Map Reading Course

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MapActive November & December 2025 

Learn how to become a competent map reader and explore woods, forests, trails and even complex urban areas with confidence. 

Our successful MapActive course will show you how and assumes no previous map reading experience. 

MapActive is suitable for walkers who enjoy exploring woods and national parks as well as Trail, Fell and Ultra runners. 

The course is suitable for those aged 8 and older who enjoy being outdoors and are physically able to take on the terrain.

MapActive is designed so that everyone will progress from basic map reading skills to more advanced skills over three sessions.

Individuals who cannot attend one or more of the sessions will make progress at their own pace and coaching will be designed so that this is possible. 

The timetable for the Winter 2025 MapActive course is as follows:

• Session 1: 15th Nov’ – Woodthorpe Grange Park

• Session 2: 29th Nov’ – Bramcote Hills Park

• Session 3:13th Dec’ – Burntstump Country Park

• Event: 21st Dec’ – Strawberry Hill, Rainworth

Coaching sessions held between 1030 and 1230hrs.

What to expect in the face-to-face coaching sessions:

From little or no orienteering experience, participants will develop an understanding of orienteering maps and how to use them.  

Basic use of the compass to orientate the map then choose and follow a route using features such as paths, fences (line features = ‘handrails’) to find checkpoints (controls) on and not far off handrails, and to cut corners between handrails.  

Sessions will progress to include more advanced use of the compass to find controls further away from paths, and develop a basic understanding of how slopes and valleys are shown on maps using contours. 

What to expect at the club event at Strawberry Hill:

This is an opportunity for you to test your understanding and apply your newly acquired skills. 

Take part in our club’s Christmas event.  It’s popular with orienteers throughout the East Midlands and takes place in a friendly, sociable atmosphere – mince pies and festive treats afterwards! There will be different courses to choose from and we will help you decide which is best for you. 

Entry fees for the Christmas event will be discounted for MapActive participants.

Fees: 

The fees include all maps, the loan of equipment such as compasses, timing devices and club costs such as access charges, levies to British Orienteering and any other expenses. 

Session fees: 

• Adult: £5 per session

• Junior: £2 per session

All NOC coaching is led by Hilary Palmer and Anthony Squire who both have considerable experience coaching orienteering at all levels from beginner to elite, and both continue to compete successfully at national level for their age class.

If you want to take part or have a question about the MapActive course, please send email to MapActive Contact

All course bookings will be through our entry system, The Start Kite.