FOR Stanley's Leigh Privett a free ‘come and try’ orienteering event being held on Sunday, 29 June starting at Lake Sambell is a great way to check out the exciting sport.

The long-time member of the Albury Wodonga Orienteering Club said the club will be running the event as part of Indigo Shire’s ‘Get Active' program supporting local organisations.

“Our orienteering club is active in the shire particularly in the forests around Beechworth and Chiltern,” Mr Privett said.

"We have run Australian championship weeks in the area in the past and will be in the future too as it’s such a choice area for our sport.”

Mr Privett an orienteer for close to 40 years with extensive experience around the world said the sport is both a physical and mental activity revolving around navigation.

“Orienteering is for people of all ages and is a combination of physical activity and navigation reading with a map given to you,” he said.

“Navigation is an ability people should have because whether you're walking around an urban area or out in the bush on a hike, you need know where you're going."

Helping to run the hour-long event with other club members, Mr Privett said guidance will be given to people trying the sport for the first time or for those with some related experience.

“You can walk, run or cycle by yourself or in groups as well as with your kids to controls placed in the area," he said.

Mr Privett said the event takes in the environs around Lake Sambell and on some small tracks as well as around a few streets.

“It can be a competitive sport for some people while others just like the personal challenge of completing a course," he said.

“The event will be very low key and involves people visiting and many controls as they want within the hour.

“Come along and have a go and we welcome you with a little training for people too by club members."

For the assembly start on the Sunday, participants are to head to Junction Road and Peach Drive towards Lake Sambell Caravan Park where there will be signs with directions to the area near the Lake Sambell playground.

Mr Privett said should there be inclement weather, the event will be postponed to another weekend.

For enquiries about the event contact Mr Privett on mobile 0416 278 488.