What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is a competitive sport in which those taking part navigate to specific features, termed controls, as quickly as possible. The controls are shown on the terrain by a marker and as circles on a specially prepared map. The competitors may use whatever route they interpret as best for them. They may use a compass but no other navigational aid is allowed.

Orienteering requires both intelligence and stamina to cover the course in the most efficient manner.

Although at the higher levels orienteering is very competitive, many orienteers consider that satisfactorily completing a course to be a sufficient challenge.

Read more about orienteering here:

British Orienteering British Orienteering's New to Orienteering guide
Wikipedia Wikipedia's definition of Orienteering

How to begin

No special equipment is required. The map is provided, the cost included in the entry fee. Many events have the course pre-marked on the map. However, if it is not pre-marked it is necessary to have a waterproof pen (preferably red) to mark up your course and a clear polythene bag to protect the map.

It is best to start the orienteering experience at an Informal (Local) or Colour Coded (District) event.

Numerous books describing orienteering, from instruction for beginners to elite training, can be purchased or obtained from libraries.