A guide to orienteering events nearby you can take part in over the next few months to scratch your orienteering itch before the season starts.
Unless otherwise stated, all events should be suitable for beginners and juniors, as well as more experienced orienteers - but do check the details for each event before entering. Post any queries or questions you have on our chat site.
Portishead - 20th July - Urban (BOK)
Bristol Orienteering Klub’s urban series continues at Portishead with an intricate mix of buildings, footpaths and roads ideal for urban orienteering and within easy reach of Somerset. Due to road crossings, juniors need to be supervised.
Read some of the write-ups from club members of some of the other events in the series in the ‘External Events’ section of our chat site.
Quantock Challenge - 23rd July - 2nd August - Score Course (QO)
Our annual 3 or 5-hour score course covers a variety of landscapes on The Quantocks, from open moorland with sea views to steep wooded valleys. You can take part either running or as a walk and it is free to enter.
Read more about Quantocks Challenge
Lakes 5 Days - 7th - 12th August - Long & Middle Distance (NWOA)
Not exactly local, but if you are yet to plan a summer holiday or you are unfortunate to have your flights cancelled, this event, which is only held once every four years is definitely worth considering. It takes place in the English Lake District, home to some of the country’s most beloved scenery and finest orienteering areas, and there are already 18 QOs entered.
Entries are open until 24th July - https://www.lakes5.org.uk/
Review reviews from previous years
Club Championship (Bridgwater) - 10th September - Urban Score and Social (QO)
Our club championship this year is on 10th September in Bridgwater and is an urban score course, followed by a social in a local pub and our AGM. If you are new to the club, it is a great opportunity to meet other members and do some local orienteering before the season starts.
More details about Bridgwater Club Championships
Caddihoe Chase (Dartmoor) - 17th & 18th September - Long & Middle Distance (DEVON)
This year is a great opportunity for QOs to take part in several major competitions over a single weekend on our doorstep (just over an hour from Taunton). This year’s Caddihoe Weekend is being held on Dartmoor’s Hay Tor and Hound Tor and incorporates the Southern Championships, the SOWA Long and MIddle Championships.
Despite being championship events, there will still be courses available for beginners and juniors.
More details about Caddihoe weekend
Triscombe Stone (Quantocks) - 25th September - Forest League (QO)
Our Forest League kicks off on 25th September at Triscombe Stone on The Quantocks with open moorland and woodland.
More details about Triscombe Stone QOFL
Vivary Park, Taunton - 1st October - Junior Orienteering (QO)
Our local orienteering events (JOGs) aimed at juniors, families, and all those looking to improve or train starts on 1st October in Vivary Park in the centre of Taunton (and then continues most weeks during the autumn and spring terms).
Entry is just £1 per person and it is a great way to try out orienteering.