Orienteering at Hardcastle Crags

Choose Your Path

Our orienteering course features three suggested routes, each tailored to different levels of experience and adventure:

• Short Course: Ideal for families and accompanied youngsters, this route features controls close to paths, ensuring a fun and accessible experience for beginners.
• Medium and Long Courses: These routes present a greater challenge, demanding more advanced navigation skills and physical endurance. Perfect for those looking for a more thrilling adventure.

Feel free to set your own course or challenge yourself to locate all the controls by discovering the best possible route through the stunning scenery of Hardcastle Crags.

Navigating the course

Before you set off, study the map carefully. The legend will help you identify the type of feature for each control. Key landmarks such as the river and the main track running past the Visitor Centre will aid in orientating the map. The scale is 1:7500, meaning 1cm on the map represents 75 metres on the ground.

Look for the purple circles with accompanying letters on the map, which represent the controls. Each control has a description (e.g., 'K' for a knoll or small hill). The Start and Finish are combined at Gibson Mill, marked by a triangle and double circle symbol.

As you navigate, record the number at each control in the correct order for your chosen course and add them up at the end to get the correct total.

Safety First

Please take care while exploring. The terrain at Hardcastle Crags can be steep, uneven, and often slippery underfoot. Ensure you wear suitable footwear and take necessary precautions to stay safe during your adventure.

Get Your Map

Maps are available from the box in the courtyard, or the café when open, or you can download them here. Just click on the link below.