GPS Training Podcast – number 129

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.

First look at the Garmin Fenix 9, the GPX Toolkit and how long will we see the Garmin GPSMAP67i for?

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.

End of the road for BaseCamp, Castle to Castle, SOS on a Garmin without a contract and Andy's top tips

GPS Training Podcast – Episode 125 In this month’s episode of the GPS Training Podcast, Jon is joined once again by Andy from GPS Training. In this episode: Andy’s Update After The Lap 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. Do You Really Need Satellite Communication? 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. TwoNav Roc – On The Trail Review 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. Behind The Scenes at GPS Training 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’s Top Tips 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. Useful Links GPS Training WebsiteGPS Training Online GPS Training ResourceGPS Training Online Resource GPS Training YouTube ChannelGPS Training YouTube Channel Follow GPS Training on FacebookGPS Training Facebook Page Follow GPS Training on InstagramGPS Training Instagram Thank you for listening and, as always, safe walking and happy navigating.

In this month’s podcast Mad May – Half prices OS maps on the Garmin GPSMAP67i The biggest GPS mistakes we see every week 32gb TwoNav Terra being reintroduced, and the reasons why Why more people are getting rescued in the hills… and what we’re getting wrong – BMC article I recently read Andy’s Top Tips   —- 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 may run out of stock 👉 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 —- —- 3rd Story – 32gb TwoNav Terra being reintroduced, and the reasons why —- 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. Only need 64gb if you want to put on more than just 1:25k maps Memory prices (DRAM and NAND) have soared by 80%-90% in early 2026, driven by an AI-driven supply crunch. High-end memory demand for data centres has constrained supply for consumer electronics. 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… 18 to 24 year olds are now the most rescued group. 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: Social media hotspots pulling people into unfamiliar terrain Heavy reliance on mobile apps A lack of basic navigation and planning skills And you can almost picture the scenario: You follow a route you’ve seen online You rely on your phone Battery drops… signal disappears… And suddenly the “blue dot” stops moving 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… That’s a system under pressure. 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. Navigation feels “easy” with apps Routes are instantly accessible Social media makes everything look achievable 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. Better weather Longer days More spontaneous trips 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: Technology will keep improving Access will keep growing More people will keep heading outdoors But unless skills catch up, this trend isn’t going anywhere. 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. Top – in settings – display & brightness – Set Tap to wake to off then when screen goes off you need a physical press of the power button to unlock   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: – select activity top right – Scroll down & Select Hike, Trail run settings – Select Laps – Select Auto Lap & select by distance, next one down Auto distance change to 1 mile etc – Scroll down select lap alert , you can have two fields primary and secondary, I have primary as distance secondary as lap time – Lap Key I have off to stop accidental lap marks Suunto – Distance alert with time taken Add distance alert does include time: Select Activity top right Scroll down to Autolap, set as distance i.e 1 mile  

In this month’s podcast Garmin software update GPS Amnesty – get free OS maps on a TwoNav GPS unit UK GPX Walks Directory Premium OS Planner – within online resource Trade in – get an instant price Andy’s Top Tips 1 – Garmin’s software update The Problem (In Simple Terms) Garmin released new software updates in March 2026: – Montana 700 / 700i / 750i / 710 / 710i / 760i Updated from 24.30 → 24.50 – GPSMAP 67 / 67i Updated from 9.35 → 9.38 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 Montana 7 series** → v24.70 GPSMAP 67 / 67i → v9.40 You can read the full story on the GPS Training website, please just go to gpstraining.co.uk > More (top menu bar) > News > Garmin Update Issue (March 2026): OS Maps Missing on Montana & GPSMAP 67/67i – Here’s What You Need to Know 2 – GPS Amnesty – get free OS maps on a TwoNav GPS unit 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 Tell us about your current GPS unit and which new TwoNavNav unit you’re interested in. 2.    Receive your pack We’ll email you a printable PDF with full instructions. 3.    Send us your old GPS Print the form, include it with your unit, and post it to us. (It doesn’t need to be working.) 4.    We assess your unit We check it matches the details provided. 5.    Get your credit or mapping upgrade Depending on your device, you’ll receive a voucher or mapping credit (minimum £59, often much more). 6.    Order your new TwoNav GPS Use your credit towards your new unit and mapping. Key points: Open to any GPS unit, even broken or very old ones Runs for a limited time (27 March to 10 April 2026) Old units are either recycled or donated to community groups 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 4 – Premium OS planner 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 5 – Trade in – get an instant trade in price 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 Make sure your computer ideally has free memory of  25gb + Top after using the TwoNav Downloader programme uninstalling the program clears the temp files otherwise they stay 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 * Stiles, gates and benches * Water points * Enhanced footpath routing * Frequent updates 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 * The learning curve from cybersecurity into digital cartography * How programming skills and technical thinking helped shape the business — 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 * Publishing articles for the British Tarantula Society * Playing guitar * A love of science fiction 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 * OS-style appearance with added detail * Reliable routing for walking and hiking * Regular updates 7. For Tech-Focused GPS Users * Built from OpenStreetMap and NASA elevation data * Garmin-compatible formatting * Monthly updates across 500+ maps * Technical challenges behind contour generation and routing 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 Suunto was founded in 1936, celebrating 90 years in 2026 Anniversary marked with the Suunto Vertical Titanium Limited Edition Only 1,936 units worldwide Just 22 coming to the UK GPS Training is expecting at least 6 units What makes it special Titanium build Based on Suunto’s flagship outdoor watch A nod to Suunto’s expedition and navigation heritage, not fashion or hype This is a watch for people who actually go outside and use their kit 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 Nearest postcode now shown, not just exact matches Distance to nearest postcode displayed Shareable link that opens the map at the exact selected location Why it’s useful Convert between: Grid references Postcodes Lat/long Eastings and northings What3Words Ideal for: Finding car park grid refs Sharing locations with friends Dropping accurate points into a GPS You can look at the UK Grid Reference Finder online here. 3. The Last GPSMAP 67 Sold: A Handheld GPS Milestone GPS Training has now sold the last GPSMAP 67 Marks the end of a hugely important handheld range Brief history GPSMAP 66s October 2018 First appearance of this case design GPSMAP 66i InReach satellite communication added GPSMAP 66sr Multi-band GNSS for improved accuracy GPSMAP 67 / 67i Refinement rather than reinvention Why this range mattered Rock-solid reliability Physical buttons Big improvement in screen and battery over older models Trusted by walkers, mountaineers, and professionals 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 Rather than the App you can plan on your computer, bigger screen, use a mouse for ease Routes you plan can be synced to the mobile app with one click of the mouse so that when you open the mobile app they are there to quickly send to your watch Of you plan routes on other software’s on your computer i.e. OS, GPS Training route planner etc or downloaded from websites, rather than email them to yourself to then open and import to app simply import them into web planner and select the upload sync You can view routes you have planned on the app within the Web planner 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 Using Live Track on Garmin devices in connect app will pull down phone battery, With the new Fenix 8 pro from Garmin you can use LTE tracking on the watch standalone, will use more watch battery but not your phone Make sure in the Connect App More menu – Safety & Tracking – Live Track – Auto start on, you can have show course & spectator messaging Then on the connectivity settings on your watch turn of phone connection and then also in Connectivity settings make sure Garmin Share enabled and on LTE & Satellite Status does include an option with LTE & LTE Mode Auto Tested using Fenix 8 Pro 51mm with route navigation and LTE Tracking, Satellites Auto, screen on gesture and would have achieved approx. 28 hrs 16-mile hike only a couple of very small parts, loss of LTE , LTE 4g signal will depend on area

Getting to Grips with Your GPS in 2026 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. What’s covered in this episode 1. The GPS Training Online Resource – more here 24/7 access to step-by-step training videos Covers current GPS units and older models Ideal if you like learning at your own pace A single GPS unit can have 50+ dedicated videos 2. One-to-One GPS Training (Zoom or In-Person) –  more here Tailored entirely to how you walk, run or navigate Perfect if you want focused help on specific issues Ideal for people short on time or lacking confidence 3. Two-Day GPS Training Courses (Nationwide) – more here Hands-on, outdoor, practical GPS training Learn route planning, following routes, trackback, and emergency scenarios Designed to build real confidence, not just button-pressing knowledge 4. Follow-On & Refresher Training, GPS in the hills – more here Options for those who already own a GPS but want to go further Particularly useful if you’ve never fully used your device’s features 5. Choosing the Right Training for You Advice on matching training options to your experience level Why there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to GPS learning Key takeaway 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.