GPS Training Podcast

In this month’s podcast

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 iss...

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 thes...

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

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

The final episode of the year – winter GPS tips, end of an era for the 67, multi-day adventures, Christmas wish-lists, and the AI Bot in action.

Episode Overview

In this month’s episode, Jon and Andy wrap up 2025 with a bumper winter edition of the GPS Training Podcast. They discuss the sudden end of the Garmin GPSMAP 67, compare the best units for winter use, dive into watches vs handhelds for multi-day adventures, and explore what people are asking the GPS Training AI Support Bot. They finish with their Christmas gear wish-lists and Andy’s shortcut tips.

Welcome to the GPS Training Podcast, where we explore the latest outdoor navigation kit, training opportunities, and tools to make your time on the hills easier and safer.

In this month’s episode, Jon and Andy dive into a packed line-up –

1. Field-Tested Review – Garmin eTrex Touch

After several weeks of walking with the Garmin eTrex Touch, including filming a new Walk & Talk video, Jon and Andy share their real-world impressions.
They cover:

Battery life and handling in the field

The...

In this month’s GPS Training Podcast, Jon and Andy are back together — and there’s plenty to talk about!

What’s inside this episode:

First thoughts on the Garmin GPSMAP H1 / H1i Plus

We take Garmin’s brand-new handheld out into the field and share our first impressions: the rugged build, touchscreen performance, new features like the flashlight and siren, and whether it’s worth upgrading if you already own a GPSMAP 67i.

Andy’s Windermere Lap adventure

Andy laced up for a full circuit of England’s largest lake...

Welcome back to the GPS Training Podcast! This month Jon sits down with adventurer Ian Hughes, whose journey has taken him from leaving school with no qualifications to serving in the Royal Green Jackets, working as a deep-sea saturation diver, and now aiming for one of the biggest challenges on earth — the Explorers Grand Slam.

Tomorrow, Ian begins his GPS Training course ahead of attempting a solo, unsupported ski to the South Pole. In this episode, we hear his story so far, how he’s preparing, and what keeps him motivated to take on such extreme adventures.

In this month’s episode, Jon flies solo while Andy enjoys a well-earned holiday. We’ve packed a lot in — from brand-new GPS tools to the latest watch launches. Here’s what you can expect:

📰 News Round-Up

Satellite Messenger Plan Calculator – Compare real-world costs of Garmin, ZOLEO, and Spot devices.

Garmin inReach Cost Calculator – Work out the ongoing costs of owning an “i” series GPS unit.

COROS NOMAD GPS Watch – Adventure-first design with journaling features, but will GPS Training stock it?

Garmin Running Metrics – New Running Tolerance and Running Economy tools to help p...

GPS Training Podcast #114 – GPX Files, Suunto Insights & Long-Distance GPS Choices

Welcome to another packed episode of the GPS Training Podcast!

This month, Jon is joined by Andy from GPS Training to cover:

🔁 1. Reflections on the Suunto Interview (Podcast #113)

Andy shares his key takeaways from the mid-month chat with Dan Southam, Suunto’s UK Marketing Manager.
👉 Watch the full video interview with Dan Southam here »
What stood out?

GPS Training Interview with Dan Southam – Suunto Marketing Manager – Special mid-month podcast.

In the 113th episode of the GPS Training Podcast, John interviews Dan Southam, the UK Marketing Manager for Suunto, a Finnish outdoor brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1936. Dan outlines Suunto’s journey from inventing the liquid-filled compass to developing advanced GPS watches designed specifically for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Suunto’s core mission is to inspire people to get outside and explore mountainous terrains and trails safely, providing reliable technology tailored for activities like trail running, hiking, bikepacking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Dan high...

New Inreach subscriptions, Post Spine Race catch-up, Suunto Wing Bone conductor headphones and Suunto summer deals

In this month’s podcast

1.   New inReach subscriptions
2.   Spine Race 2025 – post race chat
3.   Suunto Wing bone conduction headphones – first thoughts
4.   What’s hot this month – Suunto Summer deal
5.   Andy’s top tips
6.   New segment – Some of the tech questions asked to the GPS Training AI bot over the past month

1. New inReach Subscriptions


🟢 Talking Points:

– What are Garmin inReach products?
– Garmin has simplified all inReach subscriptions — no more Freedom Safety, Recreation, or E...

AI support bot, Goal Zero, 1:1 training and Andy’s top tips

In this month’s podcast

Solution for 24/ 7 support

Sits within online resource – links to videos etc

Training the bot – 3,218 pages of information – an internal bot (no incorrect info_
All created by ourselves here at GPS Training
Tried uploading manuals etc, but made it very Americanised and...

Harvey Maps is a specialist British mapmaker known for producing highly detailed, award-winning walking and outdoor maps. Founded in 1977, the company focuses on creating maps designed by walkers, for walkers, with clarity and accuracy at the heart of everything they do.

Their maps are trusted by mountain rescue teams, event organisers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, especially for challenging terrain like the Munros, Lake District, and national trails such as the Pennine Way. Printed on tough, waterproof paper and built to withstand the British weather, Harvey Maps are the go-to choice for serious navigators.

In this...

Trump tariffs, Watch v Handheld, Harvey Maps and Andy’s top tips

In this month’s GPS Training Podcast

Andy’s top tips

1. Trump Tariffs – GPS prices

Only effects Garmin?

Although Garmin is an American company, most of its GPS products are manufactured in Taiwan, which is now facing a 32% import tariff.

9th April original date of tariffs, but then put on pause for 90 day...

SatMap/ TwoNav upgrade offer – last week, Outdoor Expo – Birmingham NEC and lots more

In this month’s podcast

In this episode of the GPS Training podcast, we cover:

1. Suunto Range of Watches

We break down Suunto’s latest lineup, highlighting the differences in display types, battery life, size, and navigation features. From the vibrant AMOLED screens of the Race and Race S to the solar-powered, ultra-long battery life of the Suunto Vertical, we compare how they stack up against competitors like the Garmin Fenix 8. We also share real-world insights from the Spine Challenger North winner, who put these watches to the test on a gruelling 160-mile challenge!

2. Exclusive Interview with Paul Gr...

In this special ‘mid-month’ podcast we interview Paul Grundy, winner of the Winter Spine Challenger North 2025

In this month’s podcast

1.   Garmin Montana 710, 710i and 760i

What are the differences between the 710, 710i and 760i?

Upgrades –

– USBC – we put an an adapter

– Double the memory – 16gb to 32gb

–  The ability to download free Topo Active maps other regions – also via wifi now if you add wifi via Garmin express first this should change

–  Improved battery life – 18 hours > 24 hours

Garmin Montana 710
Ga...

What would you like to see from GPS Training in 2025?

In this month’s podcast

1. What would you like to see from GPS Training in 2025?

Asked for questions for TwoNav in the last podcast and had a good response, many thanks for that – More about that later

So what would you to see from GPS Training in 2025?

Video ideas

Training ide...

Winter walking, an update from Zoleo, a look back at 2024 and Andy’s top tips.

In this month’s podcast

1.   Winter walking – some things to think about

1. Batteries

2. Powerbank, don’t forget your cable to charge your mobile phone or wireless charging

3. Escape routes, planning for the worst-case scenario – watch a video – planning your walk.

4. Two-way satellite communication – this has become a lot more affo...

What training opportunities do we have coming up in 2025, Fenix 8 – 6 weeks in and Andy’s top tips.

In this month’s podcast

1.   What courses do we currently have?

1. Online resource – £50.00/ year (included free with and GPS purchase)

2. Support packages – Bronze, Silver and Gold – £80.00/ £125.00/ £145.00 / year (included free with and GPS purchase)

3. Group training courses over Zoom – £...

Coris Vertix 2s, new inReach contracts, the all-new Garmin inReach Messenger plus and Andy’s top tips.

In this month’s podcast

1.   First thoughts on the Coros Vertix 2s

Robust tough sapphire screen sunlight readable, titanium bezel, big battery not all the bells and whistles but so easy to use.

The new Garmin Fenix 8, Irish mapping for a TwoNav GPS unit and a new GPS Training course for 2025.

In this month’s podcast

 1. It’s our 100th podcast

Sorry it’s a little late in the month, normally it is the 1st of every month.

Holidays and very busy at GPS Training

If you do not already do please subscribe to the GPS Training podcast on whatev...

In this podcast, we look back at the past 99 episodes of the GPS Training podcast.

The first ever GPS Training Podcast went out on Sept 15th 2017 – 7 years ago

I had been on holiday that summer and first learnt about Podcasts and had got slightly ‘hooked’ on them, or one particular – Big Ideas for Small Business, which incidentally I was interviewed for 2 years later.

I loved the format of the podcast, long-form, which you invested in.

I remember the first ever day I pitched the idea at one of our staff meetings I was me...

In the second of our x 4 Podcasts for August, we look back at the past 10 years of GPS Training.

Shepherds Walks bought GPS Training in 2014

Bought GPS Training from Peter Judd, Peter had his own business and retired to the Lake District.

He worked for George Fishers in Keswick and could see a space in the market for GPS Training.

The first ever GPS Training course was in Mungrisdale, Lake District.

First x 5 years very hard but we quickly learnt that a more informed customer made life a lot...

How is Shepherd’s Walks made up? x 4 aspects of the business in 2024 – multi-million-pound turnover

Shepherds Walks – Events, courses, retailer and guided walks

Shepherds Walks Holidays – Guided and self-guided walking holidays

Capricorn Mohair Socks – 60 + trade accounts and retail

GPS Training/ Outdoor GPS Shop – largest retailer of Outdoor GPS units in the UK, I know what our competitors sell, not very professional to say what they sell

1999 – Shepherds Walks – Northumbrian Shepherds Walks

– But, let’s go a back a little further than that

I’m Jon Monks –

School...

In this month’s podcast

1. We look back this year’s Spine Race and how we each got on – 00:50

2. TwoNav software update – what has changed – 22:22

3. Apple’s announcement – Two-way satellite communication – 28:06

4. Andy’s top tips – 36:10

1. We look back to this year’s Spine Event

Andy took part in

– Spine Challenger South – Started Saturday morning – 15th June –
108 miles
60 hours to complete
Edale to Hardraw
CP1 – Hebdon Hay, CP 1.5 – Malham Tarn

Jon took part in

– Spine Challenger North – Started Monday morning – 17th...

This year’s Summer Spine Race series, GPS accuracy, getting the best battery life on a GPS unit or watch whilst participating in an Ultramarathon and Andy’s Top Tips.

In this month’s GPS Training Podcast 

1. We look forward to this year’s Spine Race and how our race prep is doing – 1 min

2. GPS accuracy – What is good, settings and how have things changed over the years? – 26 min 35 seconds

3. Getting the best out of your battery – during an ultra event – both units and watches – 36 minutes 55 seconds

4. Andy’s top tips – 45 minutes 5...

In this month’s podcast 

1. Spot Gen4 – satellite communicator/ tracker – 1 min 30 seconds

2. Garmin backpack tethers –  has your cord become frayed? – 17 min 27 seconds

3. Free OS planner – many thanks for the donations – 25 min 27 seconds

4. Andy’s top tips – 30 min 54 seconds

Pricing – Plan prices are in Euros also in small print you do need to also add on 20% vat to all prices shown.

Unlimited messages–  Unlimited is only for email contacts if you send any messages including Check-in, Custom & help messages to a Mobile number you have a tota...

Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC, TwoNav Roc, Going overseas and Andy’s top tips

In this month’s podcast

1. What was going on at Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC – 2 min

2. TwoNav Roc – a new edition to the range – 6 mins

3. Taking your GPS overseas, what should you do ahead of your trip – 23 min 15 seconds

4. Andy’s top tips – 34 min 30 seconds

1. The National Outdoor Expo – last weekend, Birmingham NEC

Many thanks to everybody who came along to say hello.

I was on the Zoleo stand and spoke to many l...

Bullitt, TwoNav, PSMA map cards and Andy’s top tips

In this month’s podcast

1. What is going on at Bullitt, the creator of the Motorola Defy – satellite link? – 2 min 31 sec

2. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air – quick update – 13 min 15 sec

3. Mountain rescue teams – PSGA map cards – Garmin – 26 min 33 sec

4. Andy’s top tips – 30.08

1. Bullitt – maker of the Motorola Defy Satellite Link

In late January filed for bankruptcy

Founders were paying for service to continue for 1 month

We are over that time period and everything...

TwoNav, a breath of fresh air and what is going on at Bullitt, the creators of the Motorola Defy – Satellite link

1. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air – 2:00 minutes in

2. What has been going on at Bullitt, the creator of the Motorola Defy – satellite link? – 33:45 minutes in

3. Andy’s top tips – 46:51 minutes in

1. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air

Backstory – TwoNav has been on our radar for several years.

6 or 7 years? OS teamed up with TwoNav to create a OS branded GPS unit.

We bought one at that stage and...

In this New Year’s Day Podcast, we look back on 2023 and ahead to 2024.

– The year that was 2023

January

– Looking forward to 2024 – what would we like to see

The all-new eTrex solar and live tracking on the Motorola Defy – Satellite Link

In this month’s podcast –

1. After we discussed the Garmin eTrex SE last month Garmin released the eTrex solar last month, the first solar powered GPS unit

2. Nationwide GPS courses for 2024

3. Live tracking – Motorola Defy – Satellite link – Beta resting and our thoughts

4. Al Pepper – our first ‘Ambassador’

5. We then have Andy’s top tips

1. Garmin eTrex solar

After we have had the Garmin inReach SE for a 8 months it is great to see this up...

Garmin eTrex SE, 7 months on, GPS in the Hills and which app should you be using?

The big 90, that not bad going.

In this month’s podcast –

1. eTrex SE – 7 months on

2. GPS in the Hills – last course this/ last weekend – what is this course all about?

3. BaseCamp, connect, explore – which and for what scenarios – When using alongside a Garmin handheld unit?

4. We then have Andy’s top tips

– Garmin eTrex SE – 7 months on

The Garmin eTrerx SE was launched on the 14th March, in the same day the...

1:25k maps options and the Garmin GPSMAP67 series – 7 months on.

In this months podcast –

1. Advantages of 1:25k maps – 1 week left of map deal

2. GPSMAP 67/ 67i – 7 months in – our thoughts

3. Using a headtorch with a GPS unit, as the nights draw in

4. We then have Andy’s top tips

1. Advantages of 1:25k maps – 1 week left of map deal

Half-priced 1:25k map card with selected units – Offer ends 8th October

– Garmin GPSMAP 67/ 67i
– Garmin Montana 700/ 700i

Garmin led promotion – £175.00 saving as normally £349.99

Limited edition Coros Apex 2 Pro Chamonix Edition, New series on YouTube, map options and Andy’s top tips

In this month’s podcast –

1. The new limited edition Coros Apex 2 Pro Chamonix Edition – GPS Watch

2. The new series on YouTube – FAQ’s

3. Map options available for an Outdoor GPS unit and the pros/ cons of each

4. We then have Andy’s top tips

The new limited edition Coros Apex 2 Pro Chamonix Edition – GPS Watch

It must be good as Andy’s bought himself one and even my wife likes it! ...

Our thoughts on Motorola Defy – Satellite Link, Coros watches and Andy’s top tips

In this month’s podcast –

– Motorola Defy – Satellite Link

It has been with us for a couple of months now, what is it?

Key features –

The Spine Challenger race – Post-event catch-up.

As both Andy and I competed in it and we both have our own stories from the event we thought it best to bring in a guest presenter this month.

And this is Jane, my long-suffering wife, who also has her own Spine story after spending lots of time in the area, both when I was personally out doing my recce’s of the route and also running around, dropping off, dot watching and just like Andy and myself getting very little sleep during the event itself.

If y...