How To Get Started

What is it?

Orienteering is an exciting and challenging outdoor sport that exercises mind and body.

The aim is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map.

In competitive orienteering the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time choosing your own best route.

Who is it for?

Orienteering is a fulfilling sport for runners and walkers of all ages who want to test themselves mentally as well as physically, or who want to add variety to their leisure activities. It doesn’t matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can progress at your own pace on courses planned to suit you.

You may be interested in MTBO, a form of orienteering competition where people of all levels compete on mountain bikes typically in a forest or countryside setting.

Where can you do it?

Orienteering can take place anywhere, from remote forest and countryside to urban areas, parks and school playgrounds.

There are orienteering courses and events on your doorstep or further afield, helping you to discover new places.

How can you learn?

Sign up for a Discover Orienteering come and try day, for a fun, social introduction

Sign up for a Learn To Orienteer (LTO) program for more intensive learning

Come to some events.  Newcomers are always welcome, and our friendly, experienced volunteers are there to help you get started  The best events for newcomers are Park Street events (year round), MelBushO (April-September), and Summer Shorts and Sprints (October-November).  But every event, no matter where it is, or how large or small, has courses suitable for newcomers.

Join a club.  Each club has one or more coaches and other experienced members, who are happy to share their skills.  Some clubs run training/skills days for their members.  Find out more about clubs.

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