Looking for something new to do outdoors? Orienteering is an exciting outdoor activity that exercises mind and body. The aim is to navigate between checkpoints or controls marked on a special orienteering map as quick as you can. There is no set route, so the skill and fun come from trying to find the best way to go.
We have created two courses on University of Reading Whiteknights campus that you can try right away. Use it as a way to explore every corner of our beautiful campus, on your own or with friends. If you are into running, compete to complete the course in the fastest time and get to the top of the leaderboard. It’s up to you.
They are “virtual courses”. Virtual orienteering is using a smart phone or GPS smartwatch to complete a course of virtual checkpoints spread throughout an area such as campus or a forest. The courses have no specific signs on the ground and are open 24/7 so you can fit in a course any time you want! The beauty of the courses is deciding your own route between the checkpoints, can you find the best way between them?
Download the free MapRun app at home to have the best experience when taking part in the orienteering activity. Once you have the app, fill in some simple details about yourself. Press ‘Select Event’, choose the folders ‘UK’ → ‘Find Your Way’ → ‘FYW Berkshire’ and then select University of Reading course that you would like to do. When you are on campus and ready to start, just click 'Go to Start' and then walk to the start (which will be marked by a triangle on the map you should see in Maprun – hint, it’s near the Palmer Building). Your phone should beep and turn green when you reach the start point – GO – the clock is running!! Now make your way between the controls (checkpoints) in number order until you reach the finish.
The Find Your Way website has an excellent "How To Guide" to help you get started with MapRun and how to use it on the course. Find Your Way is a project run by British Orienteering. You will also find Maprun courses and orienteering events all over the country.
You can download the University of Reading course maps from Find Your Way (findyourwayvo.org.uk/bko/maps)