Skip to Content

St Audries

Orienteering: permanent course

Last edited: Wed 5 Jan 2022

A favourite competition venue, we now have some virtual courses here.

More permanent orienteering opportunities. Great for trail runners wanting to train.

Staple Plain

Staple Plain

  • Orienteering is a workout for body and mind. It gets you out into the fresh air and takes you off the beaten track.
  • Suitable for individuals or families, it is perfect as a socially-distanced activity.

What to Do

  • First off, download the map. See the links below to get the one you want.
  • Next, print it out (or if you don't have a printer, save it onto your 'phone). I'd recommend printing on waterproof paper or putting it into a polypocket.
  • Familiarise yourself with the key - if you've not used an orienteering map before, the hardest thing to get used to is woodland being white.
  • Get to the start. Directions to the parking are below, and once there, the starts are all on the track that runs due east out of the car park.
  • Run/jog/walk your chosen course.


Aerial View

Aerial View

Courses Available

We have four virtual courses where you are tracked using the GPS on your phone. These are Long Hard, Long Easy, Short Hard and Short Easy.

The Long Easy is physically tough if run, due to a lot of ascent, though the navigation is easy. It is perfect for trail runners wanting to build stamina while improving their navigation. It might also be of interest to trainee Lowland Leaders and those teaching navigation.

Get the maps here


Getting There

Sited on the north west end of the Quantocks just off the A39 and A358, St Audries is easily accessed by car from Taunton or Minehead.

There is plenty of parking either right next to the finish, or in laybys on the last bit of road leading to it.

Staple Plain Car Park, Weacombe, West Quantoxhead, TA4 4EB

Social Distancing

  • Do not go if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Wash your hands throughly before going out.
  • Park carefully, avoiding getting too close to others.
  • Please leave at least 2m between yourself and others not in your household. Remember that when running, you could be spreading virus further than when standing still, particularly in your wake.
  • If someone is already at a control, wait. You can pause your time if you want.
  • Overtake carefully. Perhaps wait for wide grassed areas instead of trying to do it on a narrow path.
  • Be respectful to other users who may be there for a gentle walk or sit down.
  • Wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.


Deer Park Gate

Deer Park Gate

Results

Long Hard

Long Easy

Short Hard

Short Easy

West Quantoxshead

West Quantoxshead