The aim of orienteering is to navigate between checkpoints or controls marked on a special orienteering map. There is no set route so the skill and fun come from trying to find the best way to go. In competitive orienteering, the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time. The sport draws on athleticism, navigational skills and memory. See the British Orienteering website for up to date news and guidance.
Beginners are always welcome! There’s loads of info available to help you make a start, and always someone willing to help if you come along to an event.
Come and Try It! The club hosts events throughout the year for all ages and abilities and in great locations in North and East Cumbria. You don’t need to be a member but please see our Membership Page
Improve your fitness, enjoy the views, indulge your competitive streak!
The Saturday informals have a minimum of two courses – a 2-3k easy ‘Short’ (or ‘Orange’) and a harder ‘Long’ (or ‘Green’) for more experienced orienteers.
Permanent Orienteering Courses (POC’s) are a perfect way for getting active, enjoying the scenery and green spaces with your family, or as a chance to get outdoors for a competitive time trial. They are an opportunity for individuals and families to orienteer at any time. Find out more.
A sport for the whole family! Running or walking gear recommended – bring a waterproof, spare shoes and warm clothes for after. a compass useful but not essential for easy courses. Bring a whistle if you have one. Bigger events may have catering and toilets, but that’s the exception to the rule so make your own arrangements. Arrive in good time and allow an hour or so to do your course. Let the organiser know you are a beginner so they can help you. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult unless they are experienced orienteers.
Don’t forget to return to registration at the end of your run or walk and let the organiser know you have finished, even if you didn’t complete your course. WE NEED TO KNOW YOU ARE BACK SAFELY!
For information on joining, please see our Membership Page
For general enquiries please use our Contact Form
Getting Started
MDOC (Manchester and District Orienteering Club) have a great series of videos on their YouTube Channel
Advice for Beginners See the British Orienteering Newcomers Guide for this and other essential information.
Orienteering Jargon A ‘must read’ for anyone new to the sport (and even those of us who aren’t) Orienteering Jargon – an explanation of all the common orienteering words.
SI Cards, dibbers, controls, kites, punching….. eh? Anyone new to the sport might well wonder what the heck it’s all about. Rather than read a lengthy description, all you need to do is watch this Scottish 6 Days Orienteering 2017, Day 1
Get Up To Speed! ‘Think Fast, Run Hard, Go Orienteering’ – a series of YouTube videos from SLOW (South London Orienteers).
Map symbols and control descriptions.. and all manner of info, including articles and videos, at maprunner.co.uk You don’t have to be new to orienteering to find this useful.
Get a preview of some orienteering maps on RouteGadget – and see some of the routes runners have chosen!
You can do it in towns too! Fancy a go at urban orienteering? Take a look at the map from Penrith Urban Nopesport Final.
It’s a truly international sport! The World Orienteering Championships were held in the Inverness area in 2015 – see a selection of videos here on YouTube
The IOF (International Orienteering Federation) website has orienteering news from all over the world, and resources include a video library.
Border Liners Orienteering Club 