A Dorset based orienteering club offering a chance to test the mind and body through adventure racing
17/08/2026
It's time to get back in the New Forest to orienteer. Our next summer local event is in the Burley woods north of Bisterne Close. It's an evening event from the Queen's Head in Burley on Thursday 10th September. Come and join us for a lovely evening run in the forest followed by a pint and dinner, with a friendly crowd.
https://racesignup.co.uk/local-summer-series-burley-inclosures
17/08/2026
Results from our summer local event at Upton CP and Hamworthy:
https://wessex-oc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/index.html
14/08/2026
This Sunday we have orienteering in Upton Country Park and through the streets and coastal habitats of Hamworthy.
Details here: https://racesignup.co.uk/local-summer-series-upton-country-park-hamworthy
Come and Try Orienteering and meet Wessex Orienteering Club
22/06/2026
Nice post from Dartford Orienteers, thank you, glad you enjoyed it and the courses kept you on your toes!
21/06/2026
🏁 South West Sprint Championships 2026 – Final Results 🏁
Thank you to everyone who joined Wessex Orienteers in Poole today for the South West Urban Sprint Championships. It was an excellent day of fast-paced navigation, and we saw some fantastic and highly competitive racing across both the morning and afternoon stages.
The final combined results are now officially live. Congratulations to all of our newly crowned SW Sprint Champions! 🏆
🔗 View the full results here: https://www.wessex-oc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/event/south-west-sprint-champsionships/index_combined.html
Finally, a massive thank you to all the volunteers, planners, and controllers who gave up their time to ensure the event ran smoothly. We hope you all had a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you at the next event.
Think you can run fast? Try doing it while solving a high-speed maze! 🏃💨
If you have never seen urban orienteering in action, this footage from our Wareham event gives you a front-row seat. It is the ultimate test of physical speed and mental sharpness.
Here is what makes it so addictive:
The Challenge: You race to navigate between a series of checkpoints around a town using a highly detailed map.
The 'Route Choice': There is no set path! You have to make split-second decisions on the fly. Do you sprint the longer, obvious way around the block, or risk the shorter, confusing shortcut through the tight alleyways?
The Pressure: You are making these complex navigational choices while your heart rate is maxed out. One wrong turn can cost you the podium.
Fancy giving it a go? Test your legs and your brain at the South West Sprint Champs in Poole on Sunday, 21 June.
⏳ Reminder: Guaranteed entries close TONIGHT at midnight!
(N.B. Later entries are strictly subject to our ordered map limit, so don't leave it to chance).
🔗 Secure your map here: https://racesignup.co.uk/swsprints
11/06/2026
Looking for a brilliant way to get outdoors this weekend? ☀️ Join us this Sunday for a free, family-friendly introduction to orienteering at beautiful Stonebarrow!
Whether you want to learn how to read a map together, enjoy some fresh air, or simply explore the coast at your own pace, this is the perfect opportunity.
Here is what you need to know for this weekend:
When: This Sunday, 14 June (11:00–14:00)
Where: Stonebarrow, Nr Bridport
The Course: Approximately 2.5km long and takes around 1 hour.
How to Move: Run or walk, individually or as a group.
What to Wear: Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear (trainers, wellies, or walking boots).
Equipment: We will provide any extra gear you need!
You will even get guidance from an experienced orienteer to help you get started.
Ready to give it a go?
Email [email protected] with your interest in the Stonebarrow event, the number of people in your group, and a contact number.
A club member will reach out to arrange a meeting point and guide you through completing your first event.
Come along and have fun! 🗺️🧭 Find out more on the Wessex Orienteering Club website: www.wessex-oc.org.
26/05/2026
🏁 THE SOUTH WEST SPRINT CHAMPS ARE COMING TO POOLE! 🏁
Get your fast shoes ready! Wessex OC is proud to host the South West Urban Sprint Distance Championships on Sunday, 21 June.
This isn't your average Sunday stroll. We’re talking high-speed navigation through the intricate streets and paths of Poole. To take the crown, you'll need to master TWO races—both morning and afternoon times count towards the final standings! 🏆
📍 Location: Poole (Event Centre: Baiter Park, alongside Harbourside 2 Car Park, 120 Catalina Dr, Poole BH15 1TQ)
📅 Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
⏱️ Starts: From 11:00 am
✅ Open to all, but only SWOA members are eligible for the championship trophies.
Whether you're hunting for a podium spot or just want a fast-paced urban challenge, this is the one you don't want to miss.
🔗 Enteries and more details on RaceSignUp: https://racesignup.co.uk/swsprints
(Pictures not of Poole, but added for attention purposes)
02/02/2025
Hope you enjoyed our 33rd Dorset Delight at Affpuddle. Results are here: https://www.wessex-oc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/event/dorset-delight-affpuddle-tbc/resultindex.html?wp-admin-wsxcache=n