Find trails and walk with apps

Klompenpaden are walking routes across farmland and through estates in Utrecht and Gelderland. The routes are between 5 and 15 kilometers long. There are of course plenty of booklets about these trails, but the app is also very useful. Search the map for beautiful routes or use filters to collect all routes of, for example, a certain length. On the way, the app provides information about the environment, such as photos or videos with background information. You do not have to pay attention to this yourself. The app gives a sound signal when you arrive at an information point.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Klompenpaden app at a glance:

+ There are about 120 Clog Paths that the app user can quickly filter.
+ Downloading the routes is possible, so the app does not necessarily need internet while on the road.
+ The user sees both his own location and the walking route on the map. That is easy to navigate.
+ The app provides additional information about the environment.

– The routes are only in the provinces of Utrecht and Gelderland.

Download the app for Android devices in the Play Store and for iPads and iPhones in the App Store.

The Wandelen app has more than two hundred free routes in the Netherlands and a number in Germany, Denmark and France. There are more routes, but you have to pay for them. Users can choose from the menu for city walks, long-distance walks and NS walks (from station to station). The Klompenpaden are also incorporated in it. Searching through the walking routes can be done using filters, for example to select the length of a tour.

While walking, the app shows both the route and your location on the map. So you can check at any time whether you are still on the right track. A disadvantage of the app is that no routes can be downloaded in it. Use on the road therefore costs data from the data bundle. The Hiking app can also record the route you walk. This way you can look back at the traveled route later and possibly share it with others.

The advantages and disadvantages of the Walking app at a glance:

+ More than 200 routes in the Netherlands.
+ The user sees both his own location and the walking route on the map.

– Downloading routes is not possible.

The app is available for Android devices in the Play Store and for iPads and iPhones in the App Store. Judging by the user experiences, the app works better for Android than for iOS.

Route.nl is a free app with more than 3000 walking and cycling routes. The app combines its own routes and those of other parties, such as Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten and VVV. Search for routes in the app by filtering on, for example, province, distance, theme routes (such as picnic routes or windmill routes) and type of landscape (city park, dunes, forest). For each route it is indicated what the length and the difference in height are and how many kilocalories the walker burns on the way.

The pluses and minuses of the Route.nl app:

+ Thousands of walking and cycling routes in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
+ Experiences of other hikers are visible on the routes.
+ The user can compose routes himself (maximum three).
+ Users can also search and save walking routes via the Route.nl website.

– Users must first create an account and enter their email address.
– Only paying users can download routes. The (spoken) navigation and the unlimited composition of routes are also reserved for paying users.
– The app promotes the paid features a lot, which can be disruptive.

Download the app for Android devices in the Play Store or for the iPad and iPhone in the App Store.

The Nature Routes app is made by Natuurmonumenten. Foresters from the nature conservation organization have put in both walking, cycling and canoe routes. Search for a route on the map or by using filters, for example by filtering by the length of routes. Wheelchair or dog-friendly routes can also be filtered. Along the way, read about the area on some routes and save favorite routes. Unfortunately, only three walking routes are free for those who are not a member or have a subscription.

The advantages and disadvantages of the Nature Routes app:

+ More than 300 routes, tipped by forest rangers.
+ You can select on wheelchair accessibility and whether (leashed) dogs are welcome.
+ Downloading the routes is possible, so internet connection is not necessary.
+ The user sees both his own location and the walking route on the map.
+ Along the way you will learn something about the area.

– Big disadvantage is that only three routes are free. Only members of Natuurmonumenten and people who become ‘route subscribers’ can download unlimited routes. Becoming a subscriber costs 4.99 euros per year (March 2021).

The app is available for Android devices in the Play Store and for iPads and iPhones in the App Store.

Before you go out, check whether the weather will be nice for walking, the Weeronline weather map will help with that. And if you are active on the Ommetje app, don’t forget to start that app too!