Visitors invited to tackle new Scarborough South Cliff Gardens Accessible Orienteering Trail

On Friday, May 17, visitors are invited to drop into Beeforth’s Hive any time between 2pm -7pm where they can meet the team who designed and created the trail and have a go at cracking the course. It’s a great way to explore the gardens in a whole new way and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

There will be free waterproof maps given out on the day, no experience of orienteering is necessary as there will be volunteers on hand to help get budding orienteers started.

The course maps have been prepared by Peter Roberts a member of British Orienteering and North Yorkshire’s Eborienteers Orienteering Club.

An experienced competitor in the sport Peter has been selected as a member of the GBR orienteering disabled team for this year’s European TrailO* Championships taking place in Finland in early May. Peter has been selected in the last two world championship teams and in both gained a podium place in the relay.

He will be at the launch event where people can come along and have a chat to him about his achievements and discover why he’s so passionate about orienteering.

Roberts said: *TrailO is one of four disciplines in orienteering along with Foot, Mountain Bike and Ski. TrailO is suitable for all levels of physical ability, including wheelchair users and people with mobility issues.

“The Accessible course in South Cliff Gardens is excellent for those wanting to try out their navigational skills. I first came across this area when I planned the 2019 British TrailO championships there.

"This course keeps to the wider surfaced paths and these are shown on the specially drawn maps. There are two maps at a suitable large scale. You may have seen me on my red Tramper scooter when I was doing the survey work.

"I have competed in the British disabled team and in a few weeks are taking part in the European championships in Finland. In the last two World Championships I was part of the team which gained a podium position.”

Victoria Thompson, South Cliff Gardens Project Officer, said:“The South Cliff Gardens have nurtured the health and wellbeing of people for centuries.

"They were originally designed to encourage people to gently wander through, taking in the sea air and aromatherapy properties of the surrounding pine trees and medicinal plants.

"Today, we want to encourage as many people to spend time in the gardens as possible, exploring, learning, meeting new people and having fun. The new accessible orienteering course, is the perfect activity to bring people together to experience everything this beautiful and iconic coastal garden has on offer.”

Gemma Alexander – Community Engagement Officer for South Cliff Gardens – says: “It’s been a real pleasure to collaborate with Peter on this project.

"The Gardens have a long history of being a great place to go to improve health and wellbeing, socialise, explore and enjoy the extensive sea views and charming tree lined pathways.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this new and inclusive activity, it’s a fantastic way to experience the recently restored gardens.”