Escape into nature with the top 10 walking apps for iPhones and Android

Walking gives you the chance to step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take stock. You can explore new landscapes, reconnect with nature, slow down and reflect on your life.

If you can get outside to take a stroll, or a more determined hike, the impact on your mood and mental health can be extremely positive. We all know that immersing yourself in nature has an uplifting effect and walking goes one step further – it's a great form of exercise too.

While we all walk far less than we did 50 years ago, studies show that walking can ease joint pain, boost our immune system, reduce the risk of heart disease and even extend our life. So, maybe it's time we all head back out onto the footpath.

We've gathered together some apps for iOS and Android to help you get outdoors and enjoy mindfulness on the move...

Android, free

AlpineQuest provides topographical maps that work whether or not you have internet access.

It shows you where you are on the map in real time and you can change the orientation to reflect what you can see. No getting lost with this app! Download it for Android devices here.

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iOS and Android, £1.99

This handy app offers over 950 digital walking guides in the UK. You can search by postcode, county, walk type or collection to find the route for you.

Use the app to add your own photos and comments to routes too. Download the app from the Apple store or Google Play.

iOS and Android, free

If you're a keen walker and always off on a fresh adventure, MapMyWalk is a great app to add to your collection. Keep track of your route, and share it with friends, while also tracking your performance.

This app has a social side too, so if you're hoping to find some new friends to ramble with, MapMyWalk could be the place to look. Download the app from the Apple store or Google Play.

iOS, free (in-app purchases)

Outdoors GPS gives access to ordinance survey maps offline, so you don't need to bring a map out with you. Hikers can choose from over 20,000 free routes and navigate using the built-in compass.

You can track your route and save your favourite walks to 'My Places'. It also highlights points of interest so you can share photos of your trek.

Download Outdoors GPS to your iPhone here.

If you're only an occasional hiker, you can also download a version just for national parks in the UK for £1.99: Outdoors GB: 15 National Parks.

iOS and Android, free (in-app purchases)

Explore the whole world with ViewRanger's free terrain maps which cover 23 countries in detail. If you're not sure about planning your own route, there are plenty of guides to flick through too.

Go for premium and once your out and about you won't miss the beauty of the landscape around you as the Skyline feature uses augmented reality to label peaks, places and points within your camera's view. Download the app from the Apple store or Google Play.

iOS, £1.99, and Android, £1.23

Add a mindful element to your stroll with the Walking Meditations app. If seated meditation isn't for you, then walking meditation is a great alternative.

The app guides you through each meditation and shows you how to experience your body and your surroundings fully. Download it for iPhones and Android devices.

iOS and Android, free

Did you know that walking briskly for just 10 minutes counts as exercise? With Active 10, an app from Public Health England, it's super easy to fit more walking bursts into your day. Set your goal, track your progress, see how you're doing with daily updates and track your progress to see how walking improves your health.

The app is available for both iPhones and Android devices, download it from the Apple store or on Google Play.

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iOS and Android, free (in-app purchases)

If you're just walking for fitness then a good pedometer is essential. Walkmeter GPS is a great way to track your activity and easily view your stats. It shows all your stats in handy graphs and allows you to track your walks.

While most features are free, there's also the option to upgrade to the elite version for £9.99. Download the app for iPhones and Android devices.

Android and iOS, free

World Walking, available for both iPhones and Android devices, is one for truly global explorers. Produced by the World Walking charity, the app aims to get people outdoors to improve their health and reduce heart disease. Download the app for Android devices and iPhones.