On new routes a Garmin Touring plus a quick look on Google Maps & Streetview but mostly I'll have a destination and make up the routing there & back as I go.
Memory on familiar routes. Ancient Garmin Etrex on new routes, which I plan using digital OS maps and the cycle.travel website.
I use a Garmin 520 or just ride roads I am familiar with. The pole only allows one choice, although there are a number ways one might navigate.
Plan out route by Google My Maps, export to Cyclemeter on iPhone. Cyclemeter doesn’t have turn-by-turn navigation so a lot is done by memory, road signs and occasionally checking the map on Cyclemeter. I like to explore though so if I see an unfamiliar road or bridleway, chances are I’ll follow it just to see where it goes. To much Star Trek as a kid, I guess.
I follow my nose......and use a bit of local knowledge. I can never see the display on the Garmin and haven't managed to master its navigation facilities (I nearly threw mine away when doing the Way of the Roses a couple of years ago as it kept recalculating the route and then 'hanging' with the sheer numbers of calculations). I also talk to other cyclists and get them to share their favourite routes.
Follow my nose 90% of the time. Garmin Etrex backed up with a good old fashioned map if I'm in an unknown area.
Paper maps and compass when far from home, I know all the roads within 100 miles or so of home. Although I have found the Garmin handy for getting back to base after a few hours of aimlessly exploring new territory.
I have LOTS of set routes around here, so I never really need to resort to maps. But if I do...I usually use Google Maps on my tablet.
If I'm going somewhere new I check and memorise the route on the OS maps and also use google street view to identify landmarks before turnings etc.
Normally I plan routes using gpxeditor.co.uk (cos I like being able to flip between proper OS maps plus OSM and Google) Then transfer to Garmin Oregon. But when riding I can generally remember what I planned anyway.
