It’s time to go orienteering!
Ivan Park / 13.01.2010
Orienteering is a competitive adventure sport that combines running with navigation in a timed race where competitors use a highly detailed map to select routes and navigate through diverse terrain, visiting control points in sequence. If you enjoy the outdoors and like the combination of a mental and physical challenge, then orienteering is for you. A sport for all, a sport for life - whether you are eight or eighty or somewhere in between
In the south of Ireland Coillte, in conjunction with local orienteerig clubs, have built new permanent orienteering courses (POC) at Hell Fire Woods, Massy's Estate and Avondale Forest Park.
These are the first of a series of courses to be launched by Coillte in 2009/2010.
A POC is a number of permanent control points each with a sturdy wooden post, a red/white orienteering logo and a code number. Many different orienteering routes can be created using these permanent controls and sample courses suitable for beginners, intermediate and experienced orienteers are available for download from the Coillte website at this link www.coillteoutdoors.ie/index.php?id=89.
Visit at a time that suits you, the course is always open.
POC’s are an ideal way of learning how to navigate for Adventure Racing. Go at your own pace and spend as much time as you like figuring out the map and navigating to the controls. Permanent orienteering courses can be used for a more adventurous family stroll, or for training to gain confidence away from the pressure of more organised competitions.
There are a number of POC maps produced by Northern Ireland Orienteering clubs. These maps can normally be purchased from outlets close to the locations involved or by contacting the local clubs, links for the clubs and more information about them can be found on the NIO website www.niorienteering.org.uk/NIOA/?Permanent_Orienteering_Courses
A number of maps can also be downloaded and printed from www.ecotrailsni.com/
Please note that if you want to run an organised event using multiple purchased maps you will need to get permission/activity permit from the land owner.
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