Garmin Watches + OS Maps: The Ultimate duo for easy hiking navigation

Garmin Watches + OS Maps: The Ultimate duo for easy hiking navigation

Say goodbye to getting lost and hello to stress-free hiking navigation

In this video, I will showcase how I set up and effortlessly navigate on hikes using Garmin Watches and OS Maps. It’s a system I have been using for the past 16 months with my Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire and and is a great option for both beginner and experienced hikers.

Alongside using it to hike all over the UK and abroad, It’s played a major part in my successful attempts of the Welsh 3000s, Snowdon 6 Challenge alongside my Welsh Three Peaks Cycle. The process also works on the new Garmin Fenix 8.

Check out the OS Maps website for it’s premium subscription and Garmin Products: https://bit.ly/4fLC4dT

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50 Comments

  1. @ChrisHarwoodOutdoors on August 17, 2025 at 1:27 pm

    Hey chris, thanks for that, i got OS premium based on this video. Really struggling with other map downloads being stuck on 0% (irrespective of wifi speed) is there a fix for this?

  2. @nikolainikolov6701 on August 17, 2025 at 1:28 pm

    Are you stupid or what? Why are you using a GPS in this ugly country with cut down forests? Trust me, you can’t get lost unless you’re super stupid.

  3. @jamesbuddha1 on August 17, 2025 at 1:28 pm

    Very informative. Thank you.

  4. @rikbanter694 on August 17, 2025 at 1:29 pm

    Although you’ve downloaded onto your watch it’ll have topoactive maps or similar not os maps ….I had to pay for outdoor maps plus on my fenix 8 to get os on my watch … That said topoactive are good

  5. @705squad on August 17, 2025 at 1:31 pm

    Just purchased the fenix 8 …. luv it

  6. @kimmcb8037 on August 17, 2025 at 1:32 pm

    This is brilliant thank you!!

  7. @mikemoth on August 17, 2025 at 1:32 pm

    Clear as mud!

  8. @zdustman89 on August 17, 2025 at 1:34 pm

    Looks like you doxed your home location at 2:41, I suggest editing the video to remove it

  9. @Halliday-o3c on August 17, 2025 at 1:35 pm

    Incredible quality tutorial. I can’t wait to watch more videos man. Subscribed. Definitely a natural YouTube personality. Keep it up brother

  10. @challyho2u244 on August 17, 2025 at 1:38 pm

    I’ve never thought of using a power bank when hiking great idea what’s the best for the Garmin?and I’m now going to subscribe to OS maps didn’t realise you could do that with the routes and the garmin app I’ve only been into hiking since 2021 and I’ve got a fenix 6 pro solar and looking to upgrade to an 8

  11. @dk280888 on August 17, 2025 at 1:39 pm

    Describing having an actual map as “old school” is pretty terrifying

  12. @anthonyhitchings1051 on August 17, 2025 at 1:41 pm

    That app sounds great, too. Adthat I am in USA

  13. @kontankris on August 17, 2025 at 1:42 pm

    Altercations @ 2:00 🙂

  14. @LucieH1987 on August 17, 2025 at 1:43 pm

    Hi, Does it work the same for a handheld gaming device?

  15. @tominator369 on August 17, 2025 at 1:44 pm

    If this video does not motivate to go hike, then i don’t know what will

  16. @cuprajake1 on August 17, 2025 at 1:45 pm

    biggest thing i found is you have to activate the activity when you start lol

  17. @edwardfrench9925 on August 17, 2025 at 1:45 pm

    I remember camping up in that gully with my mum early noughties. Looked down to see a Jaguar stocking past then heard on the radio that the Air France Concorde had stacked it.

  18. @TheGamersAccess on August 17, 2025 at 1:47 pm

    When I do this my map has no typography and is very minimal, have I missed something?

  19. @CanuckQuest on August 17, 2025 at 1:48 pm

    Killer my friend. Thank you

  20. @robertholsey8006 on August 17, 2025 at 1:49 pm

    This was really helpful- thank you

  21. @byronwellburn on August 17, 2025 at 1:49 pm

    Got my sub mate. No bullshit and just the info I was looking for.

  22. @jackryan1962 on August 17, 2025 at 1:49 pm

    Brilliant video, very informative and absolutely love your drone work! Fantastic parallax on your panning shots. Just got a Tactix 7 Amoled and looking forward to using it in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains tomorrow. Thank you 👍

  23. @mbingham10 on August 17, 2025 at 1:51 pm

    Bit of a faff though I think personally

  24. @travellingDAS on August 17, 2025 at 1:51 pm

    Great video however carrying a paper map isn’t ‘old school’. It, and a compass (plus knowing how to use them) should be the first backup. We have become over reliant on electronics, while great, they can fail. I guess I’m also ‘old school’ for carrying a whistle as backup too.

  25. @Saintathantwinpeaks on August 17, 2025 at 1:52 pm

    I’m a bit disappointed that you didn’t protect your van better by strapping one wheel to your backpack. 🤣

  26. @vinceharte8276 on August 17, 2025 at 1:52 pm

    Does the OS premium include snap routes the Wainwright Coast to Coast, I entered the name as a route and not recognised.

  27. @emc4794 on August 17, 2025 at 1:53 pm

    You’re hardly testing your navigation skills if you’re following a line your watch! I get the distinct impression you thinking actually navigating with a map and compass is a bit old fashioned and pointless?

  28. @AndyBarker666 on August 17, 2025 at 1:53 pm

    Navigation is a skill, Not a technology.

    Batteries fail. To me this is setting a dangerous precedence, Which all Mountain rescue groups will agree with…

  29. @MonkDolomite on August 17, 2025 at 1:53 pm

    I recently took 2 families on the Ingleborough trail (from Clapham > Cave > Trow Gill > Gaping Gill > Summit and back). I got a Garmin Enduro 3 as a Christmas present, had the basic OS Maps App subscription but didn’t really know how to use any. On the way back, I wasn’t sure which way to go as it was getting darker, signal kept fluctuating and ended up following an experienced hiker heading down to Horton In Ribblesdale (4.4m off course from where the cars were parked)… Then had a tough time finding a ride back to Clapham on a winter evening … Back home in London, I am now searching for simple videos to plan routes, use offline and synch up to watches etc., This video was the simplest and most contextual I could find. Thanks a lot!

  30. @ColoradoCorgiDad on August 17, 2025 at 1:55 pm

    Never showed the map on the watch…which is what I want to see. Worthless but cool scenery bro

  31. @asclevas on August 17, 2025 at 1:56 pm

    Thanks, that was really helpful as a new Garmin user. Paper maps and compass isn’t old school, it’s a necessity, at least as a back up. Have a word with the Mountain Rescue chaps if you need convincing.

  32. @craigaubrey7812 on August 17, 2025 at 1:56 pm

    How do you adjust the data fields when you’ve loaded the course? I can’t seem to crack that

  33. @plannedserendipity on August 17, 2025 at 1:58 pm

    If you have a YHA membership the Premium OS maps subscription is cheaper if bought direct from OS online

  34. @DJVOutdoors on August 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm

    Using the map seems to drain the battery flat, I did a course and the battery was dead after 6 hours. I will only use the map when needed and won’t do a course.

  35. @g.g.3166 on August 17, 2025 at 2:01 pm

    Wow! I was just so marveled at the beautiful landscape. Awesome work! I just got a the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro sapphire and hope to use it soon here in the States. Keep up the good work.

  36. @onefoxstudio on August 17, 2025 at 2:02 pm

    OS Maps is a pure piece of shit made by donkeys. Never worked and never will. Offline maps never worked. Garmin maps are built in any recent watches and work all the time. Screw OSCraps.

  37. @dmytrochan7402 on August 17, 2025 at 2:07 pm

    But in constant navigation mode, the watch battery drains quite quickly…

  38. @tubefreakmuva on August 17, 2025 at 2:09 pm

    Cheers dog

  39. @mikemagarian6835 on August 17, 2025 at 2:10 pm

    Does OS Maps have similar service in the US?

  40. @mattsidebottom7603 on August 17, 2025 at 2:13 pm

    Would this go on a garmin venu watch?

  41. @joshgrundon6019 on August 17, 2025 at 2:13 pm

    what’s the cheapest model garmin watch this works on? Cheers!

  42. @xtheox16 on August 17, 2025 at 2:14 pm

    Do you have to buy outdoor maps+ to see a map on a Garmin watch? When I download a GPSx I just get a pink route on a white background

  43. @amircastilla07 on August 17, 2025 at 2:14 pm

    I must say the views were spectacular. Thank you so much. For a casual runner what could be some use case scenarios with the navigation features apart of the saved locations, distance remaining, routing? I would like to practice using it more to learn how to take advantage of all the possibilities rather than needing it. Any help or useful suggestions would be appreciated.

  44. @bryanwilliams9456 on August 17, 2025 at 2:15 pm

    Great video. Very good instructional format. Have a new Garmin watch so I appreciate the content. Going off subject a little but I am wondering what brand of trousers and jacket you are wearing in this video.

  45. @thegillfordcentre1872 on August 17, 2025 at 2:17 pm

    Good video but not sure maps and compasses should ever be called old school and should always be promoted as the standard recommended way to navigate properly. Tech, phones and watches are also great and I use my watch all the time but there are circumstances when map/compass are the easiest and only way to navigate properly. People should be encouraged to carry them at all times and have the skills to use them. Tech has too many drawbacks which would have been useful to describe on the video.

  46. @rocheuro on August 17, 2025 at 2:17 pm

    Wow I didnt know u have such an amasing places in UK ! i have to go back and hike there myself! amasing. I also like to hike solo as well as Duo with my sporty wifey 😀 best wishes for new year! btw. garmin Fenix 6pro is my GOTO for mapa and navigation . Garmin is so good at mapping and navi on a wrist.. it actually have no competition (at all).

  47. @josephjemello479 on August 17, 2025 at 2:21 pm

    Can’t believe a word of anything Garmin states about their products. And yes, I too have their premium service. However, the product you are pushing is a wee-bit disingenuous.

  48. @andrewpotter1217 on August 17, 2025 at 2:21 pm

    Great video and I have to agree on OS Maps …absolutely invaluable for route plotting etc. I recently bought the Fenix 7X Pro Solar and I’m highly impressed with it. Very fast gps latch on and very accurate. I put Talky Toaster UK mapping on it and it works perfectly. When hiking I also carry and use my Gpsmap67 with Garmin OS mapping for extra detail if needed. However for hands free use the watch is a great companion to have on a hike. Great footage on the video – must finally get to Pen y Fan …been saying it for years ! Once again great video and thanks for uploading!

  49. @AstralviewsUK on August 17, 2025 at 2:22 pm

    OS maps currently half price!

  50. @Robbielovesbushcraft on August 17, 2025 at 2:23 pm

    Hi there, I have just purchased a pre owned Garmin fenix 6x Sapphire can I do the same thing create the maps on OS then upload to my phone. Not too pc savvy so any info appreciated.

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