Orienteering is the kind of sport where traditionally you have to run around various bits of rugged terrain and locate several control points using maps as opposed to following a set course. It started as a kind of military training exercise in the Scandinavian countries and was later taken up by many British schools over the years. A modern variant of this is Urban Orienteering -and the first event of it’s kind to be held in Bridgwater will take place this Saturday 19th March.

The event is organised by Quantock Orienteers and will be focussed on the Brewery Field in the heart of Westover. There will be a point for registration, assembly and enquiries plus hot and cold drinks and snacks. People can turn up and enter on the day between 1230 and 1430-although there will be limited availability of maps.

Discovering Historic Bridgwater

The route of the event could take participants anywhere in and around historic Bridgwater including the Meads and the Canal as well as through the town centre and the course will close at 1600.

Bridgwater Town Council is supporting the event. Town Council Leader Brian Smedley said “This is a great idea and all credit to Gavin Clegg for thinking of his old town where he first discovered Orienteering when he was at Dr Morgans. We hope more events like this will not only bring people to the town and that Bridgwater will interest them enough to come again and again but that local people will take up the sport and get involved on the day. “

Courses 1-4 cost £8 per map (£10 to none BOF members) Courses 5+6 cost £2.50 per map and course 7 is free thanks to Bridgwater Council sponsorship.

Organiser Gavin Clegg says

“We would like anybody and everybody to take part in Bridgwater’s first Urban Orienteering this Saturday starting out at Brewery Field. If you don’t fancy the more energetic courses then try the free Tourist course that will take you to some parts of historic Bridgwater you probably didn’t know existed. Start times available from 12:30 to 14:30. There is also short maze you can try your hand at to see how quick you can navigate, winning time less than 2 minutes!”

Meanwhile here’s a gallery of pictures from Gavin’s expeditions around the world to get you in the mood for a spot of orienteering.