In today’s podcast we are going to look at the following –

We have an interview with Mike Brockhurst who runs the website the ‘walking Englishman’.

After our chat with Mike we look at downloading the ‘GPX route files from his site’, don’t worry if that sounds like a foreign language, it will all be explained.

Andy’s top tips – both SatMap and Garmin

And then finally we will look ‘Mad March’, what’s it all about?

1. Our interview with Mike Brockhurst, the walking Englishman  – 

I recording this interview with Mike last week and it exceeded all expectation, he had been on my radar for a little time now but only when I interviewed him for the GPS Training Podcast I realised what a truly inspirational story he has.

2. GPX files, what are they and how do we get them on our GPS unit?

After my chat with Mike we really need to explore in depth the .gpx files that we referred to in the interview.

What is a .gpx file?GPX is as a common GPS data format used by GPS Devices and many software applications. It can include waypoints, tracks, and routes. 

Are these compatible with any outdoor GPS device?Yes with all the makes that we sell e.g. Garmin, Satmap, Memory Map.

What other file formats will people come across when looking for ‘routes’ (which could be tracks) when online?There are other formats eg kml google earth, .fit watches, look for .GPX file for GPS device 

So back to .gpx and the Walking Englishman website how do we get these onto our GPS unit, both Garmin and SatMap?Click on GPX Route file and look in your downloads for file, majority named as trackfile.gpx some are mane of walk.gpx, Import to basecamp then send to unit, satmap satsysnc or with new Active 20 copy and paste 

What other websites or places can we source these .gpx files from? Search internet some we use www.gps-routes.co.uk, www.walkhighlands.co.uk

How will we know if these .gpx files are routes or tracks, perhaps we should first explain the difference between the two before you tell us how to work out which they are?Route something you plan in software, track normally a recording of where someone has walked, in Garmin basecamp footprint icon shows track, 3 boxes joined together shows Route, SatMap puts in Routes folder. 

How do can we check they are on your unit.Garmin Where to magnifying glass, Where to, Find search Routes or Tracks, SatMap Turn unit on / off Main Menu – Routes Menu

Any tips you have when downloading .gpx files and getting then on your GPS unit?

Garmin number of via points check in Basecamp -Direct Route 250, Track 10,0000 or Oregon 7** series 20,0000, SatMap does not have same stipulation but we do tend to try and stick to under 250 x points otherwise can be slow to load, different websites sometimes have their own instructions for download i.e. Right click save as, save link as, any issues with website itself contact website owner, create folder on desktop to save gpx downloads to

Andy’s top tips

Garmin – eTrex Touch, Oregon 7** series when changing batteries – turn off  - change batteries – turn on – use where to magnifying glass to check still navigating route etc, from map page swipe up – satellite signal far left – press start to restart recording.

SatMap – Charging Active 20, large capacity 5000mah recommend turn off when charging and use genuine plug in mains rather than pc, will charge quicker.

3. Our Mad March offers from GPS Training

What is Mad March?

As Easter is traditionally the start of the walking season we have a different offer each week in the lead up to Easter.Each of and these run from Thursday morning each week and not changes every week.

This week we have a free Birdseye Voucher with any Garmin GPS unit with full GB OS maps at 1:50k maps.

What is a Birdseye Voucher?

Download 3000 sq km of OS 1:25k, France IGN 1500 Sq km some other countries listed on our website under GPS Store – Garmin Mapping

You may be asking why is the Mad March offer only ...