11/11/2023 – League 10 and CSC final warm-up

Highmeadow is a runnable broadleaf and conifer woodland on the steep slopes of the Wye Valley adjoining the famous gorge of Symond’s Yat. The area has a good network of paths and many intricate rock and contour features and vegetation details with sinkholes, caves, crags, boulders, charcoal platforms, heavily mined and pitted areas, small streams and marshes. The Yellow Course for juniors will use tracks and paths in and around the campsite. The large local populations of deer and wild boar have supressed much of the undergrowth and the deer are often seen browsing on the campsite.

A4, 1:10,000, 5m contours, for all courses. The map includes parts of Highmeadow and Symonds Yat woods used in previous events. Minor map updates have been made for this event, mostly relating to vegetation and footpaths. Several blocks of woodland have been affected by recent thinning operations and have significant amounts of brashings. Courses are planned so that these areas can be avoided. Forest mapped with the running direction symbol (green and white stripes) has been recently thinned and has lines of brashings in the direction shown. Recent extraction lanes, fallen trees, logstacks, hides and mountain bike tracks are not mapped. There is an uncrossable fence with crossing points on the northern edge of the campsite.

The roads within the campsite are marked out of bounds. They can be crossed with caution during the competition but they should not be used to run along. Competitors must avoid occupied pitches on the campsite. The access road to the campsite is strictly out of bounds whilst competing.

The start is c.400m downhill from registration/download and is signposted on the way from the parking field.

There is a taped route 200m from the finish to download. Care should be taken when returning to download when vehicles are entering or leaving the campsite.

You must ensure you close all gates other than the main entry gate when entering or leaving the campsite, for example en route to the start, to keep wild boar out.

Due to the larger than expected entry for the event we will aim to open the start from 11.30 to 13.30, subject to final controlling. Start times are not allocated and a queuing system will operate. There will be a lot of demand for start slots, in particular on the Blue and Green courses, and if possible you should try to get in the queue for an early start slot to avoid congestion at the end of the start window. Courses close at 15.00 so that control collectors are not put at risk in poor light conditions!

We will use SI Timing, in contact and touch free modes. All runners must however punch the Start and Finish controls.

Where possible we will try to accommodate parents seeking split times. Please let us know in advance that you need a split start by emailing the organiser, address in the introduction above. Subject to controlling, starts before the published time may be possible. We will not be able to offer starts later than 13.30 and courses will close at 15.00.

The usual NGOC League courses: Brown, Blue, Green, Short Green, Orange and Yellow - suitable for juniors and novices as well as experienced orienteers.

There will be a string course within the bounds of the campsite.

We will use SI Timing, in contact and touch free modes. All runners must however punch the Start and Finish controls.

Entry Details

You should enter the course appropriate to your involvement in the NGOC league, if relevant, or whichever course you choose otherwise.

Starts: 12:00 - 13:30, but see the note above regarding earlier starts.
Courses close: 15:00, meaning that you must report to download before 15:15, or risk disqualification.

SI dibber hire: Standard dibber £1 Adults, Juniors free

Touch Free dibber: £2 Adults, £1 Juniors

Entries are now open, and will close at midnight on Wednesday 8th November.

Entry on the day is possible only while maps last. We should be able to accept credit/debit card payments, but this is not guaranteed so bring cash just in case.

A helper discount is available for those offering to help on the day. These events don't happen without volunteers willing to help out on the day, so if you are able to do so, before signing up to enter, email Ian Prowse, Volunteer Coordinator, to let us know if you can help, and ask for the helper discount code that you can apply when entering. You don't have to be a NGOC member to help, but you do need to be a BOF member to be covered insurance wise.

No refunds are available but you can delay entry if unsure whether you can run, until very close to the event day.

Dogs are permitted on the campsite on leads and on courses. Dog toilet facilities should be used.

A toilet block will be open for use by orienteers.

A self-service cafe with snacks and hot and cold drinks will be provided near registration. Payment in cash only

The Bracelands Campsite is open for campervans or caravans and there are some pods available to hire. For further details see bracelandscamping.co.uk.

The Forest Retreat café and shop, situated on the access road 1 km from the Bracelands Campsite, offers breakfasts and lunches.

Extreme caution is needed when entering or leaving the campsite as this area will be busy with orienteers and vehicles.

The Yellow course will pass through the campsite area without any road crossings. Route choices on longer courses may also use the campsite. Extreme caution should be taken when driving on or crossing roads within the campsite. Competing orienteers may cross but not run along the roads in the campsite.

The campsite and surrounding forest is well used by families with children as well as walkers, horse riders and cyclists, so please be mindful of other users.

There are wild boar in the forest. They generally avoid people but it is advisable to keep a safe distance from them.

If you know you react badly to bee/wasp/hornet stings, and you have epipens, you should always carry them with you, as well as anti-histamine tablets if you react less severely but nevertheless badly. We are not permitted to provide either at First Aid.

Orienteering is an adventure sport. All runners take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.

A risk assessment has been completed, and a copy will be held at Enquiries and Download in case competitors wish to consult it before their run.

A first aid kit and trained first aiders will be available at Enquiries and Download.