If you fancy a dog walk with a difference, why not try orienteering in Grinlow Woods, Buxton.

Grinlow Woods is part of Buxton Country Park and the woods are managed by Buxton Civic Association.

Address: Green Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9DH

You can pick up a leaflet from Pooles Cavern for £1 which shows you the markers that you need to find. There are four different courses that you can follow, ranging from Easy to Very Hard.  Needless to say, I chose the easy one on this occasion, as I just wanted to “give it a go”, and wasn’t sure how good my map reading skills would acually be!

The Easy route only took me 30 mins to do – you could probably do it quicker, as Tilly kept whizzing off after rabbits and squirrels and I had to keep stopping to call her back!  She had a great time, but wasn’t too bothered about finding the orienteering posts that are dotted about in Grinlow Woods.

The Easy route covers a relatively small section of the woods, but it is great if you have the kids with you, as you can turn the walk into a bit of an adventure, and it certainly improves their map reading skills.

Afterwards, you can stop off for refreshments at Pooles Cavern coffee shop (which also welcomes dogs).

If you fancy doing a bit more orienteering then, ask the Cavern staff for the next leaflet which is the Medium course.  Tilly I and started this one, so I’ll keep you posted on our success!

This book might inspire you to try some orienteering or just come and visit us and try it for yourself.

Check out www.dogfriendlypeakdistrict.co.uk