Orienteering

British Orienteering is the National Governing Body of the sport of Orienteering. Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body.

The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.

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.

British Orienteering is seeking to develop more orienteering activities at a local level and have developed a 'Community Orienteering' Programme. Our Regional Development Plan has further details about Community Orienteering as well as other areas of focus. 

What is Community Orienteering?

'Community Orienteering' or 'Community O' provides weekly training and activities from a fixed location that will allow for skill development at a social and motivating level for people of all ages and abilities. Community O also includes local events and competitions that can provide a stepping stone into mainstream orienteering events. The weekly 'Club Nights' are aimed at attracting a broad range of participants from a wide demographic. The nights are accessible to all but are particular popular with family groups. We are also fortunate that orienteering is taught in 60% of schools and the 'Club Nights' provide a perfect environment to progress from school orienteering to events.

Over 50% of English clubs are now engaged in the 'Community O' programme and are providing more local, accessible orienteering opportunities in community settings such as parks and school grounds.

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NEWS

• BarrO Orienteering Club appeal for Volunteers!

FIXTURES

Local fixtures happen on a regular basis and are organised by clubs across the county:

Border Liners

West Cumberland Orienteering Club (WCOC)

Lakeland Orienteering Club (LOC)

BarrO

USEFUL WEBSITES

• Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick is home to Europe's first permanent all ability trail orienteering course, including those with a pushchair.There are also four other orienteering courses available at Whinlatter. Children can also have a go at the Rabbit Run.
• Grizedale Forest Park near Hawkshead also boasts a wealth of opportunities to enjoy a head to toe work out. It has seven orienteering courses to choose from plus a fun Mushroom Cycle Trail that is perfect for families and a series of new Trailquest mountain bike orienteering courses. Orienteering packs are available from the Visitor Centre.
• British Orienteering

Performance Pathways

Courses

Volunteer Pathways