Orienteering

Info

What is orienteering?

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport where the aim is to combine running or walking and map-reading in order to navigate between a series of checkpoints (called controls) in the fastest time possible. One of the great things about orienteering is that anyone can do it, regardless of age, physical or technical ability - there are even versions of orienteering suitable for those in wheelchairs or who are otherwise physically challenged.

How does orienteering work in BUMC?

We'd really love for as many people as possible to get involved and there are plenty of great aspects of the sport to consider. Maybe you're looking for a friendly, low-pressure environment to get active and socialise. Maybe you're looking for a way to make running more exciting. Or perhaps you like the sound of a sport that values the mind as much as the body.

In BUMC we aim to hold weekly navigation sessions, open to all in the club. These sessions are not strictly 'for orienteers' - anyone can come along at any time and give it a try, at whatever level you feel comfortable, and the map skills learnt through orienteering transfer well to hill-walking and other mountaineering activities.

While our sessions are always planned to be accessible at any ability and ambition, there are athletes in the club who compete up to an elite level, and so a few events we attend have a more competitive atmosphere and are well suited to the runners amongst us who want to reach that more demanding level.

Upcoming Orienteering Events

Warmley and Siston Common 4th October 2025: Organised by our very own Orienteering Secretary and Captains! Sign ups go live here on Friday 26th September for transport to the event. Catch the 19 bus if you miss out. Everyone will need to enter via the link above.

South Wales Orienteering Training Weekend 8th - 9th November 2025: Held in South Wales, an opportunity to improve navigation skills and compete in two local events alongside training with Univeristy of Bristol Orienteering Club! Stay posted for details.

EUOC (English Unis Orienteering Championships) 21st - 22nd Feb 2026: A fun competition involving the English orienteering clubs, hosted by Oxford Uni. There is an individual and a relay team. The more the merrier!

British Champs 28th Feb - 1st Mar 2026: Details to be confirmed...

BUCS 14th - 15th Mar 2026: Hosted by Bristol Uni

Orienteering trips and competitions

In the previous year, BUMC had the honour of hosting the English Universities Orienteering Cup (EUOC) in Bath, where we managed a magnificent 2nd place finish - matching our placing at the 2024 competition!

The club also fields a team for BUCS Orienteering, which in 2025 was hosted by Sheffield University, where the club came a record best 5th place. This, like EUOC, is a whole-weekend event, and it's always great to meet orienteers from fellow university clubs.

We regularly organise day trips to orienteering events at local fells, forests and urban races; these are great opportunities to test your skills in a low-pressure, friendly competitive atmosphere.

Trail Running

The club runs weekly trail running sessions alternating between 17:15 on Monday and 18:15 on Tuesday - check out the Whatsapp or Sunday email to find out which one it is each week. These sessions are open to all skill and fitness levels, by no means are they fast, but ensure to bring adequate footwear and layers for the conditions! We will meet downstairs in the STV so that bags can be left in lockers and changing rooms can be used. Please bring headtorches once the clocks go back.