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 –

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:

• How well the touchscreen performs in wet and cold conditions

• Battery life and handling in the field

• The lack of a micro-SD card slot (and how that affects TalkyToaster map compatibility)

• Who it’s best suited for — whether you’re a day walker, family user, or new to GPS navigation

Andy has also added new walkthroughs, setup guides and practical tips to the Garmin eTrex Touch online training resource, available via the GPS Training website.

They finish by asking — is the eTrex Touch still one of the best entry-level GPS units on the market?

???? Explore the Garmin eTrex Touch at GPS Training

???? Watch the Walk & Talk video on the Garmin eTrex Touch

The 2026 GPS Training course calendar is now live, with more locations than ever before.
The two-day Garmin GPS courses are running in:

• South Downs

• Northamptonshire

• Gloucestershire

• Peak District

• Lake District

• Northumberland

These courses take you from “I’ve got a GPS” to “I actually know how to use it properly”. Early booking is recommended — places are already filling up!

New for 2026, GPS Training is launching TwoNav One-Day Courses in the South Downs and Northumberland, helping new TwoNav users get up and running with setup, mapping, and our free OS route planner.

And for those who’ve already completed the two-day Garmin course, there’s GPS in the Hills, an advanced one-day course focused on real-world route planning, on-hill navigation, and problem-solving.

???? View all Garmin GPS Training Courses for 2026
???? View all TwoNav GPS Training Courses for 2026

If you plan your routes in apps like OS Maps or OS Explore, then export a GPX for use on a GPS device, you’ll know how messy those files can get — with thousands of points, gaps, or strange spikes.

To fix that, GPS Training has launched a Free GPX File Cleaner — a quick, easy-to-use online tool that:

• Removes excess data points

• Fixes formatting errors

• Ensures compatibility with Garmin, TwoNav, and Suunto devices

Simply upload your GPX, let it process, and download a cleaner version ready for your next adventure.

???? Try the Free GPX File Cleaner

Andy shares his first-hand impressions of the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, the latest evolution of Garmin’s flagship adventure watch.
Discussion includes:

• Key upgrades from the Fenix 8

• The introduction of LTE-M and inReach messaging directly from the watch

• Improved battery life and brighter AMOLED screen

If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor watch, this one’s worth listening to.

???? Shop the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro

The GPS Training AI Support Bot has had a busy month — helping users get to grips with Garmin, TwoNav, and Suunto devices.

In this episode, Jon and Andy highlight some of the most common questions, including:

• How do I delete a track from my Garmin Montana 700?

• Can I navigate to a saved location on my Fenix 7X while still recording an activity?

• How do I open topo maps from an SD card in Garmin BaseCamp?

• What software should I use with a TwoNav device on my computer?

• Why does my Suunto watch show only a basic clock until I press a button?

As ever, expect a few light-hearted exchanges with the bot voice along the way!

???? Try the GPS Training AI Bot

We wrap up with Andy’s tried-and-tested navigation tips:

• Garmin Fenix 8: Turning off auto-lap for activities other than ultra mode, setting useful watch-face shortcuts, and holding ‘Back’ for quick access.

• TwoNav: Understanding the new “cross” icon on map screens and managing overlapping map layers (like British Isles vs GB Topo).

These are small tweaks that make a big difference when using your GPS devices in the field.

That’s it for this month’s episode! We’ve covered:

• The Garmin eTrex Touch field test

• The 2026 GPS Training Course Calendar

• The Free GPX File Cleaner

• A hands-on Garmin Fenix 8 Pro review

• This month’s Ask the Bot

• And of course, Andy’s Top Tips

As always, you can find more info, videos, and free tools at GPSTraining.co.uk.
Stay safe on the trails, and we’ll see you next month!