NTOC has created a number of permanent orienteering courses within easy reach of Armidale.
The first of these was a course with physical markers at Dumaresq Dam. Although most of the markers are still in existence, the course has been superseded by a virtual course using the MapRun smart phone app.
Several other virtual courses have also been created as detailed below. For details on how install and use the app see here.
Available courses
| Venue | Start location | Distance from Armidale | Navigation | Course Length | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dumaresq Dam | Picnic area |
10 km |
Easy | 2.7 km | Download |
| Armidale Pine Forest | Charleston Willows entrance | 5 km | Easy | 3.4 km | Download |
| Imbota Nature Reserve | Long Swamp Road entrance | 6 km | Easy | 3.9 km | Download |
| Moderate | 4.4 km | Download | |||
| Hard | 5.4 km | Download |
Note: Course lengths are straight line distances
Course navigation standards
Easy
All the controls are on or close to tracks or other "handrail" features. Although there are some options to leave the tracks and go cross country, this is not always recommended as long grass and bushy vegetation can impede progress.
A compass is not essential but could be helpful.
Moderate
Controls are a bit further from tracks and there is more route choice.
Hard
Controls are usually on small point features as far as possible from tracks and there is even greater route choice.
