October Map(s) of the Month
Get ready for a double-feature of orienteering this October! We’re offering two distinct trainings: a technical forest adventure in Craigmillar and a fast-paced urban sprint in Edinburgh Central. Choose your challenge, or be ambitious and tackle both!
Forest Training: Craigmillar
Location: Start/Finish at w3w ///hills.heave.pilots
Put your navigation skills to the test in Craigmillar Forest. We have two courses designed to challenge orienteers of all levels. Tapes will be in place from October 1st until the end of the month.
Courses Available:
- Multi-Technique (4.5 km): Advanced
o The clue is in the name! This course is designed to test a full range of skills,
including contours, route-choice, and compass.
o Important: The map features “corridors” and “windows” (sections of the map will be blanked out). If you are new to this format, we strongly recommend printing a spare, full-map (like the Orange course map) to use as a backup.
o The course includes various cut-offs to shorten your run if needed. - Orange (2.0 km): Intermediate (TD3)
o A classic orange-standard course. The entire map is visible—perfect for building
confidence or enjoying a scenic run.
Forest Safety Notes:
- Steep Cliffs: The area contains steep cliffs. Please be extremely aware of your surroundings and stick to paths where appropriate.
- Respect Others: This is a shared public space. Please be courteous to all park users.
- Missing Tapes? If you find any control markers missing, please message Michael directly so they can be replaced.
Sprint Training: Edinburgh Central
Location: Start/Finish at w3w ///longer.cats.award (just outside Potterrow)
Swap the trails for the terraces! This is a map-and-compass challenge through the university area and surrounding streets.
Courses Available:
- Sprint A & Sprint B (Both 5.9 km): Advanced
o These are gaffled courses, meaning the control order differs between the two. The ideal way to run them is with a partner of similar ability so you can race head-to-head on different routes.
o Important: There are NO physical tapes or markers on this course. You must navigate using the map and descriptions alone.
o Artificial Barriers: These are shown on the map and MUST NOT BE CROSSED. This is to make the courses more interesting and enhance route-choice.
Sprint Safety Notes:
- Public Space: This is a very busy area. Be extra cautious at blind corners, slow down at junctions, and always give way to members of the public.
- Urban Hazards: Be aware of traffic, cyclists, and stairs.
General Information & How to Take Part
- Maps: Maps for both trainings will be available on the EUOC website and WhatsApp group.
- The Craigmillar map is single-sided for both courses. The sprint courses are double-sided with a map flip at control 17.
- Printed Maps: If you need a physical map printed, please contact Michael and he can arrange this for you.
- Timing: These are informal, month-long trainings. Run the courses at your own convenience throughout October. There will be a designated day to run these together- keep an eye out on the WhatsApp.
The maps are ready, the courses are set… now it’s up to you! Go out, explore, and have a fantastic time.
Happy Orienteering!
Michael Bishenden (+44 7464474270)
Maps:
Craigmillar:
Edinburgh Central:
Loose Control Descriptions: