BBC One's reality adventure TV series Race Across The World will soon be back on our screens for a fifth series. With extraordinary scenery and plenty of navigation mishaps, it's left many of us wanting to have a go.
But if you can't spare the approximate eight weeks it takes for filming, you can easily give it a go in a weekend instead – minus the continent-crossings. So if you want to improve your compass skills, map reading and fitness? Then orienteering could be your fun new outdoor activity. Here’s how to get started.
What is orienteering?
Performed at a range of speeds over a variety of terrains, orienteering events offer a sense of exploration as participants use mind, map and compass to navigate their way through rural or urban environments. The winner is the person who reaches the end first having located all the control points in the correct order throughout the course. But it’s possible to walk, jog or run at your own speed and still make the generous cut-off times.
How do I start orienteering?
There are 120 orienteering clubs across the UK, split into 12 regions; governing body British Orienteering has details on how to find your local club on its site. Many club members are from universities and the military. These clubs run the majority of orienteering events, but there are also permanent and virtual courses you can follow independently. You can race at any age!
How much does it cost to attend an orienteering event?
Orienteering events are low cost (around £3–12) or free.
What are the different grades for orienteering?
Orienteering events have a range of colour-coded courses for beginners, children and experienced orienteerers. “Beginners should enter the shorter and less technically difficult courses, such as Yellow (1.5–2km) which uses linear features such as paths,” says David Faulkner of Bristol Orienteering Klub. “The Orange (2.5–3.5km) has more route options and a compass is advisable, while Light Green (2.5–3.5km) uses contours and more route choices. There are also White (1–1.5km) and String Courses on paths for children.”
“Regular trail runners should be physically capable of running the longer courses, such as Green (3.5–5km) or Blue (5–7km), but they might struggle with the more technical orienteering elements like the map’s contours and icons,” advises Faulkner. “The course length is the straight-line distance between the controls, but you’ll run/walk further than this, depending on the route you choose between the controls.”
Where I can go orienteering?
Parklands, commons, forests, military training sites and more are used as event bases, while urban courses offer a different type of orienteering challenge. There’s also TrailO and Accessible Orienteering, which provide a format for people of all levels of physical ability, including wheelchair users and those who are physically challenged.
What equipment do I need for orienteering?
If you’re already a runner, the kit list for orienteering shouldn’t be troublesome. “I’d advise clothing that covers your arms and legs so you’re protected from thorns and to wear trail-running shoes,” says Faulkner. “A compass can be hired or you can buy one, while a whistle is advisable at some events and you should carry a phone for safety. Orienteering is a year-round sport, so a waterproof jacket is advised and a head torch for night events is essential.” A Dibber/SI-card (timing device) can be hired to tick off each control point.
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What are the map symbols for orienteering?
At the start, you’ll be given a course map, which shows the locations of the control points. Understanding the map’s icons, contours and distances will make your race much easier. Outdoors writer Fi Darby says, “When you first open a map, the lines and symbols can be confusing, but don’t panic. As you learn basic skills, your map will change from puzzle to exploration tool. Thin black lines represent boundaries, which means that walls, buildings or lumps that were once walls might all look the same on your map. Competent navigators still make mistakes, so don’t get cross when things go wrong.”
Top tips for orienteering
Compass is king
A compass is key for orienteering success. Here’s outdoors writer Fi Darby on how to face east – but you can use the same method for any direction. “Hold your compass level so the larger part of the baseplate is facing away from you. As you turn the bezel, you’ll see numbers and letters passing over a thin vertical line. Keep turning until E (east) is directly above this line. Turn your body (not the compass or the bezel) around until north on the floating magnetic needle is lined up with the solid north arrow beneath it. You’re now facing east.”
Accuracy before speed
“With accuracy comes speed. With experience you become faster,” says David Faulkner of Bristol Orienteering Klub. “Making a mistake could cost you minutes as you may have to retrace your steps and go back on yourself. Focus on accuracy first and speed will come later.”
Navigate the terrain
Be aware of people, cars and roads on urban events, and look out for hazards such as roots, branches and rocks when off-road,” Faulkner suggests. “Be conscious of yourself and others, and keep your eyes on the trails, not on your map or compass.”
Main image: Getty
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