WINTER 2023/24Sutherlands GroveSun 07 January, 2024
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
What a great day! The weather was superb with sun and blue sky all day. It was a little chilly (understatement - it was baltic) but this didn't deter at least 49 athletes from competing on a range of courses from yellow up to blue. Huge thanks to Alan Partridge who put a lot of time and effort into planning interesting courses with some great route choices. Was it better to take the longer path route or take a chance and battle through the vegetation?
Alan also organised the event very efficiently and had the satisfaction of seeing lots of happy faces at download. What was particularly striking was the diversity of ages taking part ranging from babies in buggies and young family groups right up to septuagenerians, all enjoying the challenge of their courses in their own particular way.
The homebaking seemed to be popular and raised over £20.00 for club funds. Many thanks to all the volunteer control collectors - Fiona, Mandy, Finlo and particularly Ruari who was up and down the hill at least twice collecting a large portion of the controls.
The next event will be at Inverlochy, Fort William on Sunday 4th February 2024. Further details will be posted on the website shortly.
Pre Event Info
NEW Information -
Parking will be tight as the upper car park is closed due to windfall. Please park sensibly.
Due to the recent storms, there is a lot of new windfall. Not all vegetation is marked on the map so paths might be the better option. Courses are slightly shorter than planned due to the recent windfall.
Homebaking available - donations to club funds
Location Info
Near: Barcaldine Lat,Lng: 56.52710,-5.30884 Postcode: PA37 1SQ
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Map / Terrain
The map is a mixture of forestry woodland, some dense, some open; occasional pockets of deciduous trees; and felled areas (best avoided). There is a extensive network of tracks and paths.
Registration and Start times
Registration: from 10.30.
Start times: 11.00 - 12.00
Courses close: 14.00
Course Information
There will be four courses:
- Yellow - short and easy, suitable for beginners. Mostly using paths/tracks. Distance 2.3 km
- Orange - longer and slightly more challenging, suitable for those with some orienteering experience. Distance 3.2 km.
- Green - for experienced orienteers. Physically and technically challenging. Distance 3.6 km
- Blue - longer than Green. Distance 4.8 km
There is no Light Green course, but given the nature of the forest, the Green course should be not be too great a challenge for those who are confident on Light Green.
Entry Details
Juniors (under 21): £3
Seniors: £5 (members): £6 (non members)
We very much prefer online entry and online payment of entry fees.
Please email info@ecko.org.uk with the following details for each competitor:
- Name
- Club
- Course
- Dibber number (we will allocate a club dibber for those who don't have their own).
- Payment method (bank transfer or cash)
Bank details:
Account name: Loch Eck Orienteers
Sort code: 87-43-62
Account number: 75376768
Cash payment should be placed in a labelled envelope and handed in at registration.
Entry on the day is possible, but we print only a few extra maps for each course and so there is a risk you won't get your preferred course.
Dog restrictions
Well-behaved, under control dogs are welcome, but please clean up after.
Facilities
There are no facilities at Sutherland's Grove. Nearest facilities are Ben Lora Cafe (Benderloch) and Racer Cafe (Barcaldine),
Miscellaneous
Sutherland's Grove is well used by walkers, dog walkers, runners, and cyclists. Please respect these fellow users.
Contacts / Officials
Organiser/Planner: Alan Partridge (info@ecko.org.uk)