Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route

Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route by ghaff on Saturday July 17, 2021 @04:05PM (#27868398)

I essentially always have a paper map with me unless I know the place in question (and know it's on OSM). For relatively advanced hiking? I'll have a paper map and compass and will have looked up the details of routes in a guide book or online.

But, yes, I am older although probably more to the point I lead group hikes so I'm a bit anal about prep and safety. And hike in winter when electronics are especially suspect.

I would never consider heading up Ben Nevis based on Google Maps.

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Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route by spaetzleesser on Saturday July 17, 2021 @04:29PM (#27868571)

I don't use paper maps but always look at maps on gaiagps and alltrails to compare. I also look at guide books or articles about the route.

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Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route by ghaff on Saturday July 17, 2021 @04:45PM (#27868720)

That's certainly fair but, probably because I often hike in winter, I really don't want to potentially end up in a situation where I have a serious issue if my phone fails. Though they're pretty reliable, phones just have failure modes that physical maps don't.

I don't worry about it in casual situations especially when there are other people around. Shoot a photo of the map at the parking area for a casual hike? Sure. But I like having backups when I can.

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