The Monkey Tree

Do you wish there was some kind of sport that you could take up as a family? Something that enabled you to get some exercise, something that got you all out of the house and experiencing your local countryside, something that was not only fun but also an adventure…well orienteering is one such sport that ticks all of those boxes.

Orienteering takes place in forests,moorland, hills, sand dunes and parks.With the help of a map you choose the route you take around the countryside from one control marker to the next.Walk round as a family group, jog or run it’s up to you.

Maybe you just need to get out on a Sunday morning and brush away the cobwebs; perhaps your family fancies a change from the usual weekend walk; or maybe you are a sports person who wants a challenge that will stretch both your muscles and your mind.You decide how serious and competitive you want to be.

CHIG – Chigwell and Epping Forest Orienteering club has a membership, which extends from N.E. London along the M11 corridor to Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire. Events are organised in the beautiful settings of Epping and Hainault Forest, Lee Valley and other local areas.They also run weekly training sessions in the summer and a training weekend in the autumn for both beginners and experienced orienteers. Orienteering is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. CHIG members are a friendly bunch and the club has a good social calendar.

So if this sounds like it’s for you or your family then call the CHIG membership secretary.Teaching and advice on orienteering will be provided to all those new to the sport. You need very little equipment – a pair of trainers and an old tracksuit will get you started. A compass is useful but not essential for beginners. Fees for events vary from £3.00 adult / £1.00 child for smaller events, to £10.00 adult / £4.00 child for Regional or National events.The popular ‘string course’ for younger children is free.

There are three permanent orienteering courses locally that can be visited at your leisure, so why not give them a try. On a permanent course fixed wooden posts mark the checkpoints to be found.The maps are large scale, printed in colour and specially drawn for orienteering with the checkpoints already marked. Once you have picked up a map then off you go in your own time.The permanent courses are located at:

Hainault Forest Country Park: Chigwell Row Romford Rd.Map packs from Country Park Office or Visitor Centre.

Lee Valley Park: Map packs from Hayes Hill Farm Shop,
Stubbins Hall Lane,Waltham Abbey EN9 9EG

Harlow Town Park: Map packs from Harlow Outdoors,
Burnt Mill Lane CM20 2QS or Harlow Sports Centre

For further information on joining CHIG, your local
orienteering club contact is
Tim Pribul 01279 724482 or visit www.chig.org.uk