As I remember you can change the compass in the settings menu to just show N,E,S,W.
If switched on the Etrex will automatically record your track but it will be inaccurate unless you reset the time/distance/distance climbed etc first.
To upload the route use the Garmin Basecamp software and attach the Etrex to the pc/laptop via usb/micro usb cable.
There’s a good website here which helps with menu settings, etc –
http://www.aukadia.net/gps/lw3_0.htm