Bowland GPS Trails with Yorkshire Dales Guides (Dave Gallivan)

Lots of people will have heard about GPS but they might not know what they are or how much fun you can have with one.

GPS actually stands for Global Positioning System which is a network of satellites and ground stations that provides a world-wide navigation system.

The handheld GPS which people use for walking receives the satellite signals and lets you know your location down to a few metres.

It works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day

There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use one.

GPS trailers use the GPS to take them around a very specific route and you answer questions as you work your way round. It is like a high-tech treasure hunt. Only things that are permanent features are used.

Yorkshire Dales Guides have initially set up several GPS Trails in Bowland at the Slaidburn, Bleasdale, Abbeystead, Barley and a biking one at the Dalesbridge Centre near Austwick,

They are particularly designed to allow families and other groups and individuals to take part in.

Yorkshire Dales Guides also run day events to introduce people to the basic skills in using a GPS as well as traditional map and compass skills. A GPS is not a substitute for a map as you still need to be able to interpret your route.

You can follow the Trails using just a map and compass if you do not have a GPS.