May EventCreag Mhic ChaileinSun 29 May, 2022
Local level event
Explanation of Event levels
Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport and Activities are non competitive events used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Regional events attract participants from around the local Region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships.
Results
Report
Does the sun always shine down on Creag Mhic?
Yet another great event and coaching session took place last weekend in the wonderful Creag Mhic. It was great to welcome several visitors from as far away as Solway, Roxburgh Reivers, STAG and from further afield.
The day kicked off with the final controls being placed early in the morning by John and Ross, followed by the arrival of coaches, coachees (19) and helpers. One group headed off to the woodland to practice various skills including fine navigation, pacing and distance estimation. The other group looked carefully at relating the map to the terrain, distance estimation and then enjoyed a star course.
After some refreshments, all headed out into the sunshine to enjoy the great courses that John had carefully planned. I think it's fair to say that the 'Blue' was challenging but John really did manage to get competitors out almost to the Black Lochs!
Congratulations to our winners of the day - Sylva 1st yellow, George 1st Orange, Douglas 1st Light green, Andy 1st Green and Dave 1st Blue.
Many thanks to all the EckO volunteers including John for planning and organising, Alan for entries, SI, download and results, Bill for starting, Ross, John, Dave and Jan for control collecting, Elisabeth and Douglas for assisting the coaches and Ross and Jan for coaching.
Pre Event Info
Firstly, we would like to thank Lorn Nelson for permission to use the area and Johnny for all his help and enthusiasm .
This is a fun local event and, if the weather is kind, it's a perfect place for orienteering. John McLuckie has very kindly agreed to plan and organise the event so we look forward to some great courses.
Coaching: There will be 1 hour of coaching/training available from 10.00 - 11.00 on Sunday morning. This is open to any EckO adult or Junior (age 8+). Come along and learn/practice your orienteering skills prior to the event. Please email Jan Kersel if you are interested in attending this.
Location Info
Near: Taynuilt Lat,Lng: 56.44722,-5.32812 OS Grid Ref: NM948333 Postcode: PA37 1PR
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
Coming from Taynuilt along A85, take the left turn (W3W norms.flooding.sunroof) after the railway bridge (approximately 4 miles after Taynuilt). Follow the farm road under another railway bridge. Parking will be in the farmyard. Coming from Oban along A85, take the right turn just before the railway bridge at Achnacloich (W3W norms.flooding.sunroof)
Please take great care when leaving the event to make the right turn onto the A85 as visibility is very poor and traffic is moving fast. It might be advisable to turn left towards Oban and turn round at Connel.
Map / Terrain
Creag Mhic Chailein is a fantastic area of mainly broadleaved woodland, interspersed with open areas. There are also areas of marsh which will aid navigation. This area reflects Argyll orienteering at its best! The beautiful old woodland is in great condition and the bracken is fairly low key at present. What more could we ask for - an orienteers dream :)
Registration and Start times
Since the majority of entrants requested an Early start we will open the Start immediately after Jan's coaching session.
So Start Times are now from 11.00 -12.30 - Courses close at 2.00pm
The start blocks are 11.00 - 11.50 (Early), 11.50 - 12.10 (Middle), 12.10 - 12.30 (Late)
Start slots, dibber numbers, and courses are here.
You must report to download before courses close at 2pm
Course Information
Yellow - 1.4km, 80m climb - uses simple linear features like paths, walls and streams. Mainly used by under 12’s and family groups
Orange - 2.1km, 140m climb - basic use of the compass and route choice. Ideal for novice adults or experienced youngsters
Light Green - 3.2km, 255m climb - ideal for improvers as the navigational difficulty begins to increase and uses simple contours and ‘point’ features
Green - 3.9km, 250m climb - mostly experienced under 18’s and adults wanting a short but challenging course with a very hard navigational difficulty
Blue - 6.4km, 450m climb - as for Green, but physically more challenging
Entry Details
Entries are now CLOSED
Entries CLOSE: 23:59 Thursday, 26th May
BOF/SOA - Senior £5.00, Junior £3.00
Non BOF/SOA - Senior £6.00, Junior £3.00
Please enter by emailing Alan Partridge (alan.partridge@ecko.org.uk).
Your email must include:
- Name and Age of each person who is entering or being entered
- Their club
- Chosen course
- Number of their SI dibber if they have one (we will allocate an EckO dibber if you do not have your own)
- Preferred start time (Early, Middle, Late, or No Preference)
- Name and phone number for an emergency contact
Confirmation of entry and details of payment by BACS transfer will be sent to you by email.
Dog restrictions
Well behaved dogs on leads in the car park area only. Please clear up any mess. If at all possible please leave your dog at home.
Facilities
A first aid kit and volunteer first aider will be available to provide first aid for minor injuries at the event assembly but for all other injuries please go to Lorn and the Isles District General Hospital PA34 4HH Tel. 01631 567500
Nearest facilities are Taynuilt, Connel, Benderloch or Oban.
Miscellaneous
All Competitors take part at their own risk and should choose a course that matches their experience and fitness.
Competitors are advised to notify the organiser of any relevant medical conditions. If you wish to do so, please email event organiser as soon as possible. All details are confidential and will be removed after the event.
There may be livestock present in the competition area – cattle and sheep.
Ticks may be present. Competitors should check for ticks as soon as possible after the event.
Please wear full leg covering
Covid Regulations:
Please do not attend this event if you are currently exhibiting any Covid symptons. As with our previous events, we respectfully ask you all to observe the current COVID regulations, 2m social distancing, avoid gathering in groups at download and that you are familiar with British Orienteering's Code of Conduct
Contacts / Officials
Organisers/ Planners: John McLuckie