[img_assist|nid=202|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=200|height=132]A new Permanent Orienteering Course has been set up on Southampton Common and will be opened and launched on Saturday 20th June. There will be information and guidance available and a number of different courses will be available to suit all ages and abilities. Start any time between 10am and 2pm from the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre in the South East corner of the Common. Postcode SO15 7NN and Grid Reference SU417139. For an entry fee of £1 a map will be provided. A colour or black & white flyer for the event are available below. [img_assist|nid=204|title=Seat Marker on Southampton common|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=200|height=186]

This initiative is a collaboration between Southampton Orienteering Club (SOC) and the Southampton City Council. The Common has been mapped in detail to show its layout and red and white markers have been placed on various features such as bridges, seats or posts throughout the Common. The positions of these markers are shown on the map and participants find their own route between them. 

If you can’t make it to the launch event, maps will subsequently be available from the Hawthorns Centre during opening hours. Anyone can have a go, no matter what age or ability, as you can go at your own pace, enjoy the surroundings or even walk the dog.  However, if you do feel competitive you can see how quickly you can complete the course in which case you will need to balance your speed with your ability to navigate accurately and maintain concentration.

That’s what orienteering is all about and if you enjoy the course on the Common there are other permanent orienteering courses nearby, e.g. at Itchen Valley and Royal Victoria Country Parks - have a look under the ‘Club Information’ tab on the left hand menu. There are also other regular events organised by SOC and surrounding clubs throughout Hampshire and the New Forest - have a look under the ‘Events’ tab.