What is orienteering?

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor aEnglish Unis Cup 2020dventure 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.

 

Photos

A year in the life of the BUMC
31 photos
Updated Sun 22 Feb 2009
2018 Cornwall
12 photos
Updated Mon 11 Jun 2018
2015 Snowdonia
11 photos
Updated Sat 30 Jul 2016
2018 ISB
20 photos
Updated Thu 08 Feb 2018
Photo Competition Winners 2012
9 photos
Updated Mon 13 Aug 2012
2014/15 BUMC
9 photos
Updated Fri 04 Sep 2015
Mountaineering
27 photos
Updated Thu 31 Jul 2014
2015 Lake District
17 photos
Updated Sat 30 Jul 2016
2016/2017 Photos
39 photos
Updated Sun 11 Feb 2018
2016 Gower Peninsula
25 photos
Updated Sat 30 Jul 2016
2017 BUMC Photo Comp
13 photos
Updated Wed 16 Aug 2017
2012/13 Trips
11 photos
Updated Sun 03 Feb 2013
2016 Isle of Portland
19 photos
Updated Sat 30 Jul 2016
2016 Yorkshire Dales
45 photos
Updated Sat 30 Jul 2016