Update 15 October – Although there is no entry on the day at the event, we will keep entries open until mid-day Sunday. Red course is full and several other courses are now down to low single digits of maps available. Please enter online before you leave home, to confirm there is a map for you. And Fabian4 is much easier to use on a large screen than on a mobile in the Assembly field.
This event, TVOC’s premier event of the year, is normally a National Level event. However it is on the same day as the CompassSport Cup Final, which is taking place some 400 miles away in Scotland, and British Orienteering rules do not allow a National Event to clash with the CompassSport Cup Final. If your club is through to the CompassSport Cup Final, we hope that you will be travelling to Scotland to compete. But otherwise we very much hope you will come to Wendover Woods, where we will offer everything you would expect to see at a National Event, including the usual range of courses – plus a Red course, ideal for runners keen to try the sport.
Parking and assembly are as usual in a field adjacent to Hill Farm. If you wish to stay over the weekend, Hill Farm has a small campsite. Book with them at https://hillfarmcampsite.co.uk/
COVID may seem like a bad memory. However it is still in circulation and we encourage a continued responsible approach at our orienteering events. People have different risk tolerances and we ask you to respect others’ personal choices, particularly in maintaining inter-personal distance. Please do not attend if you or a member of your household has COVID-19 symptoms; we will offer a full refund in such circumstances – details at bottom of page.
This event will be SIAC enabled
Directions / Parking
From the B4009 take the turning signed Wendover Woods at the junction 1 mile north east of RAF Halton camp. Follow this road past the Wendover Woods entrance, continue up the hill for about a mile, and parking will be on the right side marked with orienteering signs.
There is no charge for parking.
Terrain Description
Fast runnable woodland, a mixture of typical Chiltern forest and thicker areas of managed plantation. The area is characterised by the wide re-entrant between two spurs with steep slopes and a good path network.
The Map
Map updated Summer / Autumn 2022 (Jim Prowting, TVOC); scale 1:7,500, ISOM 2017, A3 printed on waterproof paper.
Start Times
THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY ON THE DAY. You must pre-enter, by clicking on the Fabian4 logo at the top of this page.
Starts will be from 10.30 to 12:45. 700metres walk from Assembly field corner to the Start. 1100m from the Finish back to Assembly, via the Start. (All distances currently provisional.)
IMPORTANT: There will be a Safety Check punch immediately after the Finish. Every finisher must do this.
Courses close at 2.45pm. You must report to the download tent by 3:00pm latest, even if you retire or have not finished.
Controls will start to be collected from 2.45pm.
Courses
The following courses will be provided (course lengths provisional):
Black: 10.7k, 525m climb, 30 controls, double-sided map
Brown: 8.9k, 435m, 27 controls
Short Brown: 7.6k, 315m, 26 controls
Blue: 6.6k, 295m, 21 controls, double-sided map
Short Blue: 5.6k, 255m, 18 controls, double-sided map
Red : 5.0k, 245m, 15 controls
Green: 4.5k, 190m, 15 controls
Short Green: 3.0k, 90m, 12 controls
Very Short Green: 2.9k, 50m, 12 controls
Light Green: 3.3k, 150m, 10 controls
Orange: 3.2k, 155m, 10 controls
Yellow: 2.1k, 85m, 9 controls
Black, Brown and Short Brown have four unmarshalled road crossings. The road is not busy. Legs will NOT be timed out. Blue and downwards do not cross the road.
IMPORTANT Under 16s are not permitted to enter Black, Brown and Short Brown..
How To Enter
Pre-entry only through Fabian4, by clicking on the Fabian4 logo at the top of this page. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY ON THE DAY.
You don't have to be a member of an orienteering club to enter this event. On Fabian4, just show your club name as IND (for Independent)
Small family or other groups are welcome, but please enter only the Yellow or Orange courses. Enter as a senior. Change the name if you wish, for example to Jones Family. Add a note in the special request box (step 3 of Fabian4 entry process) to say you are entering as a pair, and we will arrange a second map at no extra charge, so you can both enjoy the navigational experience.
If you're a runner trying orienteering for the first time, the Red course is ideal - you will probably run 7 to 8km doing it; if that is too much, then Orange might be more suitable, or Light Green if you are confident about your navigation.
For family groups, we recommend the Orange course, or Yellow if you want something shorter.
For juniors, Yellow is a good course, though juniors new to the sport should be accompanied.
Entry Cost
All courses except Yellow and Orange: BOF members £14, non-members £16, Juniors & Students £5
Yellow and Orange: Seniors £8, Juniors & Students £5
Timing chip hire £2 (essential if you do not own one). Lost timing chips charged at £65
Facilities
Tom's burger wagon, Formline orienteering shop, toilets.
We will not be offering post race drinks. Please bring your own water.
Further Information
If you need advice or help in entering via Fabian4, this document may help. If you do find yourself stuck, then email Alun, or phone him on 07967 605307
Cancellation
Click here to read our policy on refunds if you have to cancel because you are required to isolate for COVID reasons
TVOC members
We will need your help on the day. Please offer to help via your team leader or direct to Neville before you enter.
Officials
Organiser: Neville Baker
email organiser
07562 992292
Planner: Jim Prowting, TVOC
Controller: Hedley Calderbank, HH
