A message for newcomers and infrequent orienteers
We would be delighted to see you at this and other TVOC events. This event, like all our events, offers a range of courses to suit everyone from newcomers to experienced orienteers. If you are not sure which course to enter, please contact the organiser (contact details at the bottom of this page).
Please note that, if you’re not a member of British Orienteering, you won’t be covered by the organisation’s public liability insurance for this event. You’re very welcome to take part, but please be aware that you do so at your own risk. For example, if you were to accidentally injure a member of the public or damage property during the event, you would not be covered by British Orienteering’s insurance.
The Chiltern Challenge is TVOC’s premier event of the year. This event is being held at Christmas Common, about 5 miles from the Stokenchurch exit on the M40. Longer courses at this year’s event will run through an area of woodland new to orienteering.
Car parking at this event is restricted to 170 cars. We have therefore split start times into two shifts (10 to 11am and 1 to 2pm) in order to use most car park spaces twice. Drivers will need to book a car park space (early or late) when they enter. More details below.
This event will be SIAC-enabled.
Helping
TVOC members – PLEASE contact your team leader to offer to help, or contact the organiser. They will give you the discount code to use when you enter.
Directions / Parking
Five miles south-west of Junction 5 of the M40. Parking, mainly hard standing at Greenfield Farm, courtesy of Andrew Ingram who provided the recent Christmas tree for No 10.
Note that travelling to the event by public transport is near enough impossible. You will almost certainly need to come by car. Parking at the event is limited to 170 spaces. Please endeavour to share transport with club colleagues. There are free car parks at Watlington and Lewknor (adjacent to J5 of the M40) where you could meet to share a single car to the event.
When you enter the event, those driving will need to reserve a car park space:
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- You must choose either an early space (for start times between 10am and 11am) or a late space (for start times between 1pm and 2pm)
- We ask those with an early car park space to depart soon after completing your run; we will need that space for the later starters
- We ask those with a late car park space to arrive not more than 30 minutes before their start time
- A limited number of all-day spaces are also available. These are intended for those with young children requiring split start times, and for our helpers who will be at the event the entire day. You will be asked to say why you need an all day space when you enter
- There is no charge for parking, but we do ask that you share cars as much as possible.
Once all car park spaces have been allocated, further entrants will need to find a club colleague with a car park space to give them a lift to the event.
Terrain Description
Typical Chilterns undulating mixed forest, largely runnable, including two new areas for the longer courses, Greenfield Copse and Howe Wood.
The Map
• Totally remapped in 2025 using LiDAR data, updated 2026 by Mark Thompson (TVOC)
• ISOM 2017-2
• Scale: All courses will be 1:10:000, other than Very Short Green which will be 1:7,500
• A3
• 5m contours
• Pre-marked, waterproof paper
Courses
Entries are being taken by class. Most competitors will want to enter their age class. If you wish to run a longer course, then ‘run up’ by choosing an appropriate age class. If you wish to run down, then choose an appropriate colour class, as per the table below.
Course lengths given below are provisional.
Courses 1, 2 and 3 will venture into two areas new to orienteering, Greenfield Copse and Howe Wood, linked to an existing area by a period of time out.
Start Times
Start times will be between 10:00 and 11:00, and 13:00 and 14:00
All entrants, except those entering White, Yellow and Orange classes, will be asked to choose a Start time when entering. Those entering White, Yellow and Orange classes will have open starts; they can come to the Start at their leisure (within the 10:00 to 11:00 and 13:00 to 14:00 start windows).
Courses close at 16:00 promptly to allow time for control collection. Please pick a Start Time appropriate to your abilities to ensure you are back by that time.
If you are entering the Orange, Yellow or White course as a pair or family, you will be able to order extra maps during the entry process.
How To Enter
Entries are open through SiEntries. Click on their logo at the top of this web page to enter. Drivers – don’t forget to book a car park space when you enter.
There will be no entry-on-the-day at the event. However entries will remain open until the day of the event, but note that all car park spaces will almost certainly have been booked by then.
Entry Cost
Up to and including Sunday 15th March
All courses except White, Yellow and Orange:
– BOF members £14 / non-members £16
– Juniors & Students £6
White, Yellow and Orange:
– BOF members £10 / non-members £10
– Family groups £10
– Juniors & Students £6
Entries Monday 16th March and later – Seniors and family groups + £3, Juniors and students +£1.50
Timing chip hire (SIAC): £2 extra. Lost chips charged at £65.
Facilities
The following will be provided:
– Toilets
– Catering
– First Aid provided by White Star Medical
Drinks will not be provided. Please come with your own supplies of water, etc.
Dogs
TVOC’s policy is that dogs are not permitted on courses. However, well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in the car park and Assembly area.
Please clean up after your dog. Please do not lock your dog in your car when on your run.
Further Information
Acknowledgments
We are very grateful to the National Trust and to Andrew Ingram for their permission in allowing this event on their land.
Officials
Organiser: Jon Wheatcroft
email organiser
07414 135750
Planner: Neville Baker
Controller: Davey Averill, SMOC
