How to use a GPX file on your phone

What a GPX file is

GPX stands for GPS Exchange Format. It is a light XML format for exchanging GPS data between programs and web services, and it has been the standard way to share that data since GPX 1.0 was released in 2002. The current version, GPX 1.1, was released in 2004. Hundreds of programs, phone apps and GPS devices can read it.

A GPX file can hold three kinds of data:

• Waypoints: single named points, such as a viewpoint, a hut or a station.
• Routes: an ordered list of points that describes the way to go.
• Tracks: a detailed line of many points, usually recorded by someone who walked the route.

Knowing which one you have matters, because they look and behave differently on a map.

What the Waymark download contains

Many Waymark route pages offer a free GPX download. It is important to know what it is: the file contains points of interest in walking order, not a trail trace. The points are the landmarks along the route, located from public sources, so the file shows where the key places are and in what order you reach them. It does not show the exact line of the path between them.

That makes it useful for orientation, planning and checking your progress, but you should still follow the waymarks on the ground and carry a proper map. On long or remote routes such as the West Highland Way or the Tour du Mont Blanc, combine it with a detailed trail map or a recorded track from an official source.

Getting the file onto your phone

1. Download it. Open the route page on your phone and tap the GPX download. The file lands in your downloads folder.
2. Open it in a mapping app. Most hiking and mapping apps can import GPX files. On Android, open the file from your downloads and choose the app. On an iPhone, tap the downloaded file, then use the share button to open it in your app.
3. Or import from a computer. Many apps also let you upload a GPX file on their website and sync it to your phone.
4. Check it. Zoom in and make sure the points are where you expect them.

Make it work offline

Phone signal is often weak or absent on trails. Before you go:

• Download the map area in your app for offline use, covering the whole route plus a margin.
• Test it in flight mode at home to make sure the map and the points appear without a connection.
• Keep the GPS on. Your phone’s GPS works without a mobile signal, so your position will still show on an offline map.

Saving battery

GPS and a bright screen drain batteries fast. To make your phone last the day:

• Turn the screen brightness down and lock the screen between checks.
• Switch on battery saver and close apps you do not need.
• Keep the phone warm in cold weather, inside a jacket pocket.
• Carry a battery pack and a cable. The US National Park Service lists an extra battery for your phone under navigation in its Ten Essentials.

Using the file on the walk

• Check your position at junctions, not every five minutes. It saves battery and keeps your eyes on the path.
• Use the points as milestones. Ticking off landmarks in order is a good way to judge your pace against your plan.
• Trust the ground. If the waymarks, signs or a closure notice on the trail disagree with the file, follow the trail. Paths are diverted for erosion, works and safety.

When not to rely on the phone

A phone is a great tool, but it is not a full navigation kit. Batteries die, screens crack, and cold or rain can make touch screens hard to use. The National Park Service recommends carrying a physical map as a backup and knowing how to use a map and compass. On mountain routes such as Snowdon by the Llanberis Path, where weather can close in fast, this matters even more.

Recording your own track

Most apps can also record a track as you walk, which you can export as a GPX file. That is useful for sharing your route with friends, keeping a diary of a trip, or checking how far and how high you actually walked. Record with the screen off to save battery.

Sharing your plan

A GPX file is also a simple way to tell someone exactly where you are going. Send the file or the route page link to a friend or family member before you set off, with your start time and your expected return. Some apps can also share your live location while you walk. If you are late, the person at home knows which route to describe to rescuers.

A quick checklist

• Download the GPX from the route page.
• Import it into your mapping app and check the points.
• Download the offline map for the area.
• Test in flight mode before you go.
• Carry a battery pack and a paper map.
• Follow waymarks on the ground when they disagree with the file.

Keeping the file up to date

Paths change. A bridge is closed, a landslide forces a detour, or a park moves a trail to protect a habitat. Before each trip, download the GPX again from the route page rather than reusing an old copy, and delete earlier versions from your app so you do not follow the wrong line by mistake. If the file and the signs on the ground disagree, trust the signs and the local notices.

For everything else to carry, see our day hike packing list, and for longer routes our guide to preparing for a multi-day trek.