• Yellow: a beginner's course normally under 2km in length. All the controls are on distinct line features such as paths. The route leads the orienteer from control to control. At each path junction that requires a decision, there should be a control.
  
  
• Orange courses tend to be longer (up to 3km) and slightly more difficult. Some of the controls may be slightly away for the paths but still on distinct features, such as a stream junction. Routes between the controls will normally follow a path or similar line feature. It is often useful, but not necessary, to have some basic compass skills whilst on an orange course.
  
  
• Light green is an intermediate course (up to 4km) that will not always stay close to the path network. Controls may be on prominent features that are reasonably close to an attack point. You would not attempt a light green course until you have safely negotiated a number of easier courses.
  
  
• All colours after light green are technically vey difficult courses that only vary by the distance and climb. The route from one control to the next will not normally follow a path or line feature. The length of these courses vary depending on the climb involved and the runablity of the terrain. At the larger SWOC local events we normally have Green courses (up to 5km), Blue courses (up to 7.5km) and Brown courses (up to 10km).
  
  Do not try an advanced course on your first attempt at Orienteering. I quote from an American site "As with all skills, it is far better at first to be accurate than fast. Take your time, avoid mistakes and develop confidence. However, the real skills of the sport of orienteering come when you try to be fast. You will notice your mental powers decrease as your physical exertion increases - in other words, if you run fast, you run stupid. The trick is to balance your physical and mental exertion. Sure, if you had all day, you could figure out every leg - but if you run hard, can you think well enough to complete the course."

You will find some brief information on the larger regional (formerly badge) and national events in the jargon busting pages

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