Permanent Orienteering Course Marker (Control Point)
These are areas where there are a number of permanent control points (usually about 20) identified by sturdy wooden posts with a code and an orienteering logo carved or painted on it. The posts are marked on the overprinted map you purchase at the appropriate place listed below.
You can go round all the markers (controls sites), the courses recommended, or choose your own course to navigate. There are no restrictions on the number of people who can do this at once, and no time restrictions other than any car park opening and closing times.
The courses have many purposes, depending on your own specific needs. The great thing about them is that you can go at a time to suit you, on whatever day of the week you choose.
- If you are an experienced orienteer you may use them to fine tune some techniques, maybe pace counting, relocation or line orienteering.
- They are also an ideal way of introducing children and adults alike to the sport, where you can go at your own pace and spend as much time as you like figuring out the map.
- If you want to go in a pair or as a group, again, this is the perfect opportunity.
- You may have just started orienteering and are wanting to gain confidence in your skills outside of the pressures of an organized competition.
So whether you are using them for training purposes or just for a more adventurous family stroll, the choice is entirely yours.
CHIG’s Permanent Courses
Hainault Forest Country Park
Map Packs @ Hainault Forest Country Park Office (Foxburrows car park (centre of park, Grid Ref: TQ478929), Tel: 020 8500 7353) or the visitor centre, £1. For more information, see Hainault Forest’s own website.
Harlow Town Park
Map Packs £1 from Swimming Pool, First Avenue; Sportscentre, Hammarskjold Rd; Harlow Outdoors, Burnt Mill Lane.
Harlow Town Park is situated on the north side of the town. The SportCentre is alongside the Hammarskjöld Road, off the A1019, and has plenty of car-parking space (OS map 167: TL445106), as does the Swimming Pool (in First Avenue).
The Harlow Town Park course has been designed by Chigwell & Epping Forest Orienteering Club, with the co-operation of Harlow Council and financial assistance from Harlow Recreation Trust and from Awards for All.
Lee Valley Park
Maps/score cards and post descriptions are available for a charge of 75p per map from the LVRPA Information Service, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey EN9 9EG. Tel 01992 702200 or from Lee Valley Youth Hostel, near Cheshunt station. For more information, see Lee Valley Park’s own website.
Becton Park
Details to follow.
Other Permanent Courses
There are other permanent courses around the south-east of England – full details here.
