# What is orienteering? Canonical: https://zestasy.com/wiki/what-is-orienteering/ Section: Zestasy Wiki > Movement · Updated: 2026-10-14 · Publisher: Zestasy *Zestasy Wiki: our reference answers. Checked for facts and sources; less curated than the magazine.* Orienteering is a navigation sport: you use a detailed map to find your way between a series of checkpoints, called controls, marked in the terrain with orange and white flags, choosing your own route between them. You can run it competitively or walk it at your own pace, and beginners start on short, colour-coded courses that mostly follow paths. Orienteering is what happens when a treasure hunt grows up and moves to the forest. You get a map, a list of checkpoints and a starting time, and the rest is up to you: which path, which shortcut, whether to go round the hill or over it. Fast runners love it. So do families, walkers and people who simply like being in the woods with a purpose. ## How it works Wikipedia describes orienteering as a group of sports in which participants use a map and compass to travel between points in unfamiliar terrain as quickly as possible. It began in Sweden in the late nineteenth century as military navigation training, and the first civilian competition open to the public took place in Norway in 1897. At a typical event: - **You get a special orienteering map,** far more detailed than a normal walking map, with colours showing how easy the ground is to cross. - **The controls are marked as circles** on the map, numbered in the order you must visit them. British Orienteering explains that each control has a short description, such as a path end or a fence corner, and a number you check when you arrive. - **In the terrain, each control is an orange and white flag,** with a unit beside it. - **You prove you visited** by punching at each control. Most events now use an electronic timing stick that you insert into the unit; some still use paper cards. - **Your route is your choice.** The straight line is not always the fastest; a path round a marsh may beat a brave dash through it. ## Colour-coded courses Most events offer several courses graded by colour. According to British Orienteering, white, yellow and orange courses are designed for complete beginners: they are usually short, up to around 2.5 kilometres, with controls on or near paths. Green, blue, brown and black courses are longer and harder, for people with some experience. Some events also offer a score format, in which you visit as many controls as you can within a time limit. There is no mass start. Everyone has their own start time, and you can go alone or in a small group, which makes it very relaxed for first-timers. ## Running or walking? Both. British Orienteering says newcomers can run or walk as they choose, and many people walk their first courses, especially with children. Competitive orienteers run, sometimes very fast, through very rough ground; that is a different sport from a Sunday stroll with a map, and both are welcome at most events. ## Kinds of orienteering The International Orienteering Federation recognises four main disciplines, according to Wikipedia: foot, mountain bike, ski and trail orienteering. Clubs also put on sprint events in parks and towns, night events with headtorches, and permanent courses. ## How to try it - **Find a local club** and look for an event with beginner courses. Clubs usually welcome newcomers and will explain how everything works. - **Try a permanent course.** British Orienteering describes permanent orienteering courses as fixed courses you can do whenever you like, from city centres to countryside, often with downloadable maps and the same colour coding. - **Wear what you would for a muddy walk.** British Orienteering notes that full leg cover is compulsory in woodland events, and that ordinary trainers are fine for a first try. - **Take your time with the map.** Turn it so it matches the ground in front of you, and keep your thumb on where you are. Orienteering is also a wonderful way to build the navigation skills that matter on any walk; see our guide to [navigating without signal](https://zestasy.com/wiki/navigating-without-signal/). ## FAQ ### Do I need a compass? Not for the easiest courses, which follow paths. A simple compass becomes useful as you move up to harder courses. ### Is orienteering suitable for children? Very. Beginner courses are designed with young people and families in mind, and many children love the hunt. Our guide to [hiking with kids](https://zestasy.com/wiki/hiking-with-kids/) has more ideas for days out. ### What if I get lost? It happens to everyone. Stop, find a feature you can identify on the map, and work from there. Always report to the finish, even if you give up partway, so the organisers know you are back. ### Is orienteering the same as geocaching? No. Orienteering uses a map and set controls, usually against the clock. [Geocaching](https://zestasy.com/wiki/what-is-geocaching/) is a different kind of hunt, and our guide explains how it works. ## Sources - [British Orienteering: Newcomers' guide](https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/newcomers_guide) - [British Orienteering: Permanent orienteering courses](https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/permanent_orienteering_courses) - [Wikipedia: Orienteering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienteering) ## Related - [How do you navigate on a hike without phone signal?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/navigating-without-signal/) - [How do you get into trail running?](https://zestasy.com/movement/getting-into-trail-running/) - [What is geocaching, and is it fun for adults?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/what-is-geocaching/) - [How do you choose a hiking trail you'll actually enjoy?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/choosing-a-hiking-trail/) - [How do you go hiking with young children?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/hiking-with-kids/) - [All Movement answers in the Wiki](https://zestasy.com/wiki/#movement)