If you are new to trail running, one of the biggest worries can be navigation. A lot of runners assume they need an expensive GPS watch to follow a route safely and confidently. The good news? You really do not.
With the SUUNTO app on your phone, you can navigate trails brilliantly. In many cases, it can actually feel easier than using a watch because you get a bigger screen, clearer mapping, and a more visual view of where you are heading. It literally takes less than 1-minute to put the route on your phone.
Why your phone can be better than a watch
Watches are great, but they are not the only option. If you already carry your phone on a run, you have a powerful navigation tool in your pocket.
Using the SUUNTO app on your phone gives you:
- A larger screen that is easier to read on the move
- A clearer view of the trail, junctions, and surrounding paths
- Simple route importing from GPX files
- A familiar device you already know how to use
- A practical option if you are not ready to invest in a GPS watch
For many runners, especially those newer to the trails, this can make navigation feel much less intimidating.
How FLOCK members can use it
We make this really simple for our members.
When you view our website on your phone, you can:
- Go to the Guided Trail Runs section
- Open the page for your chosen run
- Click on the GPX file on that run page
- Save it directly to your phone
- Open it in the SUUNTO app
Once it is in the app, you have your route ready to follow from your phone.
Why this is so useful for trail runners
One of the biggest barriers to trail running is the fear of getting lost. That is completely normal. Moving from road running to trails can feel like a big step, especially when routes are less obvious and signs are limited.
Having the route open in the SUUNTO app can give you a real confidence boost. You can check where you are, see what is coming up, and feel more relaxed knowing the route is right there in front of you.
It is a simple way to make trail running feel more accessible, more enjoyable, and a lot less stressful.
A great option for guided and independent runs
Even though our guided trail runs are led by experienced coaches, having the GPX route on your phone is still really helpful.
It means you can:
- Get familiar with the route before the run
- Follow along more confidently during the session
- Revisit the route again in your own time
- Build your trail navigation skills gradually
That is a big part of what we are about at FLOCK: helping runners feel supported while discovering beautiful trails they might never have found on their own.
Final thought 💭
If you have been holding back from trail running because you think you need a specialist watch, let this be your reminder: your phone is more than enough to get started.
With the SUUNTO app and our downloadable GPX files, trail navigation can be simple, clear, and confidence-building from day one.
So next time you book onto one of our runs, download the route to your phone, open it in SUUNTO, and head out knowing you have everything you need right in your hand 📱