What is orienteering?
Orienteering is an exciting outdoor a
dventure 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 fortnightly 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.
Orienteering trips and competitions
In 2025, 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.
