Updated:

Saturday 30/11/2024 – WNL 2024-25 – Mallards Pike

Saturday 30/11/2024 – WNL 2024-25 – Mallards Pike
Updated:
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30/11/2024 - WNL 2024-25 - Mallards Pike

Our next WNL fixture returns to the flatter and faster parts of Mallards Pike. This is a series of 60-minute score events in the local vicinity, taking place after dark in the winter - headtorches required!  Each control in the forest is worth a given number of points: score as many points as you can by visiting controls, and get back within the time limit to avoid late penalties.

Mallards Pike is an extensive and largely flat area of mixed woodland sandwiched between Speech House Hotel and the Cinderford road, and Staple Edge on the Eastern side of the map.

Enter on Fabian4.co.uk by midnight on Thursday 28th November.
Enter Online

Officials

  • Organiser/Planner: Andy Creber

Queries? email Andy.

Directions and Parking

Parking is at the so-called 'Go Kart track' about 1km down Spruce Ride from the entrance next to the southern corner Speech House field. You need to drive past the small parking area by the road, and through the gate beyond, to enter Spruce Ride. The gate must be left closed, so please open it on arrival and close it once through. Do not leave it open.

Grid Ref: SO620118

What 3 words: potions.factually.undertone

Important: The people using the fishing lake by Speech House are required by FE to keep the entrance gate locked, so it may be that even if we leave it unlocked (but closed), someone else might lock it. It may be manned by us, but if not, soon after the entry closing time, you will be sent instructions on what to do if you find the gate locked, by means of a Fabian bulk email.

Click on the Parking icon on the map below, and then the Direction icon icon to get directions to the course.

The Area

Mixed forest, with a good network of paths, generally flat, but with a mass of ditches in some areas. Runnability generally very good within the event area.

The Map

The map is 1:10000 scales with 5m contours. Control descriptions printed on the map and available loose at Registration

The map was updated for JIRCS at the end of September and should accurately reflect the current state of vegetation.

Start and Finish

Registration, Start and Finish are all in or close to the parking area. Note, however that the Finish will require slightly more of an effort than usual, to 'punch' at this event!

Courses

Standard WNL 60 minute score course with 30 controls, with variable points value.

If all controls are visited within the time an extra 1 point per 6 seconds will be awarded. Penalty of 1 point for every 6 seconds late.

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

There will be a kit check of random individuals. Spare torch and a whistle needed....this will include some very experienced night orienteers. No attempts to 'blag it' please!

Timing and Fees

Starts: From nightfall for one hour. This is expected to be about 17:30-18:30. Turn up and go when ready.

Course closes at 19:45.

Fees

Pre-entry Entry on the Day Non-member Supplement
Adults £7 £10 £2
Juniors £3 £4 £1
Family (2 adults + their children) £16 £20 As above for any non-members

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

Touch Free dibber: £2 Adults, £1 Juniors

Pre-entry is strongly preferred. Enter on Fabian4.co.uk by midnight on Thursday 28th November.

Enter Online

Entry on the day is available only while maps last, but note the premium price to discourage this. EOD payment by cash only.

Refunds

As the Government has removed all restrictions on events and activities, COVID related refunds are no longer available. The standard Fabian4 terms and conditions offer an automatic refund up to 2 months before the event date, and we do not normally vary this specification. That means that in most cases no refunds are possible, as we do not publish details until less than 2 months before the date of the event.
However, for all except large events we hold entries open until only a day or so before the event, so you can delay entry if unsure whether you can run, until very close to event day.

Dogs

Dogs are permitted on the courses, but must be ‘under control’.

Facilities

The pub of the night is to be confirmed.

Safety

As with all Western Night League events it is compulsory to carry a backup light and a whistle. It is advisable to carry a mobile phone too.

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 Download.