Permanent Orienteering Courses

There are fixed orienteering courses available throughout Great Britain. They are usually designed for beginners but often include difficult options for improving or experienced orienteers. They are a great way to improve your navigation skills, experience orienteering without needing to attend an event or to simply make a walk more interesting.

A leaflet giving summary details of courses in Berkshire is available for download by clicking here

These Permanent Orienteering courses are not managed by Berkshire Orienteers, but by the local council parks departments. If there is an issue with one of the courses, please contact your local council.

Try the orienteering courses at:

The courses below exist on the ground, but links on the council websites have lapsed.

Black Park, Slough

Just over the border into Buckinghamshire but only 4 Km NE of the centre of Slough is Black Park Country Park. Covering a large area, this country park provides very varied terrain with an extensive path network.

Details:

  • Nearest town: Slough
  • Car park location: The main Black Park Country Park is off Black Park Road. Black Park is signposted North from the A412 between Slough and Iver Heath.
  • Nearest Post Code: SL3 6DS
  • Grid Reference: TQ006833
  • Maps: Download the instructions and map and print a copy to bring with you. Can also be obtained from the Visitors Information Centre on the South side of Blackpark lake, a short walk from the main car park - Cost £1.50 ( open weekdays only). 
  • Courses available: Short couse is suitable for beginners (1.5 km). Medium (2.2 km, moderate). Long (4.5 km, moderate/hard).
  • Council Web Site: Black Park country park activities and Orienteering course in Black Park
  • Other information: Car park charges apply - See the Council website above

Pope's Meadow, Bracknell

This compact area provides the ideal introduction for the young novice.

Details:

  • Nearest town: Bracknell
  • Car park location: The entrance to the Meadow is from Saint Marks Road and signed from the B3408, 1km North East of the end of the A329(M).
  • Nearest Post Code: RG42 4BE
  • Grid Reference: SU844700
  • Maps: Maps can be downloaded from the Bracknell Forest Web-Site.
  • Courses available: Courses for beginners (White and Yellow) and for people with some experience (Orange/Light Green). The position of the controls also makes them suitable for exercises for beginners groups (‘Stars' and ‘Loops').
  • Council Web Page: Pope's Meadow

Lily Hill Park, Bracknell

Close to the centre of Bracknell, this park offers varied challenges including some steep slopes to tire the unfit!

Details:

  • Nearest town: Bracknell
  • Car park location: The recommended car park is on the Northern edge of the Park off Lily Hill Road. The Park is signed from the A329, 1Km East of Bracknell centre
  • Nearest Post Code: RG12 2RX
  • Grid Reference: SU887694
  • Maps: Maps can be downloaded from the Bracknell Forest Web-Site. Courses available: Courses for beginners (White and Yellow) and for people with some experience (Orange/Light Green). The position of the controls also makes them suitable for exercises for beginners groups (‘Stars' and ‘Loops').
  • Council Web Page: Lily Hill Park orienteering course
  • Other information: The Park has a good network of well maintained paths making some of the controls accessible to wheelchairs and buggies. However there are steps on some of the steeper paths.

The Lookout Discovery Centre, Bracknell

Used for international competitions, under it's orienteering name of Upper Star Posts, this part of Swinley Forest is Berkshire's top orienteering venue. The permanent course however provides a comprehensive range of courses for all abilities.

Details:

  • Nearest town: Bracknell
  • Car park location: Access to the main car park is from the B3430, Nine Mile Ride - Follow signs for ‘The Look Out'.
  • Nearest Post Code: RG12 7QW
  • Grid Reference SU876662
  • Maps: Map Packs £1 from the Tourist Information located at "The Look Out". Open daily 1000-1700 (prior notice of bulk requirements please)
  • Courses available: Courses for beginners (White and Yellow), for people with some experience (Orange/Light Green) and experienced orienteers (Green and above).
  • Council Web Page: The Look Out Discovery Centre
  • Other information: Swinley Forest is an extensive area and beginners should take care not to wander too far - if you do get lost, always head North! Experienced orienteers will enjoy the challenge of the longer courses. There is a £2 charge for the car park (up to 4 hours)

Ambarrow Court

This is our latest Permanent Course. Ambarrow Court is lovely smallwood and nature reserve with a simple Orienteering course

Details:

  • Nearest town: Sandhurst
  • Car park location: The entrance to Ambarrow Court is from the A321 Wokingham Road just north of Little Sandhurst
  • Nearest Post Code: GU47 8JB
  • Grid Reference: SU824626
  • Maps: Maps can be downloaded from the Bracknell Forest Web-Site.
  • Courses available: A single course suitable for beginners. The course is suitable for push chairs
  • Council Web Page:Ambarrow Court orienteering course

South Hill Park

Two orienteering courses start from the South Hill Park arts centre and cafe.

Details:

Dinton Pastures, Wokingham

With a selection for beginners and the more adventurous, these courses explore the lakes and riverside areas of this popular country park.

Details:

  • Nearest town: Between Woodley and Winnersh
  • Car park location: Access to the main car park is from the B3030 Winnersh-Hurst road (Davis Street).
  • Nearest Post Code: RG10 0TH
  • Grid Reference: SU784718
  • Maps: Map packs £1 from the café close to the main car park. Usual opening hours vary but typically 0830-1900 (winter 0900-1700).
    Maps also available to download from the council website Dinton Pastures Full Course Map or Dinton Lea Heath Map
  • Courses available: Courses for beginners (White and Yellow) and for people with some experience (Orange/Light Green).
  • Council Web Page: Dinton Pastures Country Park
  • Other information: The Country Park is mainly flat with a good network of well maintained paths making some of the controls accessible to wheelchairs and buggies. There are charges for the car park (e.g. £2 for 1-4 hours)

Langley Park, Slough

Also in Buckinghamshire and just to the South of Black Park is the smaller Langley Park Country Park. Maps can be obtained from the Rangers Office in Black Park (see above), Access is down Billet Lane, signed South from the A412 Uxbridge Road, about 4.5 Km NE of Slough.

Details:

  • Nearest town: Slough
  • Car park location Langley Park is on the south side of the A412 between Slough and Iver Heath.
  • Nearest Post Code: SL3 6DG
  • Grid Reference: TQ015823
  • Maps: Maps cost £1.50 and can be obtained from the Visitor Information centre at the Black Park Country Park just to the North of Langley Park. For details, see the information above on the Black Park Permanent Course
  • Courses available: Courses available: Courses for beginners (White and Yellow) and for people with some experience (Orange/Light Green). The position of the controls also makes them suitable for exercises for beginners groups (‘Stars' and ‘Loops').
  • Council Web Page: Langley Park or Friends of Langley Park - Orienteering

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