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New Family-Friendly Orienteering Course At Foxton Locks

British Waterways, (BW) working in partnership with the Leicestershire Orienteering Club has created a permanent, family-friendly 2km orienteering course at the site of the famous Foxton Locks.

MAP - Orienteering is a great outdoor adventure activity that exercises both the mind and body, and develops skills in map reading and navigation. The sport is open to all ages and levels of fitness, making it an ideal family pastime.

Competitive orienteers race against the clock whilst navigating from point to point across a diverse terrain using a map. Those who have a go for fun, aim to get around the course in a quick time, enjoying the wonderful countryside they get to discover as they complete the trail.

Orienteers are taught to keep the map horizontal, and rotate it to ensure it points north. By doing this, the features on the ground are in the same relative position as the features on the map.

In the Leicestershire area many schools have orienteering as an option as part of the sport curriculum, as it helps to develop both fitness but also decision making and leadership skills.

Around the Foxton Locks site a number of red and white plaques, known as ‘control points’ have been set up, forming the courses around the area.

With three course lengths to choose from, and one suitable for mobility and pushchair users, the activity is suitable for all ages and abilities.

James Clifton, British Waterways’ Regeneration Manager said: ”This is a fantastic new family activity at this wonderful waterside site and will be a great way to spend a day during the Easter holidays. Taking part in orienteering is an easy way for families to get out of the house and get some exercise whilst having fun together.”

Chris Philips, Leicestershire Orienteering Club, Chairman said: “It is fantastic that we have had the opportunity to work with British Waterways and develop a family friendly orienteering course at Foxton Locks. Orienteering is a great way for families to get out and about and try something different and I hope that everyone who takes part in the challenge thoroughly enjoys themselves. The course is a lovely introduction to the sport, and we hope will encourage more people to get actively involved.”

Foxton Locks is one of Leicestershire’s top tourist attractions and attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Located on the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal, Foxton Locks consists of 10 locks - two staircases of five locks, and the famous inclined plane boat lift. The site is classed as a designated conservation area containing a scheduled ancient monument with a number a grade II and grade II* listed buildings.

Orienteering packs are available free at www.leioc.org.uk and include a colour map and instructions on how to complete the course. As the course is designed with beginners and families in mind, a compass is not needed. The packs can also be purchased on-site at the Top Lock Café for £2.00.

Foxton Locks is three miles north-west of Market Harborough, in rural south Leicestershire and is open all year round, MAP, with eateries, boat trips and a museum to enjoy on-site. There is plenty of car parking which costs from £1.50 per day per car. More information on how to get to the site can be found by visiting www.waterscape.com