Orienteering
Orienteering is a sport in which individuals find their way from one point to another using only a detailed map, occasionally a compass and their brains! Individuals can proceed at their own pace, which can be anything from a gentle stroll to a vigorous run.
Within Carnfunnock Country Park, a detailed orienteering map has been produced alongside corresponding numbered control posts displaying the distinctive red and white orienteering symbol. On each post there is a reference number, which must be written onto the back of the map. Please note: the back of the map gives full details of the course.
Control sites at Carnfunnock can be visited in any order but there are three suggested courses with increasing length and difficulty:
Course A: Distance 1.3km. White standard course - Time to complete the course walking 30 minutes. An ideal course for beginners or primary school children with control posts displayed prominently near paths. Visit controls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Course B: Distance 2.6km. Orange standard course - Time to complete the course walking 60 minutes. Visit controls 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 6, 4, 13, 2 and 1.
Course C: Distance 4.2 km. Light green standard course - Time to complete the course walking 90 minutes. This course is for more experienced orienteers requiring navigational techniques to find the control markers and an experienced pair of eyes to read the map. Visit controls 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 8.
Season: All year
Age of Pupils: All ages - various levels available.
Duration: Range from approx. 30-90 minutes
Curricular Links:
Mathematics: Processing, interpreting and applying data.
ICT: Finding things out, exchanging and sharing information.
English: Speaking, listening, group discussion and interaction, reading for information.
Geography: Use maps and plans, to gain an understanding of places, patterns and processes, environmental change and sustainable development.
Materials Required: All you need to participate is a map, a clear plastic bag to protect it and a pen or pencil. A clipboard may also be useful. An individual map can be emailed free of charge from the NI Orienteering Association via publicity@niorienteering.org.uk. Alternatively a hard copy can be purchased for £1.70 each from the Visitor Centre (in season) or from the Management Team (off season). Maps cannot be photocopied due to copyright restrictions so groups are advised to laminate them and use appropriate markers.
Please note that the orienteering course (and its associated markers) were updated in 2010 so anyone with an old map will now find it's out of date!
