Posted by Baofeng UK on 7th Oct 2025

Best Walkie-Talkies for Hiking in the UK's National Parks (Lake District, Snowdonia, etc.)

Picture this: you’re cresting a windswept ridge in Snowdonia, the clouds have rolled in, and your hiking partner is a few hundred metres ahead, just out of sight. Or maybe you’re deep in a Lake District valley, admiring a waterfall, when you realise your group has split at the last fork in the path. In these classic British hiking scenarios, your mobile phone is often little more than a paperweight, displaying that dreaded "No Service" message.

This is where a reliable two-way radio, or walkie-talkie, becomes an essential piece of kit. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about safety, coordination, and staying connected when it matters most.

From the rolling hills of the Peak District to the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands, having a direct line of communication with your group is a game-changer. But with so many options available, which are the best walkie-talkies for hiking in the UK? Let's break it down.

What to Look for in a Mountain Walkie-Talkie

Before we dive into models, here are the key features every hiker should consider:

Durability & Waterproofing (IP Rating): The UK weather is notoriously unpredictable. A downpour can appear from nowhere. A waterproof two-way radio is a must. Look for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. For example, IP67 means it can survive being dropped in a puddle, while IP68 means it can be fully submerged in water for a period of time.
Battery Life: A long day on the fells requires a battery that can keep up. Look for radios with high-capacity Li-ion batteries and power-saving features to ensure you’re not left in silence.
Range: Manufacturer-stated range is always a best-case scenario. To find true long range walkie talkies suitable for mountains, you need to look at power output (watts) and antenna quality, as hills and trees will always reduce the distance.
Licensing: This is important and we'll cover it in more detail below. Simpler, lower-power radios are licence-free, while more powerful ones require a simple licence to operate legally.

Quick Comparison Guide: Top Hiking Radios

Model	Best For	Waterproofing	Key Feature	Licence?
Baofeng BF-888S PMR446	Beginners & Casual Hikes	No	Simple & Licence-Free	No
Baofeng UV-5R Mini	Lightweight & Backup Use	No	Ultra-Compact	Required (for most frequencies)
Baofeng UV-9R Plus	Enthusiast All-Rounder	IP67	Durable & Waterproof	Required
Baofeng UV-98 Pro IP68	Serious/Foul Weather Conditions	IP68	Fully Submersible	Required
Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS	Tech-Savvy Adventurers	Splashproof	Built-in GPS	Required
Baofeng DM-32 Digital	Ultimate Audio Clarity	Splashproof	Digital (DMR) Audio	Required

A Quick Word on UK Radio Licensing

You'll notice some of our more powerful radios mention that a licence is required. Don't let that put you off! It's more straightforward than you might think.

PMR446 (Like the BF-888S): These are 'licence-free' radios that work on the public PMR446 frequency. They are perfect for general use and work straight out of the box. No fuss.
More Powerful Radios (Like the UV-5RH Pro): To use the higher power settings and wider frequency ranges of these radios legally in the UK, you need an Amateur Radio Licence from Ofcom. The entry-level 'Foundation Licence' is accessible to everyone, often involving a short online course and a multiple-choice exam.

Why get a licence? It unlocks higher power for significantly better range in the mountains and gives you access to a wider community. Think of it as progressing from a casual walker to a serious, well-equipped mountaineer. For more info, the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) is the best place to start.

Our Top Picks for UK Hikers

Best for Beginners & Casual Day Hikes:

If you just need a simple, reliable, and licence-free option for keeping in touch on a stroll around Malham Cove, the BF-888S is the perfect starting point. It's simple, affordable, and does the job brilliantly.

Ideal for: Family walks, short hikes in the Peak District, and groups who want something effective straight out of the box.

Sometimes, size and weight are everything. The UV-5R Mini packs impressive dual-band functionality into a tiny package, making it perfect for trail runners or as a "just-in-case" backup radio.

Ideal for: Trail runners, minimalist hikers, or as a reliable backup device for your primary radio.

Baofeng UV-98 Pro IP68 waterproof walkie-talkie, ideal for skiing and outdoor adventures, with a durable design and clear two-way radio communication.

When the weather turns, you need gear you can trust. The UV-98 Pro is a true workhorse. Its IP68 rating means it's fully dust-tight and can be submerged in water. Its high power output (licence required) and rugged design make it one of the most effective long range walkie talkies for challenging British terrain.

Ideal for: Serious mountaineers, winter hikers, and anyone who refuses to let a bad forecast stop them. A top choice for reliable Lake District communication.

Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS Long Range Walkie Talkie Two Way Radio

For those who love their gadgets and prioritise modern safety features, the UV-5RH Pro GPS is the ultimate choice. Its standout feature is the integrated GPS, which allows you to see your coordinates and share your precise location with other compatible radios in your group. In a white-out on Helvellyn or during a navigation challenge in the Brecon Beacons, this ability to pinpoint your position can be a genuine lifesaver.

Ideal for: Expedition leaders, tech enthusiasts, and safety-conscious hikers who want the most advanced tracking features available.

Baofeng DM-32 Digital Mobile Radio DMR Walkie Talkie

If you've ever struggled to understand a crackly message over the sound of howling wind on a summit, the DM-32 Digital is the radio for you. As a DMR (Digital Mobile Radio), it offers crystal-clear, noise-free communication that has to be heard to be believed. It’s also dual-mode, so it can still communicate with older analogue radios.

Ideal for: Groups who demand the clearest possible communication, hiking in windy or noisy conditions, and users who want to future-proof their gear while retaining compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Walkie-Talkies

1. Why not just use my mobile phone?
While great when you have a signal, mobile phones are unreliable in the remote valleys and mountains of the UK's national parks. Walkie-talkies communicate directly with each other, requiring no external network, making them far more dependable in the wild.

2. What is the realistic range I can expect in the mountains?
The advertised range is always a best-case, flat-ground scenario. In hilly or forested terrain, expect a realistic range of a kilometre or two. The key is line-of-sight; the more obstacles between you and the other radio, the shorter the range. Higher-power, licensed radios will perform better in these conditions.

3. Is getting an Ofcom Amateur Radio Licence difficult?
Not at all! The entry-level Foundation Licence is very achievable. It typically involves a straightforward course (many are now online) and a multiple-choice exam designed to teach you the basics of safe and legal operation.

4. Can different models and brands of walkie-talkies talk to each other?
Yes! As long as they are set to the same frequency (or channel), they can communicate. All PMR446 radios work together, and more advanced radios can be programmed to match any frequency you need.

5. Can different models of walkie-talkies talk to each other?
Yes! As long as they are set to the same frequency (or channel), they can communicate.

A Quick Note on Mountain Safety

While a walkie-talkie is an essential piece of safety equipment, it does not replace the need for proper navigation skills and tools like a map and compass. Always have a backup plan and let someone know your route before you set off.

Final Thoughts: Stay Connected in the Great Outdoors

A mobile phone is a useful tool, but it's no substitute for a dedicated two-way radio in the UK's wild places. Whether you're navigating Striding Edge in a cloud or coordinating a family picnic in the New Forest, the right walkie-talkie provides a reliable lifeline.

Shop our recommended hiking radios today and never lose touch on the trail again!

Have a favourite model for the hills or a question about getting started? Contact Our Team