Permanent Orienteering Courses
We are currently updating our permanent orienteering courses. Please go to the individual courses in the list below and check current status and access requirements.
How to use our permanent courses?
An orienteering course consists of a series of ‘control’ points which must be found by reading a map. Each point on the ground has a red and white marker.
Each marker has a number, which matches the code on the control description.
You can download the maps for all of our courses via the links on this website.
Print your map at home, and you can see the course and the codes for the controls, or view the map on your phone.
Run or walk with friends or family, on your own or with your dog.
Please choose a course relative to your own ability. There are longer and shorter courses, and courses that stay on paths or include controls off paths. Check the individual courses for details. Shoes with good tread (walking shoes or boots or trail running shoes) are recommended, and you may encounter muddy and uneven terrain on your course.
You can find a guide on orienteering map symbols and control descriptions here: Maprunner-IOF-control-descriptions-2024.pdf
If you notice that a control is missing or you would like to provide feedback, please email secretary@marocscotland.org.uk
If you would like support with using one of our permanent orienteering courses for your school or club, please contact secretary@marocscotlent.org.uk and we may be able to help..
*You take part at your own risk
*Enjoy this activity in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code:www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Dess POC
COURSE temporarily closed due to forestry work. We hope to re-plan and re-launch in autumn 2024
A forested hill, offering many tracks for the easier courses and interesting contour detail for the harder ones. Parking is at the Deeside Activity Park, where you can find refreshments after your run.
Mobile phone orienteering is now available at Dess
Linn of Dee POC
The Permanent Orienteering course at Linn of Dee has been designed to give you an opportunity to explore some stunning highland scenery whilst at the same time practising your navigational skills. The course is ideal for families and groups and offers two levels of length and difficulty.
Creag Choinnich POC
Situated in Braemar, Creag Choinnich has a variety of terrain, from the intricate path network near to the start and the detailed slope at the far end of the course making for challenging courses for all.
Mobile phone orienteering is now available at Creag Choinnich.
Knockburn Loch POC
Knockburn Loch is an enclosed area used for various sporting events and as such offers great training for children and newcomers. For the more experienced the constant changes of direction and mixture of park and woodland makes for a fun, short course.
We ask people to contact Knockburn Loch Activity Centre before going.
Bell Wood POC
Bell Wood is a runnable woodland, with many vegetation features and some contour detail. There is a good network of paths. The car park is just off Bell Wood Drive to the east side of Aboyne (What3Words: ///campfires.lofts.rejoin)
There are two courses, both starting and finishing a short walk from the car park (see map HERE)
Bell Wood Permanent Orienteering Course now updated and open.
Signage will be in place soon.