FAQs - GPS Waypoint Data Files on your Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone

Q. Can I use my Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone as a GPS for Walking and Hiking?

Your Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone is no substitute for a sophisticated and dedicated GPS Device which determines and tracks your position via orbiting satellites.

However, providing your Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone has enough battery power and it can establish and maintain a strong, reliable mobile phone signal, it should be able to locate your position.

Much depends on which GPS App you are using and we recommend testing both in familiar surroundings before venturing into the hills.

In any event, you should always take detailed walk route instructions, a suitable Ordnance Survey Map and a compass with you and know how to use them.

Q. How do I get GPS Waypoints on to my Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone?

A. Locate the Walk you wish to tackle (via Walks or Search) and scroll down. If GPS Waypoints are available for that walk you will see an option to download them.

Q. What format are the GPS Waypoints in on my Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone?

For ultimate flexibility and convenience, GPS Waypoints are available in a number of different formats:

GPX format (latitude,longitude)
in OS GRID REFERENCE* format
in GPS WAYPOINT* format

. . . so you can cut and paste them into your favourite GPS App on your Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone.

*Position Format = British Grid and Map Datum = ord srvy GB

For example here are the first couple of GPS Waypoints for Walk c242 Latrigg from Keswick and how they appear on your Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone:

Walk c242 Start Point
54.60060,-3.13700
NY266234
NY 26630 23430
Walk c242 Point 1
54.60411,-3.13165
NY271238
NY 27056 23803
Walk c242 Point 2
54.60689,-3.13543
NY268241
NY 26757 24117

If you TAP (Click) each DARK BLUE LINK above it will open the Google 'Maps' App on your Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone and drop a Red Pin showing the location of that point on the walk (as described in the Walk c242 Route Instructions).

Q. Will The Google 'Maps' App on my Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone show my my current position?

Subject to the local mobile phone signal strength and the number of nearby mobile phone masts, the 'Maps' App will display your current position as a small blue dot surrounded by a larger bluish circle. Your postion is somewhere within the larger circle. The smaller the circle, the more accurate the estimate. But beware - we have found this to be rather hit and miss and Google themsleves only claim to offer accuracy to within 1000m (1km or 5/8 mile). On occasions, particularly in remote locations, it may not be possible for your Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone to establish your position at all. In any event, you must have Location Services for 'Maps' set to 'On'. Re-launching the App from time to time can have a beneficial effect.

Q. Will The 'Directions' option within the Google 'Maps' App on my Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone lead me from each GPS Waypoint to the next?

A. No. The 'Directions' option within the Google 'Maps' App is designed for urban use. It does not include ANY information about footpaths or rights of way and does not work in rural areas.

Q. How do I get the Google 'Maps' App on to my Mobile/Smart/Cell Phone?

A. Visit Google Maps for mobile using your phone's web browser and follow the on-screen instructions.

Q. Can I download GPS Waypoints and Google Maps to an Apple iPod Touch or iPad?

A. Yes - but only if your particular device has Mobile Phone connectivity or can be thethered to a Mobile Phone.