New to Orienteering

Last updated: Mon 21 Apr 2025

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which involves navigating around a course using a detailed map and sometimes a compass.
The aim is to navigate between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, and you can run, walk or jog round the course and progress at your own pace.

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**Family Challenge Log Book**

There are 8 different kinds of courses you can enter.

How many controls can you locate?

Build up from Acorn (10) Tree (25) Copse (50) Wood (75) to Forest (100)

Orienteering can be a competitive individual sport or a recreational activity. You normally take part individually, but beginners can go out in pairs or a small group. At a competitive event, the person that visits all the controls in the right order, in the shortest time, is the winner.

Also read: Beginner - Your questions answered

Video help

Manchester and District Orienteering Club have produced a series of 4 videos.

The following video shows you how to start orienteering. We look at the basic elements of the map and particular symbols, what controls look like, and what to expect at a Permanent Course or competition. This video series is designed to help you get out and go orienteering - the ultimate outdoor sport that's a mental and physical challenge. It's a sport for all ages and Permanent Orienteering Courses mean it can be done whenever suits you.