We recommend you enter online in advance, especially for popular courses. While you can register up to the night before each event or even on the day for some courses, maps may run out and prices go up, so it’s best to sign up early.

Courses are categorized by length and navigational difficulty, ensuring there’s something for all ages and skill levels. Easier courses follow paths, while the more challenging ones require advanced map reading and complex navigation. The grading of courses may vary by event, so it’s a good idea to ask one of the event volunteers for advice on which course would suit you best.

Depending on the course, it could take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to complete. You have the option to run or walk, and you can approach it as competitively or casually as you like!

What’s great about orienteering is that it’s not just about speed—the mental and navigational aspects are just as important. Many clubs offer technique training to help you get started and improve your navigation skills.

The Six Days event features a wide range of courses. The main competition is organised by age group (e.g., M40, W50), so if you’re aiming for a podium finish, you’ll need to select the appropriate age class and decide whether to compete in the shorter or longer version of that course. For a more relaxed experience, there are also shorter versions of the age group classes and colour-coded courses, allowing you to choose a course that matches your desired level of challenge and enjoyment.

The advanced Six Days courses are more challenging, with expert planning, and take place in stunning forest terrain—this might be a new experience if your orienteering has mostly been in parks or urban areas.

Yes!

The White and Yellow courses are specifically designed for beginners and younger participants. These are shorter courses with easier terrain, and anyone can choose to do them, regardless of age (for example, if you prefer walking and want less distance or challenge).

The Orange course introduces basic compass skills and route planning, making it ideal for competent younger participants or novice adults.

The Red course is similar to the Orange but offers a longer distance with simpler navigation, making it perfect for adult newcomers to orienteering who enjoy more distance, such as regular trail runners.

The Light Green courses involve basic contour and point features, making them great for those looking to improve their navigation skills as the difficulty increases.

The Green course offers very challenging navigation and is best suited for experienced under-18s or adults looking for a short but demanding course.

Additionally, there are free “follow-the-string” courses available each day for young children. These fun, short courses allow kids to follow a string around a series of markers.

For those participating in the colour-coded courses, there’s no need to worry about start times—you can start whenever you’re ready. Parents participating in age-based classes can choose their own start time, making it easier to manage childcare as parents can take turns going out on their courses.

The Scottish Orienteering website has more information about the skills which are developed in each colour-coded course.

Parents are welcome to join children on any of the colour-coded courses. For the age-specific classes, parents sometimes follow their child from a distance, but you and your child shouldn’t be navigating together. While you won’t be eligible for prizes, you’re sure to have plenty of fun!

Yes! Navigating a course together as a pair is a fantastic choice for newcomers.

Orienteering doesn’t require anything too specialised, as the basics are easy to find and affordable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A thumb or base plate compass to help you read the map, and a whistle to signal for help in an emergency.
• Comfortable clothing suited to the weather (a waterproof jacket may come in handy). Note that full leg coverage (for example, leggings) is mandatory to protect against undergrowth.
• Proper footwear for running or walking through forests (good grip is highly recommended, and be prepared for muddy or boggy areas).
• If you have your own SI-card (dibber or timing device), bring it with you, or you can hire one for the week (be sure to indicate this when you register).
• Safety pins are essential for attaching your race number (bib) to your top—everyone must wear a race number, so don’t forget it!
• A folding chair or picnic blanket to relax afterwards in the event arena, ideally under the warm Scottish sun!

All the orienteering gear you might need is available for purchase from vendors at the event!

Keep an eye on the time as your start slot approaches. Participants are called up to the start by name four minutes before their assigned time, so be sure to listen carefully and follow the instructions from the volunteers.

Maps are given out right before you start to ensure fairness—no one should have seen their course in advance, except for those on the easiest beginner courses.

You’ll proceed through the start boxes at one-minute intervals, and when it’s your turn, you’ll pick up your map and head off to find your first control, starting from the Start kite.

At the Scottish 6 Days, you’ll need to punch a start unit before following tapes to the actual start kite, which may be up to 100 metres away.

Make sure your SI-card registers at each control (you should hear a beep and see a flash) all the way through to the final control at the Finish.

Stay calm! Take a moment to observe the features around you and use your map to reorient yourself (align the map with north using your compass). It can help to head toward a recognizable feature, such as a path, fence, crag, or large boulder, and reassess your location. From there, you can figure out the best way to reach the control you’re aiming for.

You can skip a control, but doing so will disqualify you from the competition. However, if you’re simply enjoying the experience and the challenge of finding controls, there’s no issue with missing one.

Yes and no! While you can take as much time as you need to complete your course, you must return to the finish and the Download tent before the official course closure time, so all controls can be collected. Be sure to wear a watch to keep track of the time and avoid setting off a search party.

Carry a whistle. Six short blasts indicate distress and alert other participants to find you and assist as required.

Marshals and first-aid staff are available at the Finish in the Arena.

Don’t panic – there are usually other competitors around so getting a few helpers is useful. Ideally someone stays with the casualty while another person summons help, by phone or going to the Start or Finish using the fastest possible route.

There are volunteers there who will be able to help and/or organise specialist first-aid.