Hardwick Navigation Festival

This activity is a collaboration with Derwent Valley Orienteers, and is an introduction to navigation generally and the sport of orienteering. It is aimed at visitors looking for a different activity during their visit, and trail runners who need to find their own way across country. Orienteers are welcome to come and have some fun in the park too.

There are six progressive courses, of which you can do as many or as few as you choose (or can manage). They are:

• Get Started. An introduction to a map and features on the map, then follow the control points around the walled open area. 300m, no climb.

• Go Further. A bit more coaching. A few controls in the open area then into the garden to make a few decisions and start to navigate in a more complex area. 600m, no climb.

• Be Bold. Outside in the park, with a simple linear course. 1.4km. 45m climb.

• Explore the Park. Down to the lake (this side) with some off path navigation. 2.4km, 85m climb.

• Choose your Route. Around the lake, off linear features and into the woodland. 2.6km, 80m climb. Finding you way to controls a bit further away from paths.

• Challenge Yourself. Can you find all 21 controls in an hour, and make your own decisions about how to pick them off?

You can start any time between 11am and 3:30pm, and courses close at 4:30pm. Dogs on leads welcome!