A NEW permanent orienteering course has been created around the grounds of Highcliffe Castle to help families enjoy the outdoors.

Created by Christchurch and East Dorset District Councils partnership with the help of the British Orienteering Federation and with funding from Sport England, the route allows people to take in some of the beauty of the area by foot or bike.

Lucy Savage, healthy lifestyle activator for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils said: "The new orienteering course will provide the local community and visitors to the area the opportunity to have an adventure around Highcliffe Castle, Steamer Point and Highcliffe beach with family and friends. What better way to spend a summer’s afternoon orienteering."

Families can head along to an introductory session at Highcliffe Castle on Tuesday, August 11, from 11am to 2pm, which costs £3 per person, to help them make the most of the course.

The session is set to be led by members of Wimborne Orienteering Club and will show people how to read a map, while having fun and improving their orienteering skills.

It one of a host of introductory sessions organised by Christchurch and East Dorset District Councils partnership as part of their Activate Coast and Countryside sporting initiative.

Other countryside hubs in addition to Highcliffe Castle are based at Moors Valley Country Park and Kingston Lacy, which offer a host of mountain biking, accessible cycling, Nordic walking and more.

For more information on the orienteering introductory session go to Moors-valley.co.uk/events, visit the @Activate_Ced page on Twitter or call 01425 480811.