ViewRanger routes in Cumbria are available for download

ViewRanger routes in Cumbria are available for download

The Lake District’s tourism body has teamed up with a leading smartphone mapping company to provide downloadable walking and cycling routes.

Cumbria Tourism’s link with ViewRanger means walking routes such as the Fairfield Horseshoe and the Old Man of Coniston can be displayed on compatible phones.

Users will need to download the ViewRanger software and buy mapping for the routes, which will also include tourist information such as pubs, cafes and visitor attractions.

Cumbria Tourism has produced 30 walking and cycling routes for the system.

Cumbria Tourism spokesman Ellis Butcher said: “Increasing numbers of Lake District walkers are bringing their smartphones with them so we need to ensure walking and cycling routes are available by app as well as map.

“To get the best from this new service we suggest that people download the application before they arrive so they have it stored to their phone and can browse the routes and familiarise themselves with the terrain.

“From a safety standpoint, clearly it is important to always carry a proper map and compass and know how to use it in case their battery runs out or their phone breaks.”

Craig Wareham, chief executive of Augmentra, the company that develops ViewRanger, said: “This is a great partnership. Cumbria Tourism has been really forward thinking about this project.

“They have unparalleled local knowledge and we have offered them a way to ensure it is made available to a wider audience. I believe this will encourage more people to visit the Lake District and Cumbria over the next 12 months and I believe many other tourist boards across the UK will follow suit.”

Richard Warren, chair of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association reiterated the need to carry conventional maps when venturing on to the fells. He said: “The Lake District mountain rescue community encourages members of the public to enjoy all the outdoor experiences available within the Lake District provided a responsible approach is adopted and people are properly prepared.

“Use of technology such as ViewRanger can be a great help and although reliable must never be totally relied upon. Your safety is important to everyone and the ability to navigate with map and compass and a back up torch will always provide that necessary safety net when venturing out on the hills.”

Prices of the application for various phones, plus mapping costs and a list of available routes, are on the Cumbria Tourism website.

  • grough’s route-planning and GPS import and export system is available along with 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping of the whole of Britain for just £2.00 per month. See our grough route page for details.

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