A new orienteering course with two routes is opening in Blandford. The Major of Blandford, Cllr. Colin Stevens and Mrs. Chris Stevens will open the course at 11:00 on the 11 of June at the Marsh and Ham Car Park, West Street, Blandford, Dorset. DT11 7AW. 

The course has been jointly funded by Public Health Dorset and Blandford Town Council and created in partnership with the Blandford Group Practice, Wessex Orienteering, Wimborne Orienteers, Dorset Council Rangers, and David Cowgill, a local orienteering resident.

Anyone can take part, anytime, it's free and it's fun!  With a shorter accessible route of 2km (suitable for prams and wheelchairs) and a longer one of 5km, the initiative aims to encourage residents to increase physical activity and embed the use of green spaces for activity and recreation.

Orienteering coaches will be present at the launch to help people use the course. The downloadable app Maprun6 can be used to collect points at the various plaques laid throughout the course. Returnable maps will also be available to borrow.

Using the Maprun6 app or a waterproof map, you can walk or run the course with the aim of gaining maximum points from as many plaques as possible. Do it again and try and beat your previous time or combine both routes to give a 7km course.

Come along and enjoy the fun!  Just 30 minutes of walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, help reduce excess body fat, strengthen bones, build muscle power and increase endurance so we’d urge everyone to give it a go.

According to the NHS, being active can reduce your risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.  Research shows it can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality, and energy, as well as reduce your risk of stress, depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.  Spending time outside and in nature is also great for your mental well-being.