What Is Orienteering?
Orienteering is an exciting outdoor activity that blends navigation skills with physical exercise. It’s often called a “thinking sport” because it challenges both your body and your mind. Whether you walk, jog, or run, the aim is to navigate through a series of checkpoints using a map and compass.
The objective is to find a set of controls (marked points) shown on a detailed map, in the correct order, and reach the finish. Each control is marked in the terrain by an orange-and-white flag. Courses vary in length and difficulty, making orienteering suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Essential Equipment
- Map: Orienteering maps are highly detailed, showing paths, vegetation, contours, and landmarks.
- Compass: Used to orientate the map and help you choose directions.
- Outdoor Clothing: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for uneven ground.
- Timing Device: Events use electronic timing cards. These are available to hire at an event.
Basic Concepts
- Start and Finish: Every course begins at a designated start point and ends at a finish.
- Controls: Each control is uniquely numbered and marked on the map and in the terrain with a control flag and timing box. You must visit them in the correct order.
- Map Orientation: Keep your map aligned with the terrain using your compass.
- Route Choice: Decide the best way between controls—longer but easier paths or shorter, more challenging routes.
- Timing: While competitive orienteering is timed, beginners can focus on completing the course.
Tips for First-Time Participants
- Start Simple: Choose an easy course, often called “White” or “Yellow” level, which follows paths and tracks.
- Take Your Time: Accuracy is more important than speed when learning.
- Check the Legend: Familiarise yourself with map symbols before starting.
- Orientate the Map Regularly: Keep the map facing the same direction as the terrain.
- Stay Calm if Lost: Stop, recheck your position, and look for obvious landmarks and features on the map.
- Ask for Help: Event organisers and experienced orienteers are always happy to assist.
Why Try Orienteering?
It’s a fantastic way to explore nature, improve navigation skills, and enjoy a sense of adventure. Courses are available for all abilities, from family-friendly walks to challenging runs through forests and hills.
Example Map
Finding and Attending an Event
Firstly look on the Wimborne Orienteers Events Page for up coming events, or check the British Orienteering website for events put on by other clubs.
Once you have identified and event check for details on how to enter. This is usually via one of the event entry websites which will be listed on the event page.
On the day of the event arrive in plenty of time and make your way to the assembly area where one of the event officials will be able to guide you through the process of taking part.
Hot Tips
#1 There will be lots of controls in the forest and most will not be on your course. Please check that the control number and the control description are correct.
#2 Bring a change of shoes, socks & track bottoms - it can be wet and muddy.
#3 Don't wear your new trainers and designer leisure wear: they don't look good spattered with mud.
#4 Check the forecast and bring suitable wet weather clothing if necessary. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather only inappropriate clothing!
#5 Bring a cold/hot drink and some food/snacks
#6 Most importantly enjoy yourself and have fun!
Introductory and Instructional Videos
If you are interested but want to understand orienteering more before attending an event it would be worth watching British Orienteering's video or the series of instructional videos produced by Manchester & District Orienteering Club.
