GPS and GPX Explained
Guidance on the Walks
Mapping Routes with GPS and GPX Files
We are happy to provide walkers with downloadable GPX files which will help navigating along all the Millennium Way and it's Circular Walks.
GPS stands for " Global Positioning System " which is a navigation system operated by satellites orbiting the Earth. It is widely used in-car as a "Satnav". Using the same technology it is possible for walkers to use GPS by downloading walking routes to a GPS device such as a Garmin or a smartphone which has suitable software such as OS Maps or MapmyWalk. It will work equally well with both an iphone (IOS) or an Android operating system.
GPX is simply an international GPS format computer file, which can be used to show the route on a suitable device which contains a map - preferably a detailed Ordnance Survey style map. GPX files can also be opened in Google Earth.
We have outlined each route on a digital map, creating a series of " way points " along the route. This route is saved as a GPX file for you import to a suitable device. You can the required GPX files from the walk details section of the walks pages.
In order to use any GPX file on your device you will first need a suitable App pre-installed. Suggested apps Apple App Store and Google Play
To make best use of the GPX download files it is best to have some form of mapping App on your mobile device. We would recommend an OS map, either 1:50 scale or preferably 1:25 scale as the latter shows more detail, in particular the field edges.
Have a look at the following if you are interested. All will involve a fee for access to the maps but the OS App is particularly good value and has a reasonably priced annual subscription which gives you access to all the OS maps covering the whole of the UK, a much cheaper option than purchasing the paper versions ( Landranger & Explorer maps.)