MapActive November & December 2025
Learn how to become a competent map reader and explore woods, forests, trails and even complex urban areas with confidence.
Our successful MapActive course will show you how and assumes no previous map reading experience.
MapActive is suitable for walkers who explore woods and national parks as well as Trail, Fell and Ultra runners.
The course is suitable for those aged 8 to 85 who enjoy being outdoors and are physically able to take on the terrain.
MapActive is designed so that everyone will progress from basic map reading skills to more advanced skills over three sessions.
Individuals who cannot attend one or more of the sessions will make progress at their own pace and coaching will be designed so that this is possible.
The timetable for the Winter 2025 MapActive course is below.
Watch the short reels (linked to the venue name below) to get a feel for how our MapActive sessions work.
- Session 1: 15th Nov’ – Woodthorpe Grange Park
- Session 2: 29th Nov’ – Bramcote Hills Park
- Session 3:13th Dec’ – Burntstump Country Park (book by 11th Dec’)
- Event: 21st Dec’ – Strawberry Hill, Rainworth
Coaching sessions held between 1030 and 1230hrs.
What to expect in the face-to-face coaching sessions:
From little or no orienteering experience, participants will develop an understanding of orienteering maps and how to use them.
Basic use of the compass to orientate the map then choose and follow a route using features such as paths, fences (line features = ‘handrails’) to find checkpoints (controls) on and not far off handrails, and to cut corners between handrails.
Sessions will progress to include more advanced use of the compass to find controls further away from paths, and develop a basic understanding of how slopes and valleys are shown on maps using contours.
What to expect at the club event at Strawberry Hill:
This is an opportunity for you to test your understanding and apply what you have learned so far.
Take part in our club’s Christmas event. It’s popular with orienteers throughout the East Midlands and takes place in a friendly, sociable atmosphere – mince pies and festive treats afterwards! There will be different courses to choose from and we will help you decide which is best for you.
The entry fees for the December 21st event at Strawberry Hill will be discounted for MapActive participants (they are normally £9 for an adult non-member).
Fees:
The fees include all maps, the loan of equipment such as compasses, timing devices and club costs such as access charges, levies to British Orienteering and any other expenses.
Session fees:
- Adult: £5 per session
- Junior: £2 per session
Please note: If you would like to join us for the final session at Burntstump Country Park, please book your place before the 11th December. We are unable to accept bookings after this date.
Reserve your place using our entry system, The Start Kite
If you have a question about the MapActive course, please send an email to: Coaching@noc-uk.org
