Throughout the year GRAMP runs events on Wednesday evenings and weekends in different areas of both city and Shire (check our Events page for a list of where and when) but we also have several Permanent Orienteering Courses so you can try orienteering at any time in an area that you probably already know quite well so the navigation aspect should come easily.
Rather than use conventional orienteering kites, we have attached red/white plastic markers to trees or fences or posts. The markers have a number and a code on them which tally with the list of controls and control codes on the map so you can confirm you’ve found the right one.
1. Aden Country Park, Mintlaw
An Aden Country Park permanent orienteering courses leaflet can be picked up from the Visitor Information Centre located in the central courtyard area in the park. Alternatively, this leaflet can either be picked up from the Aden Craft & Gift Shop, or the onsite Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, also located in the central courtyard area.
There are two recommended permanent orienteering courses in Aden, a short course which is approximately 1.8km in length, and a long course which is approximately 2.9km in length. You can also create your own courses, by visiting the controls in a different order, or only visiting a selection of the controls.
2. Crathes Castle
Several course suggestions on offer including some quite challenging options if you fancy straying off the paths. Maps are available from the Ticket Office at Crathes Castle for £1 or can be obtained from the Crathes Ranger Tel: 01330 844810.
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024: Further storm damage and/or felling means that we need to get Crathes remapped to reflect the changes in vegetation. The path network remains the same but you may encounter areas closed to the public due to felling operations so best ask at the Ticket Office.
3. Duthie Park
Duthie Park Permanent Orienteering Course got a makeover in early 2026 courtesy of Aberdeen City Council with shiny new posts/markers.
Download the ACC leaflets for the Short 1km and Medium 1.9km courses featuring a special map, based on the architect plans for the park restoration project a few years back with controls on or near features and monuments dotted about the park.
4. Hazlehead Park
Three new courses were installed in 2026 via funding from the Aberdeen City Health Improvement Fund, the Scottish Orienteering Association, and Aberdeen City Rangers.
1. Short course (approx 1.2km in length)
Click here to download a map with the Short course
2. Long Course (approx 3.2km in length “as the crow flies”, but you can expect to travel further than this depending on the route choices that you make
Click here to download a map with the Long course
3. “Score” Course: how many control posts can you visit in any order in a limited amount of time? Give yourself 45 or 60 minutes.
Click here to download a map with the Score course
All courses start and finish close to the entrance to Pets Corner. You can park in either the old tram terminus carpark w3w delay.remove.pans or in the car park closest to the cafe w3w trio.year.beard.
5. Others
We are working on setting up some more new or revamped POCs but reliant on volunteers finding the time to go out and check/remap following storm damage. Bear with us and if you think you could help or have a suggestion please contact Ros Nicholson via mapping@grampoc.com.
You could try one of our mobile-based courses in an urban area instead. Check our MapRun page for details.
Our neighbouring club, MAROC, also have one or two POCs and a whole range of MapRun (mobile phone timing) courses. Check http://www.marocscotland.org.uk/ for details.
GRAMPIAN ORIENTEERS 