“We'd spotted a social media post by British Orienteering inviting people to "try orienteering", so we thought why not.

It was really easy to find an event on the British Orienteering event finder https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/goorienteering

We contacted the event organisers for a few more details and decided to have a go. As we’d not been orienteering before we were a little unsure what to expect but the organisers, Cornwall Orienteering Club, were incredibly helpful, talked us through the different courses and advised which they thought would be most suitable. They explained the symbols used on the map, how the control points worked, and let us borrow a dibber and compass.

There were people of all ages, individuals and groups participating, seasoned orienteers, teens, family groups including young children etc. This was a timed event, so the aim for serious orienteers is to visit all the control points on their chosen course and finish as quickly as possible. As this was our first time orienteering we were just hoping we wouldn’t get too lost!

Armed with a map, dibber, compass, water and chocolate biscuits (just in case!) we set off on a light green course, this was about 3.5km long across grassland, up and down hills, through woodland, along some footpaths and required some compass work. Easier and more challenging courses were available.

Our two boys (13 and 15 years) came with us and after the first couple of control points, they really got into it, working out which direction we should be going in and running ahead to find the flags marking the control points. Some were harder to find than others, especially the ones in the woods.

After completing the course we returned to the registration tent where we were given a download of our times. Not surprisingly, we came 4th out of the 4 teams/individuals following that course, but we all had great fun and will definitely go orienteering again.”

Thinking about having a go at orienteering or setting up a course?

Check out orienteering equipment at http://www.bishopsport.co.uk/orienteering.html

British Orienteering would like to thank Cornwall Orienteering Club (KERNO) for providing a great positive experience for this group of newcomers at one of their “Come and Try Orienteering” events this month.