GPS Training

In this episode of the GPS Training Podcast, Jon and Andy look at some significant changes to Garmin map card pricing, explore the satellite options available on the latest GPS watches, share an update to the GPX File Toolkit, and finish with Andy’s Top Tips.

In this month’s GPS Training podcast –

1. Garmin Map card prices – changes ahead

2. Satellite options available to you – GPS units and watches

3. Changes to the GPX File Cleaner

4. Andy’s top tips

Garmin has increased the prices of many of its map cards from 1st October, with some substantial increases both here in the UK and overseas.

UK Ordnance Survey map cards have increased to:

Some overseas Garmin map cards have risen even more sharply. TOPO Switzerland has increased from £104.99 to £169.99, while regional TOPO Canada cards have gone from £73.99 to £149.99. TopoActive maps for Africa, Australia & New Zealand and North America have increased from £49.99 to £149.99.

We discuss whether these changes could encourage more Garmin users towards the Outdoor Maps+ subscription, currently £4.99 per month or £49.99 per year. For UK users, however, Outdoor Maps+ includes Harvey mapping rather than Ordnance Survey mapping.

GPS Training can hold the previous map card prices until Monday 5th October.

Find out more at GPSTraining.co.uk → GPS Store → Maps

GPS watches and handheld GPS devices now have access to an impressive range of satellite navigation systems, but which settings should you actually use?

We look back at Garmin’s traditional options, including GPS Only, GPS + GLONASS, GPS + Galileo, All Systems and All Systems + Multi-Band.

We then take a closer look at how this has evolved with SatIQ and Garmin’s different power modes, particularly on the fenix 7, fenix 8 and new fenix 9.

On the fenix 9, the choices have become Max Accuracy, Normal, Extended Battery and Max Battery. We discuss what appears to be happening behind each setting, including which satellite systems and frequencies are being used and how frequently your position is updated.

The key question is whether you always need maximum satellite accuracy, or whether choosing a lower-power satellite mode could give you considerably longer battery life while still providing all the accuracy you need for a particular activity.

Last week we introduced three new tools within the GPS Training Online Resource:

These tools form part of our move away from Garmin BaseCamp, giving GPS Training customers a much simpler way to work with GPX files alongside our Free and Premium Ordnance Survey planners.

This month we’ve made another significant update to the Premium GPX File Cleaner.

You can now convert routes to tracks and tracks to routes, as well as control the number of waypoints within a route. This is particularly useful for Garmin GPS users who need to bring a route below the 250-point maximum.

Alternatively, you can leave all the points in place while editing the route within our Free or Premium OS Planner, then clean the file ready for your GPS afterwards.

Find out more at GPSTraining.co.uk → Online Resource → Tools → GPX File Toolkit → Premium GPX File Cleaner

Rather than repeatedly changing individual settings for different activities, Andy explains how to create a Focus Mode on the Garmin fenix 9.

For example, if you want the AMOLED display to remain permanently on while you’re in the gym, you can create a Gym Focus Mode, configure the display and alert settings exactly as you want them, then choose which activities automatically trigger it, such as Strength, Cardio and HIIT.

Go to Watch Settings → Focus Modes → Add → Activity and create a Focus Mode to suit you.

You don’t necessarily need your watch running at maximum GNSS accuracy for every activity.

Andy recommends experimenting with the different satellite and battery modes available on your watch and seeing what works best for the environment you’re in.

On the fenix series, select your activity and then change the Activity Power Mode. Suunto users can also select an activity and go into Exercise Options → Battery Mode, where options such as Performance, Endurance, Ultra and Tour alter the satellite configuration, recording frequency and other features to extend battery life.

Understanding these settings means you can make an informed choice between maximum positional accuracy and maximum battery life, rather than simply leaving your watch on the same setting for every activity.

For GPS training, GPS and outdoor navigation advice, our Online Resource and the latest Garmin GPS products, visit GPSTraining.co.uk.

Welcome to the September edition of the GPS Training Podcast. Jon is once again joined by Andy from GPS Training as we catch up on some of the biggest GPS developments from the past few weeks.

The all-new Garmin Fenix 9

Garmin has launched the new Fenix 9 range, and we take a first look at what has changed.

We talk through the different Fenix 9 models, including the standard Fenix 9, Fenix 9 Pro, Fenix 9 Pro inReach and the solar-powered Fenix 9 Pro inReach Solar.

We also discuss some of the headline upgrades, including the brighter 3,000-nit AMOLED display on the Pro models, increased 64GB storage, titanium construction and the satellite and LTE capabilities available on the inReach versions.

If you’re trying to make sense of the new Fenix 9 range, we break down the key differences and who each model might suit.

Watch/read our first review of the Garmin Fenix 9.

New GPX File Toolkit

We’ve added three new GPX tools to the GPS Training Online Resource:

We explain why we’ve developed these tools, how they fit alongside our Free and Premium OS planners and how they can help you manage GPX files without relying on Garmin BaseCamp.

How much longer will the Garmin GPSMAP 67i be around?

The GPSMAP 67i remains a hugely popular outdoor GPS, but more customers are now moving towards Garmin’s newer GPSMAP H1 and H1i Plus.

We compare the GPSMAP 67i, H1 and H1i Plus, looking at their screens, battery life, memory, inReach satellite communication and the additional features available on the H1i Plus.

With the GPSMAP 67i now discontinued in the USA, we also ask the big question: how much longer will it remain available in the UK?

Andy’s Top Tip

Finally, Andy shares another practical GPS tip. This month we’re looking at the Garmin Fenix 9 and how to lock the buttons, helping prevent those accidental button presses when you’re out walking, running or navigating.

For more information about everything discussed in this month’s podcast, head over to GPSTraining.co.uk.

You’ll find our Garmin Fenix 9 first look and unboxing, our comparison of the GPSMAP 67i, H1 and H1i Plus, and the new GPX File Toolkit inside the GPS Training Online Resource.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll be back next month with another GPS Training Podcast.

GPS Training – learn from the experts.

In this special episode, we sit down with Davy Newell, the creator of THE LAP, one of the UK’s most popular ultra-distance events. Covering 47 miles around the shores of Lake Windermere, THE LAP welcomes both runners and walkers and has grown from just over 100 participants in 2019 to a sell-out event every year.

Davy shares his fascinating journey from growing up in Northern Ireland and travelling the world, to organising charity events, being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and ultimately creating THE LAP. We discuss the inspiration behind the event, why he believes the little details make all the difference, and how his focus has always been on giving every participant, whether they’re chasing a course record or simply hoping to finish, an unforgettable experience.

We also explore route planning, GPS navigation, waymarking, participant safety, working with local landowners, and what it really takes to organise a large-scale outdoor event in the Lake District. Whether you’re an ultra runner, a long-distance walker, or simply enjoy getting outdoors with a GPS, there’s plenty of inspiration and practical insight in this episode.

In this episode we cover:

Whether you’re planning your first long-distance walk, looking for your next adventure, or simply curious about what goes into creating one of Britain’s best-loved outdoor events, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to the July edition of the GPS Training Podcast. Jon is once again joined by Andy from GPS Training to discuss the latest GPS news, product updates and practical navigation tips to help you get the very best from your GPS device.

With Apple preparing to remove Rosetta from a future version of macOS, many Mac users are beginning to see warnings that Garmin BaseCamp will no longer work.

We explain what this means, why GPS Training has been preparing for this change, and the new solutions we’ve developed to help both Mac and Windows users transfer GPX files to their GPS devices without relying on BaseCamp.

We also discuss how our GPS courses and online training are evolving to reflect these changes, making route planning and transferring GPX files easier than ever.

This weekend Jon takes on the Castle to Castle Ultra, a 100-mile challenge from Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle.

The aim is to complete the event in around 36 to 40 hours while raising money for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, who are working towards purchasing a new £150,000 rescue vehicle.

Garmin has begun rolling out a significant update that allows the SOS button to continue working on a growing number of compatible inReach devices, even when your subscription has been suspended.

We explain:

Andy shares three practical tips that could make using your GPS even easier:

GPS Training Website
GPS Training

GPS Training Online Resource
Step-by-step video guides covering the new BaseCamp alternatives, GPX file transfers and much more.
GPS Training Online Resource

Read more about the Castle to Castle Challenge
Find out more about Jon’s fundraising challenge for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team.
GPS Training News – Castle to Castle fundraising page

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review. It really helps others discover the GPS Training Podcast.

Safe walking, happy navigating, and we’ll see you next month.

In this month’s episode of the GPS Training Podcast, Jon is joined once again by Andy from GPS Training.

Andy returns from taking on The Lap, a challenging 47-mile ultra-marathon around Lake Windermere. We discuss how his training went, the highs and lows of race day, what kit worked well, and what he learnt from the experience. If you’re considering your first ultra event, there are plenty of useful insights and lessons to take away.

Satellite communicators are becoming increasingly popular with walkers, runners, and outdoor adventurers. We explore who might benefit from carrying a satellite communication device, the situations where they can provide additional peace of mind, and whether they’re something the average outdoor enthusiast genuinely needs.

Jon shares his real-world experiences using the new TwoNav Roc. Rather than looking at specifications on paper, we discuss how the device performs out on the trail, including mapping, route following, ease of use, battery life, and who it may be best suited to.

A look behind the curtain at some of the content we’ve been creating recently for our Facebook and Instagram channels. From product testing and training videos to event preparation and life at GPS Training, we share what goes on when the cameras are rolling.

Andy rounds off the episode with a selection of practical GPS and navigation tips to help you get more from your outdoor adventures this summer.

GPS Training Website
GPS Training

Online GPS Training Resource
GPS Training Online Resource

GPS Training YouTube Channel
GPS Training YouTube Channel

Follow GPS Training on Facebook
GPS Training Facebook Page

Follow GPS Training on Instagram
GPS Training Instagram

Thank you for listening and, as always, safe walking and happy navigating.

In this month’s podcast

—- 1st Story – Mad May – Half prices 1:25k OS maps on the Garmin GPSMAP67i —-

Garmin led promotion – we cannot offer this discount without them.

– 1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k map card –

RRP – £349.99

Normal bundle price – £295.00, when bought with a GPS unit

But in May – £175.00 (£120.00 off bundle price, or £175.00 off standalone price)

Garmin GPSMAP67i – RRP £549.99, we have had it reduced to £499.99 for a little while now.

BUT, we are not increasing it in price, we are selling it with the map card offer at this discounted price.

Garmin GPSMAP67i with 1:25k, 1:50k and 1:25k – Yesterday’s price – £794.99

Mad May price – £674.99 (saving £120.00)

We will take your unit/ map card as a trade in – Look for the big button on the product page to get an instant trade in price

More about the offer here

To find out more > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units

—- 2nd Story – The biggest GPS mistakes we see every week —-

When we ordered from TwoNav back in March, we got a small amount of 32gb TwoNav Terra’s in stock, as we were told they were not going to make any more.

Therefore TwoNav have done a U-Turn and this month going to start producing 32gb TwoNav Terra GPS units again.

It will be June before they filter back onto the market.

To find out more > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units

—– 4th Story – Why more people are getting rescued in the hills… and what we’re getting wrong —-

With the May Day weekend coming up, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit something that was highlighted just before Easter… but hasn’t gone away.

The British Mountaineering Council recently shared new rescue data, and it paints a really interesting picture of what’s happening in the hills right now.

Callouts are up around 24% since 2019, and here’s the headline that grabs you…

Now, that’s not about ability. It’s not that younger people are less fit or less adventurous.

If anything, it’s the opposite.

More people are heading outdoors than ever before… and that’s brilliant.

But here’s where it gets uncomfortable.

The real issue isn’t the hills… it’s how we’re navigating them

The BMC points to a growing trend:

And you can almost picture the scenario:

You follow a route you’ve seen online

That’s when a simple day out turns into a rescue callout.

And here’s the stat people don’t talk about enough

In 2024, there were 3,842 rescue callouts across England and Wales.

Mountain Rescue teams are out every single day.

They’re volunteers.

And in some areas, they’re dealing with multiple incidents a day.

That’s not just a safety issue…

So what’s actually changed?

This is where it gets interesting for discussion.

It’s not that people are more reckless.

It’s that the barrier to entry has dropped.

But what’s missing is the decision-making layer.

As one BMC spokesperson put it, people are often seeing “perfect weather” online… but not the reality on the hill.

This is the uncomfortable truth

Phones aren’t the problem.

In fact, used properly, they’re brilliant.

The problem is overconfidence without understanding.

And that’s something we’re seeing more and more.

The May Day reality

If Easter is busy, May Day is often worse.

Which means more people heading out… often without much preparation.

And the pattern repeats.

The big question for us (and the listeners)

So here’s the discussion point:

Are we doing enough to teach people how to think in the hills… not just how to follow a route?

Because:

But unless skills catch up,

Simple takeaway (strong close)

The hills aren’t getting more dangerous.

We’re just going into them differently.

And maybe the real skill now isn’t navigation…

It’s knowing when not to rely on the tech in your hand

—- 5th Story – Andy’s top tips —-

GPSMap H series & Touch

Calls from customers if carrying in pocket find have managed to unlock the screen.

Fenix 8 watches – Distance alert with time taken

Since updates noticed distance alert only shows distance and not time taken, you can set this from auto lap as follows:

Suunto – Distance alert with time taken

Add distance alert does include time:

In this month’s podcast

The Problem (In Simple Terms)

Garmin released new software updates in March 2026:

– Montana 700 / 700i / 750i / 710 / 710i / 760i

– GPSMAP 67 / 67i

These updates were intended to fix issues (including a “copy reversed” track problem), which is all well and good…

 But in the UK, they’ve caused a much bigger problem.

What’s went wrong?

After updating, users are reporting:

– OS Maps (Topo Pro V3 1:25k, 1:50k, 1:250k) no longer display

– Preloaded TopoActive maps also disappear

– You’re left with a very basic, almost unusable map screen

In short… your premium GPS unit suddenly feels very basic.

And that’s not acceptable, especially when many users rely on Ordnance Survey mapping for safety and navigation.

– FIX NOW AVAILABLE (23rd March 2026)

Good news.

Garmin have now released new firmware updates which resolve the issue with OS maps and TopoActive maps not displaying correctly on affected devices.

If you’ve been affected, you can now safely update.

New Firmware Versions

Upgrade your GPS for less with our limited-time GPS Amnesty. Trade in any old unit, working or not, and receive credit towards a new TwoNav GPS.

How the GPS Amnesty Works

1.    Fill in the form

2.    Receive your pack

3.    Send us your old GPS

4.    We assess your unit

5.    Get your credit or mapping upgrade

6.    Order your new TwoNav GPS

Key points:

Walk and talk videos

– Walk and talk – TwoNav Terra – watch it here

– Walk and talk – TwoNav Aventura 2 plus – watch it here

To find out more go to GPSTraining.co.uk > More > News > GPS Amnesty – 2026

3 – UK GPX Walks Directory

What is a GPX file?

Our community sharing their walking routes

Currently, 218 walks to download

Training videos underneath take you through how you download them and transfer onto a GPS Unit/ GPS watch

If you have walked routes (tracks or courses) please do upload them to the GPX library.

Be the ambassador for your area, if you have a large number of walks to upload get in touch and we can help you or give you some free training if you prefer to do it yourself.

To find out more go to GPSTraining.co.uk > More > UK GPX Walks Directory

There is a premium (full-screen version) within the Online Resource > Courses > GPX Library > Day Walks

Everybody had access to the Free OS Planner – GPSTraining.co.uk > OS Planner (top menu bar)

But this sits within a window and people have been asking for a ‘Full screen’ version.

This was brought to the fore, as we had our first TwoNav GPS Training course, and we decided to make this the default route planning software to plan on (on our TwoNav GPS training Courses)

There is a premium (full-screen version) within the online resource > Courses > Premium Ordnance Survey Route Planner

If you are looking at upgrading your GPS units, we can take your old unit as a trade in.

In the past you filled in a short form and we came back to you.

Now, according to you answering a handful of questions it will give you a trade in price, there and then, and even give you a trade in form to print out and include in with your GPS unit.

On any product mage (both units and watches) you will now see a big button.

6 – Andy’s top tips

Memory issues on computer can cause problems when downloading Purchased maps to TwoNav or updating Topo Active Europe Maps

TwoNav Map install – When downloading maps using TwoNav downloader on a computer , the maps are first saved on temp files within the Downloader program before going to your device, if you have low memory the downloads can fail, also make sure in your power settings computer not set to shutdown

Garmin – Updating Topo Active Maps using Garmin Express, as above make sure good memory on your pc and make sure computer not set to goto sleep

Do not open up Garmin Basecamp when updating maps.

GPS Training Podcast – Episode 122

**Interview with Martin Overton, Founder of TalkyToaster Maps**

In this episode, we sit down with **Martin Overton**, the founder of TalkyToaster Maps, to explore the story behind one of the most detailed and widely used third-party map providers for Garmin GPS devices.

1. What Are TalkyToaster Maps?

Martin explains what TalkyToaster maps are and who they’re designed for. With over 500 maps covering almost every country and updated monthly, TalkyToaster provides highly detailed, Garmin-compatible maps built using OpenStreetMap data and NASA elevation models.

We discuss how these maps differ from standard Garmin topographic maps. TalkyToaster maps often include additional detail such as:

* Field boundaries

For many walkers, hikers and geocachers, this extra detail improves confidence and navigation accuracy, especially in rural and remote areas.

We also explore why users choose TalkyToaster over official Garmin mapping. Cost, routing accuracy, map freshness and level of detail all play a part.

—

2. Martin’s Journey from Cybersecurity to Cartography

Martin shares his fascinating background in IT and cybersecurity, including over 35 years in computer security and ethical hacking.

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast who grew up hiking mountains such as Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, Martin combined his technical expertise with his love of the outdoors after buying his first Garmin GPS for geocaching in 2008.

Frustrated with the mapping available at the time, he began creating his own. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into TalkyToaster Maps.

We talk about:

* The early days of map-making

—

3. The Story Behind the Name (and the Man)

Yes, the name *TalkyToaster* does come from the Red Dwarf character.

Martin explains how the name began as a geocaching handle and eventually became the brand itself.

We also uncover some unexpected sides to Martin:

* Keeping tarantulas and scorpions

It’s not your typical mapping company backstory.

—

4. Supporting Mountain Rescue

TalkyToaster’s British Isles map operates on a donation basis, helping to raise funds for UK Mountain Rescue teams.

Martin explains why supporting Mountain Rescue matters to him personally and how the outdoor community benefits from that approach.

—

5. For Walkers, Hikers and Tech Enthusiasts

We round off the conversation by looking at how TalkyToaster maps serve two audiences:

6. For Outdoor Users

* Improved trail and footpath coverage

7. For Tech-Focused GPS Users

* Built from OpenStreetMap and NASA elevation data

We also discuss device compatibility, installation options, and how TalkyToaster caters for both plug-and-play users and those who prefer full manual installation.

—

This episode is ideal for anyone using Garmin GPS devices who wants better mapping, greater detail and a deeper understanding of what sits behind the screen when navigating outdoors.

If you enjoy your navigation with a side of geeky detail and real outdoor passion, this one is well worth a listen.

Big news from Suunto, updated UK Grid reference finder, the end of the Garmin GPSMAP67 and Andy’s top tips.

1. 90 Years of Suunto

What makes it special

This is one of the most meaningful limited editions Suunto have ever released. Proper heritage, proper scarcity, and a watch that’s actually designed to be used.

More information about Suunto’s anniversary can be found here.

2. GPS Training Website Update: UK Grid Reference Finder Improvements

What’s changed

Why it’s useful

You can look at the UK Grid Reference Finder online here.

3. The Last GPSMAP 67 Sold: A Handheld GPS Milestone

Brief history

Why this range mattered

Garmin GPSMAP67i – more here

4. Andy’s Top Tips

Suunto Web Based Route planner:

Did you know Suunto have a web-based Route Planner routeplanner.suunto.com

Online resource – Multi Activity Watches – Suunto Race or Vertical – Module 3 unit 5 Using the Suunto Web browser Route planner

Garmin FENIX 8 Pro tip using LTE tracking only £7.99 a month unlimited LTE tracking

In this New Year’s Day episode, we look at one simple question many walkers and runners ask at the start of the year:

“How do I actually get confident using my GPS?”

Rather than talking tech for tech’s sake, this episode walks through the practical training options available through GPS Training, helping you choose the right level of support for how you use your GPS.

1. The GPS Training Online Resource – more here

2. One-to-One GPS Training (Zoom or In-Person) –  more here

3. Two-Day GPS Training Courses (Nationwide) – more here

4. Follow-On & Refresher Training, GPS in the hills – more here

5. Choosing the Right Training for You

Getting the most from your GPS in 2026 isn’t about buying new kit — it’s about understanding the kit you already have. With the right training, a GPS becomes a genuine confidence tool rather than a frustration.

If you’ve ever thought “I know my GPS does more than I use it for”, this episode is a great place to start.