Behind the scenes at GPS Training
Behind the Scenes at GPS Training: An 11-Day Diary
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at GPS Training?
From unpacking the latest GPS units and GPS watches to filming tutorials, preparing training courses, testing new products and supporting customers, this series offers a glimpse into everyday life at GPS Training.
Join Jon and the team as we share the stories, challenges, successes and occasional surprises that come with running the UK's leading GPS training and outdoor navigation business.
A new behind-the-scenes video is added regularly, so check back often to see what we've been up to.
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Day 1 (Friday)
The Journey Begins
The first day of our Behind the Scenes at GPS Training series starts with Jon's early morning routine, including a 3-mile walk with Rory the Border Collie before heading to the office. Discover how the day begins behind one of the UK's leading GPS training and outdoor navigation businesses.
Day 2 (Saturday)
Switching Off to Move Forward
On day two, Jon heads into the Northumberland Hills with Rory the Border Collie for a long training walk and reflects on the importance of stepping away from the business. He shares how GPS Training uses AI to automate everyday tasks, allowing more time to focus on the bigger picture and future growth of the business.
Day 3 (Sunday)
Planning the Week Ahead
On day three, Jon shares how the week is planned at GPS Training, from long-term projects and new ideas through to daily tasks, staff schedules and upcoming training courses. Discover the systems and planning processes that help keep GPS Training and the wider business running smoothly behind the scenes.
Day 3 Bonus Video
Successes, Failures and New Ideas
In this bonus Sunday reel, Jon reflects on some of the projects that have succeeded and failed at GPS Training. From online Zoom courses that never took off to the success of the OS Route Planner, Grid Reference Finder and AI Support Bot, it's an honest look at how new ideas are tested, refined and sometimes abandoned as the business evolves.
Day 4 (Bank Holiday Monday)
Keeping Things Moving
Even on a Bank Holiday, the work doesn't stop completely. In this episode, Jon gives a glimpse into the GPS Training office, explains how AI is helping automate everyday tasks, and shares how the team prepares for a busy week of training courses, customer support and outdoor events.
Day 5 (Tuesday)
Meet the Team
On day five, Jon takes us behind the scenes at GPS Training headquarters in Northumberland and introduces some of the people who keep the business running day to day. From processing orders and supporting customers to organising walking holidays and challenge events, discover the team behind GPS Training and the wider Shepherds Walks family of businesses.
Day 6 (Wednesday)
Training, Podcasts and Newsletters
On day six, Jon introduces Ian, who has travelled from Fife for a one-to-one GPS training session with Andy. Behind the scenes, preparations are also underway for the monthly GPS Training podcast, upcoming training courses and the weekly newsletters that keep customers informed about the latest GPS units, watches, mapping and navigation news.
Day 7 (Thursday)
Podcasts, Preparation and Problem Solving
On day seven, Jon and Andy record the latest GPS Training podcast before preparations begin for a busy weekend of map and compass and GPS training courses in the Lake District. From loading the van with backup equipment to gathering course supplies, it's a glimpse into the planning and attention to detail that goes into delivering training courses across the UK.
Day 8 (Friday)
Map and Compass in the Lake District
On day eight, Jon joins a Map and Compass course in Mungrisdale, Cumbria, led by instructor Paul Freeman. With many attendees already being GPS Training customers, it's a great example of how traditional navigation skills and modern GPS technology work hand in hand to help people explore the outdoors with confidence.
Day 9 (Saturday)
Garmin GPS Training in the Lake District
On day nine, Jon is in Mungrisdale delivering day one of a two-day Garmin GPS Training course. With a great group of customers learning to get the most from their GPSMAP 67, GPSMAP 67i, Montana and H1 units, it's a rewarding but demanding day that highlights the hands-on training and support GPS Training is known for.
Day 10 (Sunday)
Wrapping Up a Busy Weekend
On day ten, Jon reflects on the final day of a two-day Garmin GPS Training course in the Lake District. After helping customers build confidence with their GPS units and Garmin BaseCamp, it's time to pack up, head home and look back on a rewarding few days of training, navigation and customer support.
Day 11 (Monday)
Looking Ahead
On day eleven, Jon returns to Northumberland after a busy weekend of training courses and reflects on the Behind the Scenes series so far. With one-to-one training, an outdoor trade show in Liverpool and the upcoming Northumberland Coastal Challenge Walk all on the horizon, it's a look ahead to another busy week at GPS Training and Shepherds Walks.
Final Thoughts
Over the last 11 days, we've opened the door and given you a genuine look behind the scenes at GPS Training. From early morning walks in Northumberland and planning sessions at the office to delivering GPS and Map and Compass courses in the Lake District, recording podcasts, preparing newsletters, supporting customers and testing new ideas, we've tried to show what life is really like inside the business.
One thing that hopefully comes across is that GPS Training is about far more than simply selling GPS units and GPS watches. Behind every order, training course, video, podcast and support email is a small team working hard to help people get the most from their outdoor adventures. We've also shared some of the challenges, lessons learned and projects that have helped shape the business over the years.
Thank you to everyone who has watched, commented and supported the series. Whether you've been a customer for many years or have only recently discovered GPS Training, your support genuinely means a great deal to us. If you'd like to see more behind-the-scenes videos in the future, please let us know in the comments below.
Ready to get more from your GPS unit or GPS watch?
Explore our GPS training courses (Garmin and TwoNav), online resources, free tutorials and expert support designed to help you navigate with confidence.