open, so they were walkable to some degree at least, or just change the rights of way so their field edges can be used instead. In fact all field edges should be able to be used, and I think in Scotland this is pretty much the case already, and has been for decades.
The bridleways are much better than the public rights of way mind.
I use strava sometimes too, if you look on the heat maps and select running/ walking then you will find most of the heavy traffic routes are good.
Cardiffdaffs
Well-known member
I used to have Viewranger and I fioud that app over complicated particularly on mobile and why I like OutdoorsGPS much better
Not an App as such but this has all the up to date footpaths, bridleways and rights of way in North Yorkshire.
Tbh its easy to follow when you've out and about
maps.northyorks.gov.uk
Tbh its easy to follow when you've out and about
Spectrum Spatial Analyst
maps.northyorks.gov.uk
afcb_acklam
Well-known member
I can't use OS cos they were based in Southampton. Sustrans is also a great resource on the web for local foot & cycle paths.
chickenrunner
Well-known member
Your wish is my command.I've requested a 'massive rant' from chickenrunner on this subject.
1. The W3W system is not open. They have not shared the algorithm with anybody which means the coordinates are not useful outside their software and apps.
2. The coordinates cannot be related to a paper map and never will be able to be shown on a hard copy map, it's impossible.
3. In reality expressing your position as 3 randomly generated words is utterly nonsensical. If you were given 2 such positions there is absolutely no way of telling how far apart they are or in what direction as you can with any normal grid system.
4. If someone from France visits the UK with the French version of the app on their phone it will generate an entirely different set of (French) words for the same location.
5. The OS grid has been around since 1949, it's not complicated. Nowadays you can get several different apps, including third party, that will give you your OS grid location, often to 10 figures i.e 1 metre accuracy.
Given we already have a perfectly good, simple grid system in the UK W3W have basically reinvented the wheel but made it triangular.
W3W clearly launched a huge PR campaign. For a spell the major news outlets were constantly running stories on how people had been saved by W3W. So much so I began to wonder if any of these so-called emergencies had actually taken place. Try typing 'why W3W is crap' into Google search, see an example below.........
W3W have a great PR team - pushing press releases which are then reported as uncritical news.
The most recent press release contains a ludicrous example:
- Person dials the emergency services
- Person doesn't know their location
- Emergency services sends the person a link
- Person clicks on link, opens web page
- Web page geolocates user and displays their W3W location
- Person reads out their W3W phrase to the emergency services
There is literally no need for W3W in this scenario. If you have a data connection, you can send your precise location without an intermediary.
Here's an interesting link.........................................
Why we're not using W3W
I was going to bid you good evening from my W3W location but unfortunately all I'm getting is 'An error 404 occurred on server' on their web page
(my ancient Vista may be the issue but it kind of proves a point). So sorry NC it'll have to be so long from NZ5985003953Edit: I'd rather be at SE6788299706
Last edited:
Konrad_the_Barbarian
Well-known member
We used Walking World for most of last year. It actually gives you walks, rather than having to plot your own, which you can download onto your mobile and check your location compared to the route. The only issue is that you do run out of walks but at £18 for the year it's good value.
Johnnyweetabix
Well-known member
OS all day long . So many walks also on there plotted by others you can’t fail to find one to do
RedAsABeetroot
Well-known member
With the other half on driving duties!Your wish is my command.
1. The W3W system is not open. They have not shared the algorithm with anybody which means the coordinates are not useful outside their software and apps.
2. The coordinates cannot be related to a paper map and never will be able to be shown on a hard copy map, it's impossible.
3. In reality expressing your position as 3 randomly generated words is utterly nonsensical. If you were given 2 such positions there is absolutely no way of telling how far apart they are or in what direction as you can with any normal grid system.
4. If someone from France visits the UK with the French version of the app on their phone it will generate an entirely different set of (French) words for the same location.
5. The OS grid has been around since 1949, it's not complicated. Nowadays you can get several different apps, including third party, that will give you your OS grid location, often to 10 figures i.e 1 metre accuracy.
Given we already have a perfectly good, simple grid system in the UK W3W have basically reinvented the wheel but made it triangular.
W3W clearly launched a huge PR campaign. For a spell the major news outlets were constantly running stories on how people had been saved by W3W. So much so I began to wonder if any of these so-called emergencies had actually taken place. Try typing 'why W3W is crap' into Google search, see an example below.........
W3W have a great PR team - pushing press releases which are then reported as uncritical news.
The most recent press release contains a ludicrous example:
Here's the thing... If the person's phone has a data connection - the web page can just send the geolocation directly back to the emergency services! No need to get a human to read it out, then another human to listen and type it in to a different system.
- Person dials the emergency services
- Person doesn't know their location
- Emergency services sends the person a link
- Person clicks on link, opens web page
- Web page geolocates user and displays their W3W location
- Person reads out their W3W phrase to the emergency services
There is literally no need for W3W in this scenario. If you have a data connection, you can send your precise location without an intermediary.
Here's an interesting link.........................................
Why we're not using W3W
I was going to bid you good evening from my W3W location but unfortunately all I'm getting is 'An error 404 occurred on server' on their web page
Edit: I'd rather be at SE6788299706
Norman_Conquest
Well-known member
I totally get and agree with what you are saying but I do find W3W useful when used with my DofE students in an area I know. We use the same expedition routes and have a good idea of the points they will go wrong in. I usually find it is easier for a 14 year old to give me W3W than a grid reference when they are lost. To complete the DofE they are also not allowed to use phones or electronic navigational devices (other than an emergency) and 9 times out of 10 I will be watching them with binoculars from a distance they cannot see me.Your wish is my command.
1. The W3W system is not open. They have not shared the algorithm with anybody which means the coordinates are not useful outside their software and apps.
2. The coordinates cannot be related to a paper map and never will be able to be shown on a hard copy map, it's impossible.
3. In reality expressing your position as 3 randomly generated words is utterly nonsensical. If you were given 2 such positions there is absolutely no way of telling how far apart they are or in what direction as you can with any normal grid system.
4. If someone from France visits the UK with the French version of the app on their phone it will generate an entirely different set of (French) words for the same location.
5. The OS grid has been around since 1949, it's not complicated. Nowadays you can get several different apps, including third party, that will give you your OS grid location, often to 10 figures i.e 1 metre accuracy.
Given we already have a perfectly good, simple grid system in the UK W3W have basically reinvented the wheel but made it triangular.
W3W clearly launched a huge PR campaign. For a spell the major news outlets were constantly running stories on how people had been saved by W3W. So much so I began to wonder if any of these so-called emergencies had actually taken place. Try typing 'why W3W is crap' into Google search, see an example below.........
W3W have a great PR team - pushing press releases which are then reported as uncritical news.
The most recent press release contains a ludicrous example:
Here's the thing... If the person's phone has a data connection - the web page can just send the geolocation directly back to the emergency services! No need to get a human to read it out, then another human to listen and type it in to a different system.
- Person dials the emergency services
- Person doesn't know their location
- Emergency services sends the person a link
- Person clicks on link, opens web page
- Web page geolocates user and displays their W3W location
- Person reads out their W3W phrase to the emergency services
There is literally no need for W3W in this scenario. If you have a data connection, you can send your precise location without an intermediary.
Here's an interesting link.........................................
Why we're not using W3W
I was going to bid you good evening from my W3W location but unfortunately all I'm getting is 'An error 404 occurred on server' on their web page
Edit: I'd rather be at SE6788299706
Personally, I would use a grid reference in an emergency situation and did so when I had to call the MR out to a student on the moors.
The groups were making their way back from Commondale to Guisborough and one of the students twisted her ankle on a part of the walk. If someone had asked me the worst spot for an incident to take place, it would have been at the point she went over. Myself and another member of staff went to the aid of the group and I called the MR and gave the GR by using a paper map. When the MR arrived they asked who had given the GR and asked if I had used an electronic device. At first, I thought I must have cocked it up but I was told it was perfect.
I have carried a storm shelter with me for over 10 years now and this was the first time I got to use it in anger.
I also find using the grid below useful when plotting routes or passing on GR's.
The first grid reference is an area I know well and a part of my Bronze DofE groups qualifying expedition walk. We always have issues with cows in the fields just in front
The second is where I take my Silver group for a well earned rest on their practice walks.
chickenrunner
Well-known member
You can take your cattle issues up with @Bernie's view who posts on here. They belong to him.I totally get and agree with what you are saying but I do find W3W useful when used with my DofE students in an area I know. We use the same expedition routes and have a good idea of the points they will go wrong in. I usually find it is easier for a 14 year old to give me W3W than a grid reference when they are lost. To complete the DofE they are also not allowed to use phones or electronic navigational devices (other than an emergency) and 9 times out of 10 I will be watching them with binoculars from a distance they cannot see me.
Personally, I would use a grid reference in an emergency situation and did so when I had to call the MR out to a student on the moors.
The groups were making their way back from Commondale to Guisborough and one of the students twisted her ankle on a part of the walk. If someone had asked me the worst spot for an incident to take place, it would have been at the point she went over. Myself and another member of staff went to the aid of the group and I called the MR and gave the GR by using a paper map. When the MR arrived they asked who had given the GR and asked if I had used an electronic device. At first, I thought I must have cocked it up but I was told it was perfect.
I have carried a storm shelter with me for over 10 years now and this was the first time I got to use it in anger.
I also find using the grid below useful when plotting routes or passing on GR's.
The first grid reference is an area I know well and a part of my Bronze DofE groups qualifying expedition walk. We always have issues with cows in the fields just in front
The second is where I take my Silver group for a well earned rest on their practice walks.
View attachment 31125
Bernie's view
Active member
There would normally be either dairy heifers or beef cows in those fields ( if anything) The only time they are a danger are if the cows have young calves with them. We try to avoid putting cows and young calves in fields with footpaths. ( unlike a a neighbour who does the opposite) Cattle are curious so they follow you and come for a nosey. In that situation keep walking slowly and you will come to no harm. The worst thing you can do is run because they may run with you and if you trip you are then in danger of being trampled.