The North East Orienteering Association (NEOA) is the body responsible for orienteering in the North East of England and is affiliated to the British Orienteering Federation (BOF). We have 3 open clubs and also a number of clubs with restricted membership in the region..

Orienteering means maps, forests and adventure. It doesn't matter how young or old or fit you are. You can run, jog or walk. You go at your own pace, and choose your own routes between the red and white markers. If you like excitement, fresh air, and exploring the countryside -orienteering could be the sport for you!

What is Orienteering?
Orienteering is a sport where competitors navigate their way between control points marked on a specially drawn map. There are various orienteering disciplines, of which Foot-O is the most common. For these events, courses vary in length from about 2km for beginners and children to over 12km for experienced adult orienteers. At any orienteering event there will be a range of courses suitable for newcomers and for experts. Most people start at a colour coded (C4) event.

Why Orienteer?
Orienteering takes place in a variety of outdoor places, from town parks to countryside, forest and moorlands. You get out into lovely countryside, often to places you wouldn't otherwise visit. It can be an easy, painless way of staying fit or getting into shape: your physical exertion goes almost unnoticed as you read your map and follow your route, and for the good athlete and map-reader there is the unique challenge of finding you way over complex and rough terrain while running at speed. It is a sport for all ages and all abilities, from children under the age of 10 to veterans of more than 70. You can orienteer with your friends and your family, and share your experiences afterwards.

Schools and Orienteering
Orienteering is a perfect outdoor activity for schools. It has challenging courses for all ages and abilities, and can be used as an element in the National Curriculum for PE, Geography and Mathematics. It is an activity that can be done in the school playground as well as the countryside.

So what do I do now?
Anyone wishing to take up orienteering is sure to find a local club which will offer a warm welcome and give advice and encouragement to the newcomer. You can either look at the club information and get in touch with them direct or contact us here at NEOA with your questions and we will be glad to help.