Hertfirdshire "Happy Herts" Orienteering club returning to Stanborough
Find your way to a new sporting adventure
The team at Stanborough Park Better are looking forward to welcoming backHertfordshire Orienteering Club, who will be hosting their annual orienteering event at Stanborough Park on Saturday the 8 March 2025.
You can choose a start time between 10.00-11.30 and courses will close promptly at 12:45. Dogs are welcome to join in but must be kept under control and cleared up after responsibly.
First timers are very welcome. Look for greeters in hi-vis jackets who will be happy to assist you.
You can go around individually, in pairs or in a larger family group. From an entries perspective, pairs and groups are treated as a single runner – it’s one entry, you get one map, one timing chip (“dibber”) and one finish time listed in the Results.
If you’ve not orienteered before, we suggest most people start with the yellow course. Young juniors, say primary school age, and family groups are better on white. People confident with a map and compass may start on the orange course.
What is Orienteering?
Participants use a map and a compass to find a series of checkpoints in the shortest possible time. Each checkpoint, also known as a control, must be visited in a specific order, testing the competitor’s navigation and decision-making skills under pressure.
Why choose Orienteering?
Orienteering uses your brain and your body. It's a unique challenge that not only pushes participants physically, but also engages their minds. Whether you're an experienced athlete looking for a new challenge or a beginner seeking a fun and educational outdoor activity, orienteering offers something for everyone.
Physical benefits: Improves cardiovascular health, boosts stamina, and enhances muscle strength.
Mental benefits: Sharpens problem-solving abilities, enhances spatial awareness, and fosters a sense of adventure.
Environmental benefits: Encourages exploration and appreciation of natural landscapes and local parks.
Getting started
The beauty of orienteering lies in its accessibility. With minimal equipment – just a map, compass, and suitable clothing – anyone can start exploring.
Can’t make it on the day? Don’t worry you can still enjoy orienteering at Stanborough with a Virtual events – at a time to suit you.
If you’re new to orienteering, Find Your Way is the easiest way to start. You just need a mobile phone. Pop down and scan the sign at the North Kiosk, Stanborough Lakes, to pick from a range of courses.
You can also try Hertfordshire Orienteering’s permanent course. Try to find all the controls!
For young children wanting to get started with orienteering at a junior level, Stanborough Park will be holding a free and fun Easter Xplorer event from the 9th to the 16th April, collect your map and answer sheet from the kiosk by Splashlands.