What is Orienteering?
Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body. The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace. A great way to explore local green spaces, have fun and fresh air!
There are 2 permanent orienteering trails in South Gloucestershire. The trail at 3 Brooks Local Nature Reserve, Bradley Stoke was installed in 2008 by the Wild Roots Project. A second trail was installed in April 2011 at Warmley Forest Park and Siston Common by the Wildways Project. The trails are free and open for all to use at any time. Maps, group leader’s guides and information to help you use the trails can be downloaded from the links below.
Orienteering Nature Trails
The first permanent Orienteering course in South Gloucestershire opened in September 2008. The course has been developed in the nature reserve in Bradley Stoke and is open to anyone to use. As well as providing the opportunity to experience orienteering, these trails also incorporate nature trails enabling visitors to discover and learn about the habitats and wildlife found at these sites. The nature trails take in a number of different habitats including woodland, wetland, grassland, orchard and hedgerows and enables visitors to learn about the wildlife that lives there.
Each wooden marker post on the trails carries a number and a steel rubbing plaque illustrating an animal or plant that can be found within the site. You can download nature trail rubbing sheets to collect rubbings from the engraved wildlife pictures at each marker post. The rubbing sheets have been designed to add to your Orienteering experience and provide a great way to learn more about the wildlife at these sites and are ideal for schools, groups and families.
There is also downloadable information for teachers and group leaders who may wish to bring groups out to use the orienteering and nature trails.