| Date | Start | Place | OS Grid ref | Type | Organiser |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Aug 2023 | 11 a.m. | Beecraigs Lochside | NT 007 742 | Local | Kieran Watts (email) |
Results
Local event
Come and try orienteering at Beecraigs Country Park!
Sign up by clicking here
This Family Activity is one of a series of events intended to introduce families to Orienteering - help will be on hand to get you started. Each week will have a different course so you can come to the whole series and explore different parts of Beecraigs or you can come to an individual session if that's what you can fit in. The activities are targeted at families, but pairs, couples and adult singles are welcome to join in too.
You can choose your start time: any time from 11am to 12.45pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
I've never been before - what do I do?
Orienteering is a friendly sport that welcomes beginners from 8 to 80. Sign up below to make sure there's a map reserved for you, and then come along on the day. One of our volunteers will explain what to do. You will get a map with a course printed on it. Your challenge is to navigate to each of the controls (marked with Orange and White flags) as quickly as you can. Whilst many people compete - others are happy to wander around more slowly and all speeds are welcome. These events will not use electronic "punching" or timing and no results will be published.
Which course should I choose?
YELLOW: Ideal for 5-12 year olds with adult supervision. The course will be ~2km max and with time to read the map will take most young beginners about 30-40 minutes. You will stick to paths or other obvious features and make navigation decisions every couple of junctions. Older teenagers or adults who aren't used to reading maps may prefer to start with this course to build confidence.
ORANGE: Ideal for teenagers or beginner adults (parents are responsible for children and should consider accompanying them until they have demonstrated they are good at reading the map). The course will be ~3km max and with time to read the map most novices teenagers will take about 40-60 minutes. You will mostly follow paths or other obvious features but have to make more decisions between control sites than the yellow course. The fastest times will probably come from people who cut through the woods between paths, but it will be possible to get to all control without going far from a path or other obvious feature (like a stream or fence). Whilst orienteering is about speed, this course is ideal for adults who want to take their time.
RED: Suited to adults who are used to using maps and who regularly run 5K or more. The course will be at least 3km with the actual distance depending on the route you choose and your confidence in cutting the corners. It will have a similar technical challenge to the Orange course but in a longer format. It is likely to take fit runners 30-40 minutes, unless you are used to running with a map.
Can younger children join in?
The yellow course will usually be suitable for off road buggies, and children under 8 often enjoy running round with their parents. Our experience is that most children under 8 are not really able to use the map to navigate effectively without a lot of coaching but will still have fun looking for the flags. They may enjoy having their own map to follow along what you are doing.
Do I need any special equipment?
You should wear trainers or other footwear suitable for rough terrain. It may be muddy or slippy depending on the recent weather. Courses may pass nettles, brambles and areas where ticks may be found so full leg and torso cover is required (no shorts). If you have a compass bring it along.
How much does it cost and how do I register?
Maps are £5 per family/group - register below to reserve your map. Sign up by clicking here
