Lost in the woods, on purpose, by Hannah Greenhalgh

An original contemporary magazine article.

If you have ever wanted to run through a forest with a map in your hand and a whistle round your neck, orienteering might be the sport for you. Last Sunday I joined around 150 people at a beginners’ event in Bramwell Forest to find out what it is all about.

The idea is simple. Each runner is given a map showing a series of checkpoints, called controls, marked by orange and white flags hidden among the trees. You must visit them in the right order and as quickly as possible, choosing your own route. At each control you dip a small electronic chip, worn on your finger, into a box that records your time.

I chose the yellow course, which is about two kilometres long and designed for beginners and families. Ahead of me a grandmother and her seven-year-old grandson set off holding hands; they finished four minutes faster than I did.

My biggest mistake came at control five. I followed a path that looked obvious, only to realise ten minutes later that I was on the wrong side of a stream. The volunteers at the finish told me that almost everyone does this at least once.

Entry for beginners cost £6, which included the hire of the electronic chip, and compasses were lent free of charge. Next month the club is holding a night event, when runners wear head torches. I have already signed up.

(a) What are the checkpoints in orienteering called? (b) How long is the yellow course? (c) How much did entry for beginners cost?