Learn to Orienteer with our Adult Beginner Coaching Days
We are excited to announce a new series of Adult Beginner Coaching Days taking place throughout March in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness.
These sessions are part of a wider outreach project aiming to introduce more young adults to the sport whilst raising general awareness across Scotland. Whether someone has never held a map before or has only tried a local event once, these sessions will provide a friendly and supportive introduction to the skills needed to enjoy orienteering independently.
What to Expect
Each coaching day is aimed at anyone aged 16 and over, although we are especially keen to see a good uptake from young adults between 18 and 40. They will be led by local, qualified coaches who have lots of experience and aim to progress participants from beginner level to being competent at TD3. They will cover:
- How to understand an orienteering map
- Setting the map
- An introduction to using a compass
- Route choice
- Short loops to practice skills
- A longer consolidation course
No previous experience is required — just comfortable outdoor clothing and a willingness to try something new!
Experienced coaches will be on hand throughout, ensuring participants feel relaxed, confident and able to continue attending local events afterwards.
Event Details
Aberdeen
Date: Sunday 29th March
Location: Hazlehead Park
Time: 10-4
👉 Sign up here: Orienteering for Adult Beginners – Aberdeen
Edinburgh
Date: Saturday 28th March
Location: Cammo Estate
Time: 10-4
👉 Sign up here: Orienteering for Adult Beginners – Edinburgh
Inverness
Date: Saturday 14th March
Location: Craig Phadrig
Time: 10-4
👉 Sign up here: Orienteering for Adult Beginners – Inverness
(Places are limited to ensure good coach-to-participant ratios)
Help Us Spread the Word
The success of these sessions depends on reaching people who haven’t discovered orienteering yet.
We’d love our members to help by:
- Sharing the sign-up link on social media or in appropriate group chats
- Posting in university, workplace or community groups
- Inviting friends who enjoy running, hiking, climbing or adventure sports
- Mentioning it to anyone curious about trying outdoor activities
Many current orienteers first discovered the sport because someone personally invited them — this is our chance to do the same for someone else.
Flyers can be downloaded from this Google Drive – please share digitally or print and hang up anywhere you are able.
Why This Matters
We know orienteering offers:
- A welcoming community
- Mental challenge as well as physical activity
- Adventure in local green spaces
- The opportunity to venture to areas outside of the ordinary
- A sport you can enjoy for life
These beginner days are a key step in helping more young adults find that same experience — and hopefully encouraging them onto that first step towards adopting our wonderful sport and helping our clubs continue to grow and thrive in the future.
If you know someone who might enjoy exploring, problem-solving and getting outdoors, please pass this on. A single share could bring a future club member, volunteer or lifelong orienteer into the sport.
We look forward to welcoming plenty of new faces this March!