Winter 25/26 SeriesSutherland's GroveSun 30 November, 2025
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
Sunday's local event at Sutherland's Grove, a late replacement for the planned Dunstaffnage event, was a great success. Forty three folk took part and many of these were accompanied by parents or friends; so we're looking at at least fifty participants. The weather was dry and occasionally sunny, making things a lot easier for the download team.
Barcaldine is an ever-changing challenge to course planners, caused by felling, maturing of scrubby growth, and even windblow. However, the main problem remains with the fact that the best orienteering for the blue and green courses lies to the north and to the south of the map. I popped a few controls in the relatively easy running between north and south to keep runners awake (although at least a couple of runners chose to avoid the easy path routes).
For this event we offered a longer red course to fit runners with little orienteering experience. I was a little disappointed with the uptake.
A big thank you to John McLuckie for help with setting out controls on Saturday and Sunday, help with entries and download on Sunday, and control collection. Also to Hazel Farnell for setting up and manning the string course. And, finally, our thanks to Sarah Hunt of FLS for organising access to the forest
I collected the final 14 controls on Monday. Note to self: courses ought to close at 1.00 pm for December events,.
Alan
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 5.9 km (calculated along "route choice").
- Blue - longer than Green. Distance 6.9 km (calculated along "route choice").
- 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 by midnight Friday 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