What is a permanent orienteering course?
It is 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. All the controls are shown on an overprinted map. They are usually situated in local parks or forests owned by councils, the National Trust or Forest Enterprise. Management of the courses may be by the owner of the land, or by the local orienteering club.
What is the purpose of permanent orienteering courses?
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 want 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.
Permanent orienteering courses in London
SLOW have arranged a number of permanent orienteering courses in south and west London.
Wimbledon Park
Electronic copy (pdf file) of the orienteering map can be obtained by contacting Don McKerrow (see below). For more information about what courses you can do at Wimbledon Park, click here (PDF).
| Location | Wimbledon Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Wimbledon Park |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.4367, -0.2042 |
| OS grid reference | TQ249724 |
| Nearest postcode | SW19 8AU (156m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
Kingsmeadow
Orienteering maps are available from reception. There are 3 courses available, between 0.5km and 0.7km, of about white/yellow/orange standard. For details and opening times see the UK Running Track Directory website. Note: Kingsmeadow Athletics Centre are responsible for this site and make a charge for access. We recommend phoning them for further details before visiting.
| Location | Kingsmeadow |
|---|---|
| Address | Kingsmeadow Athletics and Fitness Centre, Boundary Close, Kingston Road, Kingston |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.4061, -0.2814 |
| OS grid reference | TQ196688 |
| Nearest postcode | KT1 3PB (1m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
South Park
Four courses available: Star, Short (0.3km), Medium (0.6km), Long (1.1km). All ideal for beginners. Electronic copy (pdf file) of the orienteering map can be obtained by contacting Don McKerrow (see below).
| Location | South Park |
|---|---|
| Address | North west of Wandsworth Bridge. |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.4709, -0.1946 |
| OS grid reference | TQ255762 |
| Nearest postcode | SW6 3BB (26m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
Ravenscourt Park
No car park. Park is north of A315 King Street, south of Goldhawk Road A402. Nearest tube station: Ravenscourt Park. Maps available from Don McKerrow.
| Location | Ravenscourt Park |
|---|---|
| Address | North of A315 King Street, south of Goldhawk Road A402 |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.4967, -0.2381 |
| OS grid reference | TQ224790 |
| Nearest postcode | W6 0UL (99m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
Bishop’s Park
No car park. Park is just north of Putney Bridge, west of A219. Nearest tube station: Putney Bridge. Maps available from Don McKerrow.
| Location | Bishop's Park |
|---|---|
| Address | North of Putney Bridge, west of A219 |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.4712, -0.2189 |
| OS grid reference | TQ238762 |
| Nearest postcode | SW6 6DX (150m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
Dulwich Park
Maps available for £1.50 from Chris Robinson:
| Location | Dulwich Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Dulwich Park |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.4452, -0.0791 |
| OS grid reference | TQ336735 |
| Nearest postcode | SE21 7EU (237m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
Peckham Rye Park
Maps available for £1.50 from Chris Robinson:
| Location | Peckham Rye Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Peckham Rye Park |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.4563, -0.0612 |
| OS grid reference | TQ348748 |
| Nearest postcode | SE22 0SH (214m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
Elthorne Park
Maps available for £1.50 from Chris Robinson (
| Location | Elthorne Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Ealing |
| Latitude/longitude | 51.5014, -0.3328 |
| OS grid reference | TQ158794 |
| Nearest postcode | W7 2LZ (79m away) |
| Maps | Google Maps, Ordnance Survey, OpenStreetMap |
 | |
Other permanent orienteering courses in the south-east
There are several permanent orienteering courses in London and all over south-east England. The South East Orienteering Association has a dedicated page listing all the courses.
Further information
If you have any questions or comments on SLOW’s Permanent orienteering courses, or would like to get hold of any of the maps,
please contact Don McKerrow:
