Winter 25/26 SeriesSutherland's GroveSun 30 November, 2025

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.

Last updated: Sun 23 November, 2025

Pre Event Info

This event will offer courses suitable for all ages and experience.

Location Info

Near: Barcaldine
Lat,Lng: 56.5294,-5.3091
OS Grid Ref: NM965421
Postcode: PA37 1SQ

Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap - Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap - BingMap (OS 50k)

Directions / Parking

Sutherland's Grove parking area, off the A828 north of Barcaldine. Forestry and Land Scotland have a parking charge. Please pay this as it helps fund FLS activities locally. You are also encouraged to car share or cycle to the event.

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 an 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

General

This event offers courses for young beginners, experienced orienteers, and inexperienced runners.

Course Information

There will be five courses:

Yellow - short and easy, suitable for beginners. Mostly using paths/tracks. Distance 2.5 km
Orange - longer and slightly more challenging, suitable for those with some orienteering experience. Distance 3.1 km.
Green - for experienced orienteers. Physically and technically challenging. Distance TBC.
Blue - longer than Green. Distance TBC
Red - a long course aimed at fit runners with little or no orienteering experience. This course will follow tracks and paths. Distance 8.2 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.

There will also be a String course for the very young.

You MUST report to the finish, even if you retire.

Entry Details

Juniors/Students under 21: £4

Seniors: £6 (SOA/BOA members); £7 (non members)

How to enter

We very much prefer online entry and payment of entry fees.

Please email info@ecko.org.uk with the following details for each competitor:

Name
Club
Age Group (M14, W35 etc; or give year of birth)
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 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, John McLuckie - info@ecko.org.uk