Looking for a new sport that is something completely different? Orienteering is one of the fastest growing student sports in the UK, and where better to start than at the University of Bath, one of the country’s top student orienteering teams, and the current University Club of the Year!
Local Orienteering and Running Events
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. Orienteering isn't just about running—it's about quick thinking, problem solving and finding the fastest route under pressure. Perfect for competitive minds, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking for a unique university experience. Orienteering is a great way to meet people, get outdoors and have fun while exploring new places. From local events to weekend adventures, there's always something to look forward to. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just want to try something different, orienteering combines navigation, adventure and socialising into one. No experience needed. Just bring your trainers and a sense of adventure.
A great place to learn more about orienteering is through the British Orienteering website, linked here, which has information about the sport for Fresher's and more!
Watch this video to learn more about the sport! Start Orienteering || A Newcomer's Guide || Presented by Graham Gristwood
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.
Why should I start orienteering?
- Very beginner friendly – most university orienteers have never heard of the sport before starting university, so everyone will be on a similar level to start! Many join through trail running, walking or climbing within BUMC, or from athletics, but we welcome people from all backgrounds.
- Small sport – one of the university’s smallest sports, so everyone knows everyone and there is a really strong sense of community.
- Low cost – all that you need to start is some outdoor clothes and a good pair of running shoes, everything else will be provided by the club. Trips are heavily subsidised.
- Low commitment – join any time in the year and do as much or as little as you would like, with no pressure to attend. However, those that put the most in get the most out!
- No team selection – we will take everyone who wants to go!
- Travel to beautiful places – orienteering will take you to some stunning places, we have visited the Brecon Beacons, Peak District and Shropshire Hills in the past. The great outdoors is your pitch. In how many other sports do you get away days in the mountains?
- Intellectually challenging – each navigation session is full of problem solving!
- Be part of a successful team - top 5 in Britain!
What is the training schedule like?
We will have two orienteering sessions per week: on Thursday afternoons, we will have a shorter session, and we will have a longer, coaching-focused session on Saturday mornings. Venues will change week on week but will be based either on campus or in the city centre. Check the BUMC Google calendar and Sunday email for the latest training schedule! Sometimes on Saturday we will go to a local event or on a trip away instead of training in Bath.
Sessions are not restricted to just “orienteers”, so if you are already a BUMC member, or involved in a similar sport, then you are very welcome to turn up! All training sessions will be mixed ability and cater for those who have just started, as well as those who are competing at the highest level. Any experienced orienteers starting at Bath in 2026 and beyond are encouraged to contact the club before arrival to discuss training and racing opportunities at a higher level.
What orienteering activities will take place in 2026/27?
Here is the provisional lineup of activities for the coming season:
- Local events: develop your skills in a low-pressure, low-cost environment. We will be competing in local events throughout the year in the local Bristol Forest League.
- November Training Weekend (7th – 8th November): We will be returning to South Wales for a weekend of training and racing, joint with the University of Bristol.
- Orienteering Foundation Training Day (21st November): develop your skills in an informal environment with access to expert coaching and high level training.
- Club Championships (5th December): prizes for the best newcomers and buffet social afterwards!
- English University Championships (date tbc): we will be going to Sheffield for the weekend! Compete in an informal competition against the other English universities with a social on the Saturday night to meet orienteers from other universities. Bath has finished on the podium in each of the last three years, can we make it 4 in 2027?
- British University Championships (6th – 7th March): the UK’s biggest student-exclusive orienteering event! Hosted by Oxford University in 2027, the event consists of an individual competition on the Saturday and team relay on the Sunday, with a legendary Saturday night social. Be part of a team that scores BUCS points for the university: we have finished in 5th place for the last two years and are aiming to go one better this year!
- Bristol Urban League: A team competition against the University of Bristol, starting after Easter and running until the end of the year, with fixtures every Wednesday.
What awards has the club won?
- British Orienteering University Club of the Year 2025
- Orienteering Foundation Grant – read more here
- Avon Universities Orienteering Championships 2025 – Champions
- Avon Universities Urban League 2026 – Champions
- English Universities Orienteering Championships 2026 – 3rd Place (2nd in 2025 and 2024)
- British Universities Orienteering Championships (BUCS) 2026 – 5th Place, scoring 6 BUCS points
In addition, BUMC members have won medals at the SW championships, Southern championships and British Championships, including some who started orienteering at university!
What kit do I need?
All you need to start is a good pair of running shoes and clothes you can run in! Everything else will be provided by the club
Where can I go for advice or help?
Any questions, send us a message on the club email or social media (links above)!
Orienteering Foundation Grant
The Orienteering Foundation has awarded a grant to Bath University Mountaineering Club (BUMC) to support their participation in the 2026 British Orienteering Championships in South Wales. This grant will enable more students to experience high-level competition and develop their skills.
To read more, click this link!
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 now that it is getting darker early.
