GPS Waypoint Routes?

Q. Many thanks for your prompt response. Much appreciated. (see Uploading GPS Waypoints and Where are the GPS Waypoints)

The problem is with me, I think, not your explanations!

My understanding of my GPS device is still fairly tenuous - as a result of your advice I have (re)discovered the technique for finding GPS Waypoints on the Garmin. The GPS Waypoints were there as you predicted.

The upload from your sample file came in as individual GPS Waypoints which need to be combined into a route whereas the examples within the GPSU freeware uploaded as routes.

Is this what you would expect? And would this also be the case for uploads from your website?

Dr Philip Smith

A. It is. We don't supply our GPS Waypoints as a route because some GPS Devices do not support this facility. However, if you have a GPS that does support routes you can quickly and easily create your own.

Most of our walks that include GPS Waypoints have 10 Waypoints or less and these are placed at strategic locations/major changes of direction around the walk. The idea is that you set your GPS to 'GOTO' the first GPS Waypoint and it will keep you going in broadly the right direction while allowing you to enjoy the view and follow the route instructions and the map without having to continually check your GPS every 20m.

If you prefer to follow a 'route' this can be can easily be created by (on a Garmin Etrex) navigating through the menu screen to 'Route' (using the side buttons) and then selecting 'add waypoint to route'.

Since most go4awalk.com walks have 10 GPS Waypoints or less (you really don't need more than this except for longer walks like the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk, The Pennine Way or Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk) - creating a route is incredibly quick and easy.

In my experience though - following a route (as opposed to individual waypoints) is dissatisfying since as soon as you arrive within 25m or so of your first Waypoint, your GPS automatically points to the next Waypoint. This means you might not realise you have arrived at your chosen destination (say a minor but important Wainwright on your tick list). If you miss it - you cannot celebrate in the glory of achieving your goals (and if you cannot participate in a bit of celebration in your achievements - what is the point?)

Besides, why anyone would want to drive all the way to The Lake District, Snowdonia, The Peak District, The Yorkshire Dales or Scotland (or anywhere else for that matter) and spend your day staring at a 30mm x 55mm LED Display every 20m when they are surrounded by the most stunning mountain paths, incredible views and beautiful vistas that this country has to offer is frankly beyond me.

Mike (Editor)

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