What is a Permanent Orienteering Course (POC)?
A permanent orienteering course consists of a number of permanent control points (usually about 20) identified by sturdy wooden posts with a code and an orienteering logo carved or painted on it. All the controls are shown on an overprinted map. They are usually situated in local parks or forests owned by councils, the National Trust or Forest Enterprise. Management of the courses may be by the owner of the land, or by the local orienteering club.

What is the purpose of a POC?
The courses have many purposes, depending on your own specific needs. The great thing about them is that you can go at a time to suit you, on whatever day of the week you choose. If you are an experienced orienteer you may use them to fine tune some techniques, maybe pace counting, relocation or line orienteering. They are also an ideal way of introducing children and adults alike to the sport, where you can go at your own pace and spend as much time as you like figuring out the map. If you want to go in a pair or as a group, again, this is the perfect opportunity. You may have just started orienteering and are wanting to gain confidence in your skills outside of the pressures of an organized competition. So whether you are using them for training purposes or just for a more adventurous family stroll, the choice is entirely yours.

The following map shows the location of a number of Permanent Orienteering Courses in the Kentish region. See the table underneath for details on how to obtain the map and course information and any further description of the course venue. Click on the venue name to view a zoomed in map showing the venue location.