Types of Event

Local Event
Local Events are low key events, ideal for novices (both junior and adult) as well as more experienced orienteers. They are normally held on Saturday Mornings with start times between 11:00 and 12:30. They are always at least three courses of different lengths and difficulty, with one specifically planned for novices. The shortest course is normally about 2.0km, and the longest up to 7km. Courses are colour-coded so that you know what to expect.
Full details including exact location and information about how to enter are published on the BL website around 3 weeks in advance. Online entries for most courses close about 3 days before the event, but if you want to do the Novice course you can turn up on the day and enter then. Help and advice for novices is available both at the event and in advance via the Contact Form on the BL website.

Regional Event
Regional events attract competitors from further afield because they use more challenging terrain and have a wider range of courses. They  are normally held on Sunday Mornings with start times between 10:30 and 12:30. There are at least 7 different courses with lengths between about 2km and 10km but as at Local Events, there is always a course suitable for Novices. Courses are colour-coded so that you know what to expect.
Full details are published on the BL website around 3 weeks in advance. Online entries for most courses close about 3 days before the event, but for the Novices courses(s) you can just turn up on the day and enter then. Help and advice for novices is available both at the event and in advance via the Contact Form on the BL website.

National Event
National events attract competitors from all over the country and have specific course for each different age class. They provide a high level of competition. There will often be courses suitable for novices, but check in advance. Online entries will normally close about a week in advance; entry on the day is not always available.

Activity
An activity is an informal or fun orienteering training session or event, with no published results. They are mainly intended for club members, though other are welcome to attend too. Full details are normally available on the BL website around 3 weeks in advance. There is no formal entry system but organisers may ask for an indication of who is coming in advance.