Orienteering
From park runs to world championships — discover orienteering and navigation challenges for young people across the UK.
Your Orienteering Journey
British Orienteering provides pathways from school courses to elite international competition.
Mini Orienteering
Ages 6-9
Colour-coded trail orienteering, symbol maps, and fun navigation games in parks and schools.
Junior Club
Ages 9-12
White and yellow courses, compass use, and first local events with a club.
Development
Ages 12-15
Orange and red courses, British schools championships, and club competition circuit.
Youth Competition
Ages 15-17
JROS Junior Elite Squad assessment, British Championships, and first international events.
Junior Elite
Ages 17-21
World Junior Orienteering Championships, senior national squad preparation.
Where Orienteering Can Take You
The skills developed transfer to many careers in and around the field.
Elite Orienteer
Competing at national and international level
Key Skills
Typical Route
Junior competitions → National squad → GB team → World Championships
Outdoor Instructor
Teaching navigation and outdoor skills
Key Skills
Typical Route
NNAS awards → Instructor training → Centre instructor → Senior instructor
Event Planner
Organising orienteering events and courses
Key Skills
Typical Route
Volunteer → Club organiser → Regional events → Major events
Salary data from Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2024
Orienteering Heroes
These stars started at local clubs just like yours. Their journeys show what's possible.
Hollie Orr
Orienteering
British Champion, World Junior medallist
“Scottish forests gave me my love of orienteering. Scotland has some of the best terrain in the world.”
Ralph Street
Orienteering
World Championship medallist, British record holder
“Southern Navigators club started me. Orienteering develops the mind as much as the body.”
Graham Gristwood
Orienteering
World Championship medallist, multiple British Champion
“I grew up running the hills of Scotland. It is the perfect training ground for navigators.”
Hanny Allston
Orienteering
World Champion, multiple World Cup winner
“Orienteering combines everything I love — nature, problem-solving, and running fast.”
Featured Orienteering Providers
These organisations offer structured programmes for young people across the UK.
Find Orienteering Near You
Search by location, age, or programme type to find clubs and courses in your area.