Tech expert Henry Burrell of the Express has declared AllTrails the superior app for finding summer walks, surpassing both Google Maps and Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. With over 90 million users worldwide, AllTrails offers thousands of trail maps alongside reviews from fellow hikers, making it an ideal tool for casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike.
Why AllTrails Beats Google Maps for Walking Routes
Burrell, a self-described "casual walker and hiker," tested the app and found that ditching Google Maps for AllTrails has meant that "the whole country has opened up." He explains that Google Maps is designed for efficient point-to-point navigation, not for discovering scenic circular walks. "If you arrive in a quaint English village and want to do a circular 10km walk taking in the surrounding rolling hills via places of interest, Google does not have you covered," he says. AllTrails, however, offers user-uploaded routes that cater to such needs.
Subscription Tiers and Features
AllTrails is available for free (Base tier) on iPhone and Android, but the free version only allows users to save trails, compile lists, and navigate. For enhanced features, the Plus subscription costs £35.99 per year (equivalent to £2.99 per month), while Peak costs £79.99 per year. Plus unlocks offline map downloads, custom route creation, and off-route alerts. Peak adds community heatmaps, in-app route building, route customization, and a plant identification tool.
Burrell tested the Plus subscription and praised the offline maps: "Even when I was on a walk with a decent signal most of the way, it's a much faster in-app experience when not relying on a constant data connection to keep the map in view." He also highlighted the off-route alerts, which work with Apple Watch and WearOS devices, allowing users to keep their phones in their pockets. "This is really handy as it meant I was informed if I strayed from the route's path, and meant I didn’t have to stare at my phone for the entire hike," he said.
Comparison with OS Maps
While OS Maps offers similar features and a comparable subscription price (£35.99 per year), it is UK-only, whereas AllTrails works internationally. Burrell notes that AllTrails maps are less detailed than OS maps, focusing on roads, paths, and elevation rather than natural and manmade features. However, for most walkers, this stripped-back approach is sufficient and less overwhelming.
User Experience and Smartwatch Integration
AllTrails allows users to filter routes by area, distance, and difficulty rating. The Explore tab finds nearby trails, while the For You tab offers curated suggestions based on past activity. Completed routes are saved to the user's profile, improving future recommendations. The app also supports Garmin and Coros sports watches; Burrell tested it with a Coros watch and found it worked seamlessly.
He concluded: "The best part about AllTrails is it does just enough of the work to get you on a great walk, but then does its best to leave you alone. As it's constantly using your phone's GPS when you're out and about, you might want to consider taking a power bank with you, though."
Burrell emphasized that AllTrails is ideal for those who want to get outdoors but don't know where to start: "For anyone who wants to get outdoors but doesn't know where to start, AllTrails could give you the confidence they need to step out and hit a trail. That's likely worth £2.99 per month for anyone keen to get into walking and, crucially, stay interested in it."
