Three new permanent orienteering courses have been officially opened in Hillsborough Forest Park, Royal Hillsborough.
Photo Caption: An image of Alderman Allan Ewart, Councillor Uel Mackin, Councillor Aaron McIntyre with members from Lagan Valley Orienteers.
The courses were created by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) in partnership with Lagan Valley Orienteers to re-establish the area as a prime location for outdoor adventure. The yellow, orange and green courses are now fully operational and free to use!
- Yellow at 2.4km follows the path and is perfect for people with no experience of orienteering. It's also pushchair friendly.
- Orange at 3.2km is perfect for juniors with some experience or for novice adults.
- Green at 4.0km is for experienced orienteers including those who have successfully completed the Orange course.
Permanent orienteering courses give individuals and groups the opportunity to find, navigate and complete courses at their own pace. You just need a map to get you started!
Chair of LCCC’s Development Committee, Ald Allan Ewart MBE, said: “Royal Hillsborough is a unique tourism destination and these new orienteering courses will add to the already significant appeal of this charming village.
“There is a wonderful history of orienteering in the council area dating back to the 1970s and these new courses will provide the perfect opportunity for families and individuals to get active while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. I’d like to thank Lagan Valley Orienteers for their support and commitment to developing these orienteering courses and encourage everyone to come on down and give them a go!”
Jane Wilson, a seasoned veteran of Lagan Valley Orienteers whose father was one of the first to map Hillsborough Forest, said:
"Hillsborough Forest holds a very special place in my heart as it is essentially where I began walking, running and orienteering. The story goes that my Dad mapped the forest during the early ‘70s with me on his back in a papoose. I spent many wonderful years orienteering here as a teenager and, as my mum was also a local principal, we were able to introduce orienteering to some of the pupils as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme during the ‘80s.
“To be able to continue this great orienteering tradition, almost 50 years later, is a testament to the strength and commitment of our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers within Lagan Valley Orienteers and the continued positive partnerships forged with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council."
For more information on the Lagan Valley Orienteers go to www.lvo.org.uk or find them on Facebook: @LaganValleyOrienteers and Instagram: @NIOrienteer. Maps can be downloaded from here.
