Get inspired: how to get started in orienteering
How to start?
British Orienteering can help you find a nearby club. You can also learn more about Scottish Orienteering, the Welsh Guidance Association, and the NI Guidance Association.
What is orienteering?
Finding your way from one point to another, using only a map, a compass and your brain, the winner is whoever gets to the end first.
It’s for me?
If you like mental challenges with your exercise, you’ll love orienteering – there are trails all over the UK and all you need are comfortable shoes and outerwear to get started.
What to expect when I start?
- TrailO is a form of orienteering for people of all levels of physical ability, including wheelchair users.
- Geocaching is like a high-tech treasure hunt where you use a GPS to find a small waterproof box (geocache) hidden outside.
- It doesn’t matter if you are young, old or fit, you can Course, walk Where to jog the course and progress at your own pace rhythm.
- If you want to try something faster and more challenging, try Urban, Ski Where Mountain bike orienteering.
- British Orienteering and Sports England family run Xplorer events at local parks, which cater to elementary and preschool children and their families.
Are you inspired to try orienteering? Or are you already an enthusiast? Contact us and tell us about your experience of the activity by tweeting us on @bbcgetinspired, visit us on Facebook or write to us on [email protected]
All clubs need a president, secretary, and treasurer to keep things running smoothly, as well as officials, coaches, and judges. Whatever role interests you, Join to has opportunities to volunteer in your region.
