Saturday Series – Waddesdon Manor
Saturday Series
13th September 2025
Helping
TVOC members – PLEASE click on the link below and sign up to help. The sign-up sheet contains the discount code to use when you enter
Directions / Parking
Car parking is in the Waddesdon Manor main car park – drive right round the car park to the final bay (Bay P), where the tent and banner will be located.
Car park https://what3words.com/design.pirates.permit
Your entry fee covers you for the grounds entry whilst on your course. If you wish to re-enter the grounds after your run, to explore the Waddesdon estate or visit the manor, then the normal admission rates would apply (unless you’re a NT member).
Terrain Description
Country house parkland, with a mix of undulating open areas, woodland, formal gardens and some interesting rock and vegetation detail. The courses have been planned to give you a tour of the best bits!
The Map
Scale 1:5000, Contours 5m, Size A4+
Control descriptions only on map.
Courses
The course lengths presented are the straight line distance between controls. In reality, you will run further. How much further depends on your navigation, but this could be up to 20-25% more than the quoted course length depending on the terrain.
Please note the climb when choosing a course.
All course lengths are provisional until courses are finalised.
| Course | Length (km) | Climb (m) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 2.1 | 60 | Suitable for juniors with some experience or for supervised newcomers, and for family groups. |
| Orange | 2.6 | 70 | Suitable for adult beginners and experienced juniors. Also suitable for family groups. |
| Red | 4.5 | 95 | Longer (expect to run more than 5 km), but less challenging navigationally. Ideal for runners new to orienteering. You still need to be able to read a map, but it is more like an unmarked trail race. |
| Light Green | 3.3 | 75 | More challenging; for improvers and those with a bit of experience. Most controls away from paths and more route choices. |
| Score | Ideal for adult beginners. This is an Odds/Evens or Evens/Odds score course. There are two sets of controls, Odd numbered and Even numbered. After the start choose either of the Odd or Even sets and find as many controls as you wish. Then swap to the other set and continue to find controls in that set Then get to the finish within 45 minutes. Only one swap between the two sets is allowed. Controls are all worth 10 points. Lose 10 pts per minute (or part of minute) late. |
YOU MUST REPORT TO THE DOWNLOAD TENT BY 1PM LATEST AS CONTROLS WILL BE COLLECTED IN AT 1PM.
Control descriptions will be on the map only.
Start Times
Start times are between 10:15 and 11:45.
The assembly tent will be located in Car Park P of the Main car park.
If you have your own dibber you can go straight to the start. If you are hiring a dibber go to the assembly tent first.
The walk to the start is about 700m from the Welcome Pavilion, or 1200m from Car Park P. You will need to go through an electronic gate for entry to the grounds. This requires a QR code for access and a volunteer will be there to provide access. Note if you want to walk to the Manor afterwards you will need to buy a QR code to gain access a second time. NT members will also need a QR code. The Finish is 100m closer to assembly. There is no clothing dump.
IMPORTANT: Courses close at 1pm. You must report to the download tent by 1pm latest, even if you retire or have not finished. The controls will be collected from 1pm onward
How To Enter
All entries are through SiEntries online only. Click on the link at the top of the page.
Entry to the event will be available up to 11am on the day of the event, Saturday 13th September
However entries after Sunday 7th September will be subject to map availability, so we advise earlier entry.
You don’t have to be a member of an orienteering club to enter this event. On SiEntries, just show your club name as IND (for Independent)
Newcomers to Orienteering are most welcome! We have helpers to explain the event, the courses and the map.
Small family or other groups are welcome, but please enter only the Yellow, Orange or Red courses. You just need a single entry. The lead runner must be a Senior (M/W 21+).
You will receive one map for the group. However we recommend you have one map EACH – you can order extra maps (£1 each) when you enter.
If you enter as a group, SiEntries will ask you for the name of your group to appear in results – eg Jones family.
Entry Cost
Early entries up to and including Sunday 7th September
– Red and Light Green – BOF members £6, non-members and family groups £8, Juniors & Students £2
– Yellow, Orange and Score – BOF members £5, non-members and family groups £7, Juniors & Students £2
Later entries from Mon 8th September through to 11am Sat 13th September (assuming spaces are still available) – £1 extra
Timing chip hire £1 (essential if you do not own one). Lost timing chips charged at £65.
Facilities
Toilets are available in the car park and at the manor. There are several cafes at the manor too.
Dogs
TVOC’s policy is that dogs are not permitted on courses.
Further Information
This is the latest event in the 2025 Thames Valley Junior Orienteering League for anyone aged 18 or under, who is competing on the Yellow, Orange, Red, Light Green or Green course. Full details can be found here.
Officials
Organiser: David Gruar email organiserPlanner: David Gruar
See the Saturday Series page for more information about the series and the full list of events.