How to get an Ordnance Survey grid reference on your GPS watch
Why This Matters
Whether you're walking in the hills, taking part in a challenge event, or carrying a GPS watch as part of your safety kit, being able to quickly display an Ordnance Survey grid reference could save valuable time when someone needs to know exactly where you are.
If you spend time walking, hiking, trail running or taking part in challenge events, knowing how to obtain an accurate grid reference from your GPS watch is one of the most useful navigation skills you can learn.
A grid reference allows you to pinpoint your exact location on an Ordnance Survey map and can be extremely useful if:
- You need to tell someone where you are
- Event organisers ask for your location
- You are navigating with a paper map
- You need assistance in an emergency
- You want to cross-reference your GPS watch with traditional navigation methods
Many organised walking and running events now require participants to carry an electronic navigation device and know how to obtain a grid reference from it.
In this guide, Andy from GPS Training demonstrates how to quickly display an Ordnance Survey grid reference on two of the most popular GPS watches currently available: the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Suunto Race 2.
Why Use an Ordnance Survey Grid Reference?
While GPS watches can display your location in many different formats, walkers and outdoor users in Great Britain will often prefer to use the British National Grid (BNG) system.
This is the same grid system used on Ordnance Survey maps and allows you to:
- Identify your exact location on a paper map
- Share your position with event organisers
- Provide a precise location to mountain rescue or emergency services
- Confirm your location when navigating remote areas
The key is ensuring your watch is set to display British National Grid (BNG) rather than latitude and longitude.
Garmin Fenix 8: Displaying a Grid Reference
The Garmin Fenix 8 allows you to create a shortcut that displays your current location as a British National Grid reference with a single button press.
In this video Andy demonstrates:
- How to create a shortcut button
- How to set the position format to British National Grid
- How to display your current grid reference
- How to interpret the reference on an Ordnance Survey map
- How to provide a location during an event or emergency
Watch the Garmin Fenix 8 Tutorial
Suunto Race 2: Displaying a Grid Reference
The Suunto Race 2 offers a slightly different method, using the watch's map screen and navigation settings.
In this video Andy demonstrates:
- How to create a shortcut to the map screen
- How to pin the map as a widget
- How to set the position format to British National Grid
- How to quickly display your current location
- How to use the information alongside an Ordnance Survey map
Watch the Suunto Race 2 Tutorial
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Suunto Race 2
Both watches allow you to display a highly accurate Ordnance Survey grid reference, although the process is slightly different.
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 8 | Suunto Race 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Access Method | Shortcut Button | Map Widget |
| Position Format | British National Grid (BNG) | British National Grid (BNG) |
| Works During Activities | ✔ | ✔ |
| Works Outside Activities | ✔ | ✔ |
Understanding the Grid Reference
Both watches can display a highly accurate 10-figure Ordnance Survey grid reference.
Example Ordnance Survey Grid Reference
NU 06359 01633
This breaks down into:
- NU = Grid square identifier
- 06359 = Eastings (distance across the map)
- 01633 = Northings (distance up the map)
For everyday navigation with a paper map, many walkers will simply use the first part of each number to identify the correct kilometre square and then estimate their position within it.
However, if you're providing your location to event organisers, mountain rescue or emergency services, it is always worth reading out the full 10-figure reference for maximum accuracy.
⚠️ Safety Tip
Remember that the grid reference displayed on your watch is the location where you pressed the button. If you continue walking after obtaining the reference, always take a fresh reading before passing your location to someone else.
GPS Watches and Traditional Navigation
At GPS Training, we always encourage outdoor enthusiasts to combine GPS technology with traditional navigation skills.
A GPS watch can tell you exactly where you are, but understanding how that location relates to an Ordnance Survey map gives you a much greater understanding of the landscape around you and provides valuable backup should technology fail.
Learning how to obtain and interpret a grid reference is one of the most useful navigation skills any walker, runner or outdoor enthusiast can have.
Need Help With Your GPS Watch?
Whether you own a Garmin, Suunto, Coros or another GPS watch, GPS Training provides expert support, online tutorials, training courses and one-to-one help to help you get the most from your device.
From setting up grid references and navigation routes to understanding maps and planning adventures, we're here to help you build confidence outdoors.
Learn from the experts and get more from your GPS.
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