Cell phone navigation?

Get a decent paper map/maps

Not Scotland, but I used downloaded Google maps in both Sicily and Spain. It worked well except for a couple times in cities where buildings blocked the signal and the phone couldn’t acquire a satellite. We also have a Garmin as a backup as well as a paper map. Where an app comes in handy is when entering or leaving a town. It eliminates some wrong turns. Once out of town, the regular road signs are sufficient.

I haven't been to Scotland. I love Maps.me. It's free. I download the appropriate maps when I have wifi and then use offline. It works for car and walking. YES, make sure to have a paper map as back up or for overviews.

I use Google maps as it is good for both driving and public transportation. It can get quirky at time but overall it is the best option for me when traveling (and all other times). Waze is good for cities and long drives as it will alert you to road hazards and speed traps and I use it on long road trips sometimes.

I prefer not to download maps as I like the navigation in real time and I have enough data to use it when needed. Google maps is also good for rerouting if you take a wrong turn, and can give you instant information about places you pass or visit along your route.

But I do agree that you should have a paper road map at the ready, just in case.

Hi, ks,

There aren't that many roads in the Highlands (and Islands). Invest eight pounds in an up-to-date AA road atlas., and invest in a compass (which you should have anyway, for hiking in the Northwoods). That will get you by, and you won't have to rely on technology.

Enjoy the Highlands!

Best wishes for your holiday.

Mike (Auchterless)

Google Maps worked just fine for me in July but I mainly drove islands and not as much in the Highlands. I saved it, with my destinations marked, as an offline map as a back up in case I hit an area with no cell phone reception.

We just spent weeks driving all over Scotland. I fired up Google Maps and my wife loaded Waze, which we use all the time at home, as backup. Both worked great everywhere we drove.

Whichever app you pick, make sure to pre-download the relevant map as your connectivity will be iffy in the hinterlands. My personal solution is to have bought a used Garmin dashboard device on eBay for $20 and pre-load my expected routes for each day of the trip. We use google Maps when walking around cities trying to find specific places.

Regarding iffy connectivity... There were spots -- but only very very infrequently on the loneliest of roads, which mostly we couldn't possibly divert from intentionally or otherwise -- specifically on A897. Nothing is a sure thing -- especially with Internet connectivity, but we even received What's App calls and cell phone calls on A836 from Skye to Strathy. And we were in some remote locations on that road.