Who are we and what Is Orienteering?
We
. . . are a small, friendly & very active Orienteering Club, operating in Leicestershire, Rutland & Northamptonshire. We run a regular program of orienteering events throughout the main (winter) season. These events usually take place on Sundays, but occasionally on Saturdays. We also run a very busy summer league programme throughout the summer, on weekday evenings, which is a great way to try out our sport. More recently we have introduced a Winter League series of events incorporating mid-week mid-day events and night events (about 5 events in total).A Map of the areas we use can be found by clicking HERE. This is an Adobe Acrobat file - & will take a little time to download. If you don't have the Acrobat Reader, see the bottom of this page.
Orienteering
. . . means maps, forests and adventure. It doesn't matter how young or old or fit you are. . You go at your own pace - walk, jog or run - and choose your own routes between the red and white markers. You can go on your own, or with friends or family If you like excitement, fresh air, and exploring the countryside -orienteering could be the sport for you - and it won't cost you a fortune!Orienteering is a sport where competitors navigate their way between control points marked on a specially drawn map. The Courses vary in length from about 2km for beginners and children to over 12km for experienced adult orienteers. At any orienteering event there will be a range of courses suitable for everyone - newcomers and experts.
Why Orienteer?
Orienteering takes place in a variety of outdoor places, from town parks to countryside, forest and moorlands. You get out into lovely countryside, often to places you wouldn't otherwise visit. It is an easy, painless way of staying fit or getting into shape: your physical effort goes almost unnoticed as you read your map and follow your route, and for the good athlete and map-reader there is the unique challenge of finding you way over complex and rough terrain while running at speed. It really is a sport for all ages and all abilities, from children under the age of 10 to veterans of more than 70. You can orienteer with your friends and your family, and share your experiences afterwards.So what do I do now?
The best way of getting started is simply to come along to an event. At most events, you just turn up on the morning. There will be lots of experienced orienteers to help and advise you. There will be courses for everyone, and it won't cost a lot: the entry fee is usually around £5.00 for seniors and families, half for juniors. Families and groups are welcome to try beginners' courses together. You don't even need a compass or any special kit to try the sport - just bring a red pen for marking your map! (many events now have pre-marked maps and electronic timing). Just click on "Fixtures" in the left hand frame for details of our events in Leicestershire, or for information. The Club usually runs one event per month during the season, and our Summer League - which runs from April to August - generally offers one event per week during weekday evenings.The other way to experience orienteering is to try a Permanent Orienteering course. Here the control points are markers fixed in the ground & you can try a course at any time. You can buy a map from a local office usually for less than £1, and then find your way around the course in your own time, by yourself or in a group. Click on the "Permanent Courses" link in the left hand frame for details of local courses.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Don't have the Adobe Acrobat Reader?? You can get it by clicking the image below:
