Orienteering

What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport

Orienteering is enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, that tests navigational skill and fitness in order to complete a course in the fastest possible time.

Orienteering can take place anywhere from remote forest and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It's a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors. Orienteering - The adventure sport for all.

Benefits

Increases fitness levels but also improves special awareness, decision making and navigation skills.
Running and walking over uneven terrain also works the whole of your body and improves balance.
Most importantly it gets you out in the great outdoors exploring our amazing countryside, giving you the feel-good factor and reducing stress levels.

Involvement

If attending an event for the first time it's best to search for a 'Level D' event, which will be most suitable for beginners and will have experienced orienteers available to help you get started.

Equipment

To get started you just need a pair of trainers, or comfortable shoes if you're not running, and outdoor clothes suitable for the weather conditions. Everything else will be provided at the event.

Facts

Orienteering began in Scandinavia in the 19th Century and was primarily a military training event.
It was not until 1919 that the modern version of orienteering was created in Sweden by Ernst Killander as a competitive sport.