Hi, I’m new to the forum. I have a Garmin Edge 520 and I want to be able to plot routes on my iPhone or IPad and load them onto my Garmin. Does anyone have any advice about which is the best mapping package to use and then how to upload it onto the Garmin itself? The simpler the better. I’ve tried plotting in strava but that didn’t work. Any help appreciated. Cathy

Hiya WTTF. Have you used the course creation tool on garmin connect? You can access it via safari.

TBH I find creating a route easier with a mouse but it should still work OK

Lots of info below

https://connect.garmin.com/help/faq;jsessionid=FDB16B5338334AF62FDAF5B65EF53239

I’ve not actually used my Garmin for maps, but I used this site to get the UK map onto my SDcard, might just save you a couple of quid.

http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/

For work I use https://ridewithgps.com/ to plot routes for social rides, GPX files can then be exported and copied over to the Garmin / made available to customers to download.

I’m a PC / Chrome-googledocs user rather than Apple, but suspect you can do the same.

I use Ridewithgps – simple and intuitive method for creating the route (click points on the route and the software joins the dots), export as a tcx file into your Garmin folder (new files or something, instructions on the RWGPS site) and then load the course. Bob is, as they say……

I’m a PC / Chrome-googledocs user rather than Apple, but suspect you can do the same.

Not AFAIK without a wired connection to the Garmin.

I don’t have a docking cradle for my Fenix at work so if I want to plan a route it’s a bit of a faff.

1) Use Ridewithgps to create a GPX
2) Run that gpx through the tool at http://www.gpsies.com/convert.do
3) Import that GPX as an activity in Garmin Connect
4) In Garmin connect save that activity as a course
5) Sync watch with Garmin Connect

I use Strava in Safari to make a route, export it, then drag it into the ‘new files’ folder on the Garmin. Eject it, Turn it on and there it is. Works every time.

Not AFAIK without a wired connection to the Garmin

I just export my TCX to the PC or to googledrive and copy via wire to the Garmin. it was probably already plugged in being charged anyway.

Yeah, but the OP stated ” I want to be able to plot routes on my iPhone or IPad and load them onto my Garmin”.

You can’t access the ‘New Files’ folder on the watch without a wired connection.

Here you go, this should do what you want. You’ll need another piece of electronics to do it though.