Permanent Orienteering Courses

With the assistance of the landowners and latterly Lottery funds, the club has established some Permanent Orienteering Courses (POCs) in the forests and parks of the county.

The courses are an ideal way of teaching yourself about the sport without feeling any need to be competitive. You can learn about the map symbols, practise your compass and pacing skills, or maybe just have an interesting walk in an unfamiliar area.

See the details for each POC below for how to obtain a map. These are usually either a free download or available on site for a few pounds. There is no competition, no timing, no planned courses.

Instead of the usual red and white flag, control locations are marked by wooden posts bearing a small red/white symbol. Sometimes the marker is attached to existing permanent features such as park benches.

Instead of punching units or pin punches, each control has a number (the control number) and a letter code.

Instead of planned courses, the map suggest courses at various technical difficulties, or you can devise a route to challenge yourself!

As there are no event officials present, you are responsible for your own safety.

Finally, there is no checking you have written down the letter codes correctly - but maybe you might decide to make it a family or workmate competition.

This 5 minute YouTube video shows how to use a POC.

The facility is there for you to use how you want, whenever you want, subject to the landowner's restrictions (if any). Enjoy!

Any problems, enquiries, map supply issues, please contact by email the NOC Permanent Course Co-Ordinator. All the answers