[4] Orienteering was introduced to the UK in the 1950s and was heavily supported by renowned Olympians including John Disley and Chris Brasher.

This culminated in the first championship being held in May 1962 at Dunkeld, and the formation of the Scottish Orienteering Association.

[7] Later that year the British Orienteering Federation was formed by the amalgamation of the English and Scottish Associations leading to the first British Orienteering Championships held at Hamsterley Forest.

[6] With the growth of the sport BOF was founded in 1967, and continued to develop.

[5] The federation is made up of thirteen constituent associations, one each for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; nine for the English regions; and the British Schools Orienteering Association.