When it comes to planning a hike, having the right navigation tool can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned solo hiker or just starting, choosing between AllTrails and Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps can be a tough decision. Both apps offer valuable features, but they cater to slightly different needs. So, which one is best for your next adventure?
In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of AllTrails and Ordnance Survey Maps to help you decide which app suits your hiking and wild camping style best.
AllTrails: The Global Hiking Community App
Overview
AllTrails is one of the most popular hiking apps worldwide, featuring a vast database of trails contributed by both users and official sources. It’s designed for hikers, runners, and cyclists looking for new routes, complete with user reviews, difficulty ratings, and photos.
Key Features
✔️ Huge trail database – Over 400,000 routes worldwide, making it perfect for discovering new hikes.
✔️ User-generated content – Reviews, photos, and updates from fellow hikers help you prepare.
✔️ Filters for finding the perfect trail – Sort by difficulty, length, elevation, and even dog-friendly or kid-friendly routes.
✔️ GPS tracking and live navigation – Track your route in real-time with a premium subscription.
✔️ Offline maps – Download maps to use without signal (requires AllTrails+ subscription, (use code SHESGOINGSOLO30 for 30% off).
Pros
✅ Best for discovering new hikes, especially in unfamiliar areas.
✅ Great for solo hikers who want recent trail reports and safety info.
✅ Perfect for international hiking, with trails available across the globe.
Cons
❌ Maps are not as detailed as Ordnance Survey for off-trail navigation.
❌ Requires a paid subscription for offline maps and advanced GPS features.
❌ User-generated data means some routes may be outdated or inaccurate.
Ordnance Survey Maps: The Ultimate UK Navigation Tool
Overview
Ordnance Survey (OS) is the gold standard for UK maps, providing highly detailed topographical data for over 200 years. The OS Maps app brings this expertise to your phone, making it an essential tool for hikers, wild campers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the UK.
Key Features
✔️ Highly detailed mapping – 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scale maps show terrain features, rights of way, and footpaths.
✔️ Offline access – Download maps for remote hikes where the signal is limited.
✔️ Custom route planning – Create and save your own routes.
✔️ Augmented Reality (AR) – Identify peaks and landmarks using your phone’s camera.
✔️ Landowner and right-of-way information – Essential for wild camping and staying legal.
Pros
✅ The most accurate and detailed maps for UK hiking and wild camping.
✅ Perfect for off-grid adventures where you need precise navigation.
✅ One of the best tools for understanding terrain, elevation, and land access.
Cons
❌ Less user-generated content—no reviews or trail reports.
❌ Not ideal for international hiking, as it primarily covers the UK.
❌ Subscription required for premium OS map access.
If you’re trying to decide between AllTrails and OS Maps, consider how and where you’ll be using them:
Feature | ||
Best for | Finding new hikes worldwide | Navigating off-trail in the UK |
Coverage | Global | UK-focused |
User Reviews & Photos | Yes | No |
Offline Maps | Paid (AllTrails+) | Paid (OS Premium) |
Detailed Terrain Features | Basic | Highly detailed |
Live GPS Tracking | Yes (Premium) | Yes (Premium) |
Custom Route Planning | Yes | Yes |
Final Verdict - Which is the Best Hiking App?
• Choose AllTrails if you love exploring new hikes, want to read reviews before heading out, or need an app that works globally.
• Choose OS Maps if you do a lot of off-trail hiking in the UK, need detailed topographic maps, or are serious about wild camping and land navigation.
For many solo hikers in the UK, a combination of both apps is the best approach—AllTrails for inspiration and planning and OS Maps for precise navigation when you’re out in the wild. Which App Do You Prefer? I use both as I love the route ideas and community on AllTrails, yet I love plotting routes and the detailed maps on OS Maps. Do you use AllTrails, OS Maps, or both? Please share your thoughts in the comments and let us know which app has helped you the most on your solo hiking adventures!
Don't forget to use code SHESGOINGSOLO30 for 30% off the AllTrails+ subscription.
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for more hiking routes, gear reviews, and adventure tips—delivered straight to your inbox! Click here.
Are you new to wild camping? Check out The Beginner’s Guide to Wild Camping for everything you need to get started.
Have any questions or thoughts? Feel free to get in touch with me here—I’d love to hear from you.
If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Ordnance Survey App. It lets you import GPX routes directly and mirrors the paper maps you should always carry as a backup. I use this app to plan all my hikes, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the great outdoors.
Comments