The UK’s largest phone network, EE, has recently extended its mobile data coverage to cover much more of rural Wales than ever before. Whilst 3G, 4G and even 5G signal has improved across the country in recent years, providers such as Three, O2 and Vodafone still leave room for improvement. EE’s part in the UK’s Shared Rural Network initiative will see 95% 4G coverage across the entire nation by 2025, with over 1,362 sites already upgraded so far.
This is big news for the more rural areas of Wales, where broadband speeds often leave a lot to be desired and where mobile data is sometimes the only viable option. It’s good news, as well, for the country’s millions of annual visitors who often find themselves hiking through the beauty of Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons with only a phone to keep them company. With this in mind, we decided to look into just how useful a smartphone can be when touring the more remote parts of the Welsh countryside – especially when your chances of accessing mobile data are improving every day!
Maps and Wayfinding
Although we would always recommend having a paper map with you when hiking through the national parks and more isolated areas, it can also be helpful to have interactive, digital maps to assist you in finding your way. One of the best apps to use in these situations is Maps.me. First of all, it’s free, and secondly, it allows you to download a map of the relevant area before you even leave the house. You can then refer to this as you go along without worrying about any type of phone signal cutting out and leaving you stranded. For a free app, it’s incredibly detailed, with footpaths, bridleways and the like showing up much more reliably here than in Google Maps, for example. Remember not to rely solely on your phone for all your wayfinding needs, however, as a depleted battery or bad weather could render it useless in a flash. Always carry a back-up, and preferably a detailed paper OS map of your surroundings.
Games and Puzzles
There are always moments out in the wilderness, whether you’re walking, climbing or camping, when you need something to keep you occupied and relaxed during moments of downtime. After all, if the sun set at 6pm and you’re already in your sleeping bag, then no matter how tiring a day you’ve had, you’re unlikely to be asleep straight away. This is where mobile gaming comes in. There is an enormous range of different titles and gaming genres available at both the App Store and Play Store, so whichever your handset uses, you’ll be sure to find something to your taste. Alternatively, if you prefer a browser-based experience, then online slots are currently the most popular gaming format found at online platforms like PokerStars Casino. There is always a wide range of different titles available, from Retro Tapes to Big Green Wilds to Star Invaders, and each slot will feature different graphics, paylines and RTP rates. Its best to shop around and try out different ones until you find the type you like.
Guides and Identification
If you often see different birds, trees, flowers and other natural markers whilst out and about on a walk and wonder what the proper names for them are, then you need to get into the world of nature guides and identification apps. The DK RSPB Bird Sounds app is particularly good at helping you identify what you can hear, whereas Collins British Bird Guide provides in depth information about the different shapes, colours and plumage of Britain’s most common birds – and some of our seasonal visitors too. There are also plenty of different plant ID apps which allow you to simply snap a photograph of a leaf, bud, flower or piece of bark and find out which of Wales’ gorgeous indigenous species you’ve discovered on your hike, along with any interlopers. These types of apps can add a layer of depth and knowledge to a simple wander which transform it into an experience to be remembered and cherished long after you’ve returned home.