ViewRanger Launches Great Trails

One of our favourite mapping software outfits, ViewRanger has announced a new Great Trails range of map packages with the Pennine Way the first to be released.

ViewRanger software runs on Nokia phones and some others and converts your phone into a comprehensive, GPS navigational device, which you can use to follow a pre-loaded route even when there's no mobile phone signal.

The company recently ran a vote in cooperation with regional lifestyle magazine where they asked readers for their favourite places to walk, the Pennine Way headed the list.

'Not necessarily hardcore outdoor enthusiasts'

Craig Wareham, CEO of Augmentra, the company behind ViewRanger, explains how the votes inspired the new series:
 
“The contributors to this survey were not necessarily hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, and we saw that people were probably doing the long-distance walks in stages, perhaps a bit each weekend”, he says.

“To help, we decided to package all the maps they would need within a Great Trails series. This would allow weekend walkers to use their phone as an off-road sat nav to find interesting walks along the route and find a good pub for lunch.”

Each of the Great Trail packages includes detailed 1:25,000 scale OS Explorer mapping of the area around the trail, so you have an idea of what's around you. The Pennine Way release covers the 268-mile trail stretching from Edale to Kirk Yetholm  and is available as a download, on CD-ROM or Memory-Card and costs £60. Also currently available is Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast walk with more to follow.

Full details at www.viewranger.com