Virtual Orienteering Courses (VOCs)
BOK have launched virtual orienteering using mobile phone technology called UsynligO.
This section outlines how you can access our Virtual Orienteering Courses and:
- how to print your own map (a great way to make a run more enjoyable)
- how to download and use the virtual orienteering app called UsynligO (this is optional to allow you to time your run and get alerted by your mobile phone when you have visited a control)
- how to get hints and tips on using the technology
- how to go on a run and using UsynligO
We have provided initially a mix of Permanent Orienteering Courses (POCs) and a few new mapped areas for members to try, and also have a range of courses to your individual tastes (from white to black standard line courses, and also score courses).
How do I access the courses?
Our courses are available on the UsynligO website (and include the locations in the table at the bottom of this page). The UsynligO website holds high quality printable PDF maps of all of these courses - so if you just fancy running a course without using your smartphone this is still possible.
It is our intention to publish a new course each week over the coming months - so keep an eye out for new maps and courses as they arrive!
For those of you that want to use the Virtual Orienteering app to time yourselves - there is the facility to compare your times against others - so we will be looking to see how members get on and will look forwarding to hearing of your exploits in our facebook chat group - we will also possibly share the best stories in our email newsletter!
Is it OK to orienteering during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Please remember to stay safe when undertaking any type of orienteering - and to stay within the governments guidelines on social distancing - these courses are provided as an opportunity for us to individually (or in families) enjoy a small bit of our sport again.
We hope that you enjoy the ability to use these maps, but please be mindful of your own health and others, we ask that you will:
- heed the current government restrictions for example if you have a pre-existing medical condition
- keep yourself safe, but also be aware and keep any members of the general public safe, so hand washing is important and do consider this as technical training not a race - always give people you encounter 2m of space - if you need to divert or stop and wait, please do so
- support the governments efforts to manage the infection. Consider any journey carefully, avoid public transport and don't undertake excessive travel
| < Previous Permanent Orienteering Courses |
Next > How to download and install UsynligO |
Locations and types of course available
We have uploaded both Forest and Urban courses, with suitability for all levels of orienteer.
The tables show:
- if the course is at one of our Permanent Course locations and uses the physical control posts
- if the course is permanent or if it was published in a particular month
- which courses are available - using colour coding of courses to highlight difficulty
- any notes about the specific location that are useful before running
Forest Courses
| Location | Permanent real world controls (POCs) | Date published | Courses available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Bristol | ||||
| Ashton Court | Yes | Permanent | Score | Difficulty of course depends on number of controls collected in score format. |
| Ashton Court | Yes | May 2020 |
|
Beginner and family friendly. *Features as part of Junior Summer Series 2020- Event 2. |
| Ashton Court | No | July 2020 |
|
Beginner and family friendly. |
| Blaise Castle | Yes | Permanent | Score | Difficulty of course depends on number of controls collected in score format. |
| Blaise Castle | Yes | May 2020 |
|
Beginner and family friendly. *Features as part of Junior Summer Series 2020- Event 5. |
| Durdham Downs | No | May 2020 |
|
Orange and Green courses cross roads, therefore are only suitable for children under supervision. *Features as part of Junior Summer Series 2020- Event 7. |
| East Bristol | ||||
| Warmley Forest Park | Yes | Permanent | Score | Difficulty of course depends on number of controls collected in score format. |
| Warmley Forest Park | Yes | May 2020 |
|
Beginner and family friendly. |
| Bickley Woods Hanham | No | June 2020 |
|
This is a very technical area with steep slopes and crags in places, full leg cover and orienteering shoes are recommended. The fields in the top north west of the map are agricultural land, and MUST NOT be crossed, the paths around the outside must be used instead. Children are recommended to be accompanied due to the nature of the terrain. |
| Overscourt Wood Siston | No | June 2020 |
|
Full leg cover recommended. |
| South Bristol | ||||
| Burrington Ham | Yes | Permanent | Score |
Difficulty of course depends on number of controls collected in score format. The GPS accuracy of this map is lower than usual, so as a temporary fix we have added Blue circles to show where the UsynligO app is likely to beep! Not recommended as your first try for UsynligO as the experience may be frustrating! |
| Stockhill | No | June 2020 |
|
This is a very technical area. There is no mobile phone signal for most phones in Stockhill, therefore it is recommended that you select the course that you want to run in the app prior to leaving home. Full leg cover and orienteering shoes are recommended. |
Yellow
Light Green
White
3 x Training Courses
Orange
Brown
Black
Urban Courses
| Location | Permanent real world controls (POCs) | Date published | Courses available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Bristol | ||||
| Redland South | No | June 2020 |
|
Medium and Long Courses cross roads, therefore are only suitable for children under supervision. *Features as part of Junior Summer Series 2020- Event 1. |
| North Bristol | ||||
| Dursley | No | June 2020 |
|
All courses cross roads, therefore are only suitable for children under supervision. Difficulty of course depends on number of controls collected in score format. |
| Yate North | No | June 2020 |
|
Micro-sprint course suitable for beginners as it has no road crossings. All other courses cross roads, therefore are only suitable for children under adult supervision. Long course is circa 10km optimum route. *Features as part of Junior Summer Series 2020- Event 6. |
| East Bristol | ||||
| Warmley | No | May 2020 |
|
All courses cross roads, therefore are only suitable for children under supervision. *Features as part of Junior Summer Series 2020- Event 4. |
| Willsbridge | No | May 2020 |  Score |
Difficulty of course depends on number of controls collected in score format. |
| Oldland | No | May 2020 |
|
All courses cross roads, therefore are only suitable for children under supervision. |
| Oldland Common | No | June 2020 |
|
All courses cross roads, therefore are only suitable for children under supervision. |
| < Previous Permanent Orienteering Courses |
Next > How to download and install UsynligO |