Hello STW,
Any recs for a really good, free, online, footpath map? Apple Maps and Google Maps are patchy at best. I live in the Borders, so I'm especially interested in the coastal area between Berwick Upon tweed and North Berwick.
I'm mostly interested in walks at the moment, but of course it would be even better if it had cycle routes included.
Thanks everyone
... I should add that the maps I've been using show major footpaths, but often don't seem to include little used tracks. These little tracks are the ones I'm interested in.
OpenStreetMap surely is the default answer here.....the Android app is OSMAnd
Be aware that PROWs aren't shown on OS maps in Scotland, and paths and tracks on them could or could not be usable/passable. True for any maps really.
East Lothian Core Paths Map will show routes that 'should' be useable/passable for North Berwick area, but there'll be more that you'd need local knowledge, internet searching for walks or things like Strava heatmaps to suss out. Walkhighands app and website is also great.
https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210569/countryside_and_wildlife/12044/core_paths/2
Each Scottish authority has a similar core paths plan and map.
Thanks longdog. The site you linked to was a little bit north for me, but I searched for Berwickshire core paths and got a great map. Good work, and thanks again.
On The Go Maps is quite good for showing every path. There is no distinction between types of path but I have found it to be quite comprehensive. It's quite easy to plot a route and see an elevation profile.
Hello STW,
Any recs for a really good, free, online, footpath map? Apple Maps and Google Maps are patchy at best. I live in the Borders, so I'm especially interested in the coastal area between Berwick Upon tweed and North Berwick.
I'm mostly interested in walks at the moment, but of course it would be even better if it had cycle routes included.Thanks everyone
would be worth looking at this too
Organic Maps, been around for some time, it uses Open Street Maps info;
The real cheapskate option is Bing Maps and then use the OS layer.
As well as bing, for OS maps gps-routes.co.uk is very good / easy and if you have mobile signal will show your gps dot (I tend to just take screenshots in case of no signal).
https://www.sysmaps.co.uk/index.htm
Has OS 1:50k and 1:25k maps (when you zoom in) and also French topographical maps if you wanted to wander farther afield.
Nice wee path down to Fast castle if you want good views north towards Fife and Angus etc but if you ride it make sure to brake as there is a drop off at the end with a damp ending if you forget
St Abbs you will see lots of seals , dolphins if your lucky and lots of tracks
There are some great suggestions here. I've downloaded Organic Maps to use when I'm on the go, and SYSMaps is really clear.
Maybe people can clarify some thing else for me: today I walked up to Coldingham Loch. I'd checked what I thought was an ok route using FPM recced here. Near the Loch the map showed a red dotted line made-up of alternating dots and dashes. I thought that this meant a footpath, but when I arrived at the point it was gated and had a sign saying 'Farm Traffic Only. There was another route nearby, also marked with the same symbols, but when I got there it was again gated with a sign saying 'Private. Fishing Club Members Only'.
I did find a footpath that was signed but not marked on the map, so I took that route, so no problem. Can anyone tell me would I have been ok taking either of the other routes - marked on the map but not exactly welcoming? Or have i misunderstood what the map markings mean?
Thanks again everyone.
You're in Scotland. Those signs relate to motorised vehicles only. You can access those tracks (and any others) as you wish whether on foot, on bike or on a horse.
You're best off with something heatmap based IME e.g.strava. that way you know it's actually used.
Thanks scotroutes, that's what I thought, but always good to check with STW first. If I get any hassle I'll refer them here 🙂
I've only been in Scotland for about 3 months, so I still find it hard to believe that I'm basically allowed to walk anywhere as long as I'm not behaving like a ****.
@easily Are you talking pc or phone, android or apple.
PC I use htps://www.walklakes.co.uk/
Android, in the UK I use back country navigator BCN for short. OS maps cached on your phone. Minimal once off charge for ad free
Abroad I use an app called 'Russian topo maps'
Are you talking pc or phone, android or apple.
PC I use htps://www.walklakes.co.uk/
Same as www.walkhighlands.co.uk
That's a very useful site, both for the mapping, and for finding hillwalking routes. I know the folk that run it and I'm a bit envious of their "work", which mainly involves being out walking and running every day 😂
Not actually free though, if you want the OS mapping.
I find the definitive map produced by local authorities pretty good. In North Yorkshire it's got stuff that's not even on Ordnance Survey.
plotaroute.com
I think there's a free option but it's £20 annually for full functionality.
