Last updated 18:17, Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Armed with a map and a compass, orienteering offers one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors – and Cumbria is one of the finest places in the world to enjoy it.

Orienteering can be done by people of any age

Often called “the thought sport” because it requires intelligence and decision-making skills, orienteering is a running sport using a specially drawn, large scale map to navigate around a course from point to point. Each point is called a control and is located at a particular feature on the map. The winner is the person who visits the correct controls in the right order and the quickest time. Or, if you prefer, you can do an orienteering course as an individual challenge.

Using your wits to navigate your way through stunning Cumbrian scenery means it exercises both your leg power and your brain power in equal measures. And best of all it can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever your ability.

Orienteering can take place anywhere from remote forest and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It’s a great sport for a family day out, as well as for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who just loves the outdoors.

Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick is home to Europe’s first permanent all ability trail orienteering course. The Revelin Moss Trail weaves 1.7 kilometres through dramatic woodlands that burst with wildlife. As plot a course from point to point, you might see wild deer or even an elusive red squirrel en route.

The trail follows gravel paths so is suitable for all abilities, including those with a pushchair.

There are also four other orienteering courses available at Whinlatter, offering routes between 1.8km and 4.3km in length. Control cards can be purchased from Whinlatter Visitor Centre. Children can also have a go at the Rabbit Run, a short trail which includes a chance to find out about different animals and their homes. There is a small charge for a control card and kids get a groovy sticker on completion of the route.

Grizedale Forest Park near Hawkshead also boasts a wealth of opportunities to enjoy a head to toe work out. It has seven orienteering courses to choose from plus a fun Mushroom Cycle Trail that is perfect for families and a series of new Trailquest mountain bike orienteering courses. Orienteering packs are available from the Visitor Centre.

• For more information on the activities available in forests in Cumbria visit www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland.
• If you fancy taking orienteering a bit more seriously, why not join an orienteering club? The West Cumberland Orienteering Club is based in the Western half of the English Lake District with a large membership spread over the main centres of population; from Silloth in the North to Gosforth in the South; with members well represented in Cockermouth, Keswick, Workington, Aspatria, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Whitehaven, St.Bees and a lot of the rural area as well!
• West Cumberland Orienteers have a regular informal event every Thursday evening throughout the year. The venues for these events are spread over the area from Gosforth to Keswick. All the details are found on the website www.wcoc.org.uk or contact the club on 01768 895539.