Explore and enjoy
Your North Pennines adventure starts here
An app to help you explore
The North Pennines Trails app helps you discover the landscapes, wildlife, heritage and stories of the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.
You can use the app while exploring the area or from home using the virtual tours. Each place featured in the app connects to nearby trails, stories and points of interest.
Download the app
Free to download at explore.northpennines.org.uk
You can use this hybrid web app to guide you on the ground or to experience the landscape and nature of the North Pennines from home using the virtual tours. Each place on the app connects to trails in the surrounding area. As well as directions and route guidance, we’ve included information on what you can see along the way, with information on everything from wildlife to industrial heritage.
Quick tips
- Download the app to your smartphone using the links above
- Turn on location services for the full guided experience
- Select trails by difficulty level or interests
- Search by keyword or zoom in on the map
- Bookmark favourite places, stories and trails
- Points of interest appear as you progress along routes
Using the search function
Search using:
• The search bar at the top of the homepage.
• The interactive map.
• The places section (either by scrolling through the places or by using the right arrow)
Following a Trail and Waypoints
Waypoints are numbered locations along a trail. Each waypoint includes directions, information about the landscape, wildlife, history and features to look out for.
To use waypoints:
1. Start a trail.
2. Follow the route map.
3. Read waypoint information as you travel.
4. Use the blue arrow to track your location.
Geotrails
Geotrails are themed routes exploring geology, wildlife, history, industrial heritage and landscapes. They often include interpretation at waypoints.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks let you save favourite trails, places and stories.
To view bookmarks:
1. Select the bookmark icon.
2. Open any saved item.
Virtual tour
Virtual Tours allow you to explore locations remotely or preview a walk before visiting.
To access a Virtual Tour:
1. Open a trail or place.
2. Select Virtual Tour.
3. Follow the images and directions.
Map icon
• The map icon opens the interactive map of the North Pennines.
• Numbered circles show how many trails are nearby.
• Zoom in to reveal individual blue markers.
• Select a marker to view trail information.
Compass
The compass icon on the green navigation bar returns you to the homepage.
Stories
Stories provide information about themes including, wildlife, geology, local history, people, heritage and conservation.
To find Stories:
1. Select the books icon on the navigation bar.
2. Browse and select a story.
Trails
Trails are guided walking routes that include directions, route maps, waypoint information and points of interest.
Starting a Trail
1. Open a trail.
2. Review route details.
3. Select Start Trail.
4. Follow the map and directions.
Places
Places are featured locations across the North Pennines. Each place contains descriptions, photos, activities, weather information and nearby trails.
Exploring a Place
1. Select a place.
2. Read the description.
3. Select Show More.
4. Browse available trails.
5. Open a trail map or virtual tour.
Icons
• Compass – Return to homepage
• Map – Open the interactive map
• Books – Opens the stories section
• Bookmark – Your saved places, trails and stories
Icons within the interactive map
• Blue marker – Place or trail
• Numbered cluster – Multiple locations
• Blue arrow – Your current position on a trail
Selecting your preferences
Open the app and select the settings icon beside Hello, Explorer. You can adjust accessibility settings, difficulty levels, preferred activities and topics of interest.
Installing and allowing location permissions
T1. Turn location on using your phone settings
2. Open your browser and visit explore.northpennines.org.uk
3. Allow location access when prompted
4. Select Install or Add to Home Screen
5. If the prompt does not appear, use your browser menu to add the app manually
6. Locate the North Pennines app and add it to your home screen
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