Orienteering techniques

1. Orient the map

Always hold the map so it matches the ground. Turn it when you turn. See compass use.

2. Thumbing

Keep the thumb of the hand holding the map right next to where you are, and move it as you go. You don’t have to search the map every time you look at it. Simple, and one of the biggest time savers.

3. Handrails

Follow linear features — paths, streams, fences, forest edges, power lines. On a handrail you need very little map reading, so a longer route with a good handrail is often faster.

4. Catching features

A clear linear feature beyond the control — a road, stream or field edge. If you overshoot, it tells you so. When planning, ask: “If I make a mistake, what will stop me?”

5. Attack points

A feature close to the control that is quick and easy to find — a path junction, building corner, big boulder. Run fast to the attack point, then take the short last part carefully, with compass and pace counting if needed.

6. Aiming off

If the control is on a linear feature (for example a stream), deliberately aim to one side of it. When you hit the stream you know which way to turn.

7. Traffic lights

• Green: on a handrail, clear route — full speed.
• Amber: approaching the control — slow down, read the detail.
• Red: attack point to control — carefully, walking if necessary.

Most mistakes happen in the “red” zone by going too fast.

8. Relocation

Getting lost is part of orienteering; what matters is how quickly you recover. Stop, orient the map, identify big features, think about the last point you were sure of. If in doubt, head to the nearest catching feature.

Entering and leaving controls

Read the control description (how?) before you arrive. Plan your exit direction before punching, so you lose no time after the control.

Practise the decisions in the Route Choice Game, then read Route choice.