The short answer
For most UK hill walking, your phone’s GPS plus offline maps works well, as long as you protect the battery and carry a backup. Where there is no mobile signal, a phone can still show where you are but can’t share it; satellite messengers fill that gap. Always leave a route plan with someone, and don’t rely on a phone alone in the mountains.
Phone GPS for walking and hiking
- Download maps offline before you go; GPS works without signal, but map tiles don’t.
- Protect the battery: airplane mode with location on, a power bank, keep the phone warm.
- Carry a paper map and compass and know how to use them.
Safety and emergency communication
- Leave a route plan and expected return time with someone.
- Share your location with a trusted person while you have signal.
- In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the police, then mountain rescue.
- No signal? A satellite messenger or personal locator beacon can send an alert or position without mobile coverage.
Dedicated GPS devices and satellite messengers
Handheld GPS units have long battery life and rugged builds. Satellite messengers send your position via satellite, so someone at home can follow you where phones can’t reach; they usually need a subscription. See GPS without signal for how offline GPS works.
Where TrackLink fits (and doesn’t)
TrackLink is built for businesses tracking working teams, not personal hiking. It can suit outdoor businesses — guides, outdoor activity instructors, estate and countryside staff — that want to see where their team is during working hours. It is not a safety or emergency device and depends on mobile signal to share positions live.
Common questions
Does phone GPS work in the mountains without signal?
GPS works without signal, so your phone can show where you are on offline maps. It can't share your location until it reconnects.
What is the best GPS tracker for hiking?
For most walkers, a phone with offline maps and a power bank. For remote areas without coverage, add a satellite messenger.