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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: archaeoroutes on 21:22:30, 16/06/20

Title: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: archaeoroutes on 21:22:30, 16/06/20
Always a great way to pass some time. Getting into the outdoors, seeing nice things, and some nav practice to boot.
https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/pocs (https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/pocs)
Title: Re: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: BuzyG on 08:08:09, 17/06/20
I'm not sure I quite get the point of a permanent course.  Any locals will know checkpoints.  The principal of a treasure hunt is far more in the spirit of Orienteering in my heart.  Discover new spots and enjoy a workout at the same time.  O0



Title: Re: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:39:10, 17/06/20
I'm not sure I quite get the point of a permanent course.  Any locals will know checkpoints.  The principal of a treasure hunt is far more in the spirit of Orienteering in my heart.  Discover new spots and enjoy a workout at the same time.  O0


Not all people using the courses will be locals, BuzyG.
Title: Re: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:39:43, 17/06/20
Always a great way to pass some time. Getting into the outdoors, seeing nice things, and some nav practice to boot.
https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/pocs (https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/pocs)


Thanks for the link, archaeoroutes  :)
Title: Re: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: archaeoroutes on 14:36:57, 17/06/20
I'm not sure I quite get the point of a permanent course.  Any locals will know checkpoints.
You'd be amazed how many people can visit the same wood for their whole life and either never notice the controls or not take the time to find out what they are. Then there's all the virtual courses with nothing marked on the ground at all, relying on GPS to prove you've been there.
Title: Re: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: BuzyG on 14:50:14, 17/06/20

Not all people using the courses will be locals, BuzyG.


Whaaaat!!!!!!!!!!! :o


Where's me shot gun.   ;D

Title: Re: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: BuzyG on 14:53:54, 17/06/20
I guess I think of Orienteering as a race not a pass time and a navigation based race is a little pointless if you know the way. It's then just a fell run.  I must look up the definition. I think of geocaching or tor bagging as pass times so the points/ lists remain the same over time.
Title: Re: Permanent Orienteering Courses
Post by: archaeoroutes on 15:56:11, 17/06/20
I guess I think of Orienteering as a race not a pass time and a navigation based race is a little pointless if you know the way. It's then just a fell run.
It is a race at a competitive level. And a lot of fun, too.
Whilst there are training things that can be done on repeat visits, I agree that going to the same place with the same controls again and again is not brilliant. But there are lots of POCs, so you can visit ones you've never been to before.
There are plenty of people who like to go out for a walk with a little nav interest thrown in.
And, one of the biggest things I'm working on as chairman of my county orienteering club, is that they are great for introducing newcomers.


Oh, and we aren't allowed to race at the moment, but we are allowed POCs.