Sat nav

Walking with free satellite navigation

Try the free satellite navigation on your next walk

Did you know that if you have a smartphone you can follow any of our walks using satellite navigation? It works in much the same way as it does in a car.

Just download the free GPS (global positioning system) navigation file for the walk, open it in a free navigation app, then follow the arrow on your smartphone screen. If you want you can turn the volume up for voice prompts.

And it's all absolutely free (apart from buying a smartphone and having a data plan that is). You do not need a paid-for subscription app to follow our walks.

All the navigation files on our walks have been created by us and have been tested several times to ensure they are accurate. We create GPS files in GPX and KML.

I create the first versions of the files before we set off on the walk. Then, when we are out checking the route prior to publication, we record another GPS file which I later merge with the original to make sure everything is spot on.

So, if you would like to try the free satellite navigation just do the following.

1: Download one of the free GPS navigation apps to your smartphone. I use several just to make sure the route works. The free Komoot is always reliable and easy to use. The free GPX Viewer is also good. And I also subscribe to the Ordnance Survey app because it helps me find local rights of way (ROW) and locate pubs.

2: Next, select the walk you want then download the GPX file for that walk. I find the GPX file works in most viewers. You will find the links to the downloadable file in the text under the static map towards the top of the directions on any walk page, see the red circle on the image below, taken from Walk 188.

The link to the GPX file is under the static map on every walk

3: Once you have downloaded the GPX file, simply open it using your preferred free navigation app, and you are all set.

We have some more tips here about how to use GPS with our walks. Here is what Walk 188 looks like when opened in the free Komoot.

Walk 188 downloaded to the free Komoot navigation app

Problems with downloading

Someone on our Facebook page reported having problems with their phone not giving them the option to option a downloaded GPX file in the free Komoot. If this happens, try this:

1. Download the GPX file from Hertfordshire Walker to your phone.
2. Open Komoot.
3. Click on 'Profile', which is the third icon from the left in the tray of icons at the bottom.
4. On the page that opens look for the word 'Tours' in the middle of the page then click the plus '+' sign to the right of the word 'Tours' (see first image below these instructions.
5. On the page that opens, click 'Import a file (GPX, FIT or TCX)'.
6. You should then be taken to your download folder or given you the option to navigate to it.
7. Locate the GPX file you just downloaded from Hertfordshire Walker and click on it.
8. On the page that opens, click on 'Import tour', taking care to import the cleanest complete version. There might be two. This is because we often have to reroute a walk when testing it. Please select the clean version, usually the second version (see second image below these instructions).
9. Click 'Import and Plan'.
10. Choose 'Hiking' and click 'continue'.

Point 4 above - click on the '+' to the right of the word 'Tours'

Select the cleanest version (usually the second option) then import

All our walks will always be free to download and enjoy on any device. We don’t have a paid-for subscription app; you don’t need one to enjoy our walks. Save your money for refreshments along the way. Our's is a hobby shared with a growing community of fellow walkers; we don't do this to make money.

Click here if you want to know more about the steps involved in creating a walk on Hertfordshire Walker.

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