Map and terrain
Map notes:
The area benefitted from being remapped for the Senior Home Internationals in 2018 and recent updates have been added for this event. The contour detail is accurate and can be used reliably. Green screen is used to differentiate between runnable tussock and tussocks with long grass which impede progress. Small crags marked on the map includes some small sections of what look like man made retaining walls. For clarity, only the most significant areas of rock piles are marked on the map. The area is a popular choice for mountain bikers and as a results new paths they create may not be accurately represented.
Terrain notes:
The terrain is a predominantly rough open moorland with complex and intricate contour detail around well vegetated spoil heaps, the result of nineteenth century sandstone quarrying. Some mature coniferous forest and more recently planted areas of broadleaf trees provide variety.
Course information
NWNL standard courses: (Subject to final controlling.)
| Course: | Length: | Climb: | Controls: | Map: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 4.4 km | 145 m | 14 | A4, 1:7,500 |
| Green | 2.8 km | 90 m | 12 | A4, 1:7,500 |
| Orange | 2.6 km | 40 m | 9 | A4, 1:7,500 |
Start & Finish: Start/finish are approximately 700 m from the car park with 40 m of climb.
Route to start: This will be partially taped with tags on trees to the start. Please walk up the main track towards the Hurstwood Reservoir without straying too far off the path (here be dragons…). You will walk past the finish, on the way to the start.
Kit Dump: The final approach to the start will be parallel to a purpose built MTB track to a holding area before the start lanes. There is a small enclosure with two kissing gates that will allow one person through at a time (even if they are very friendly). This can be used as a kit dump area if required. It will be approximately 100m from the finish area.
Other users: Hurstwood is frequented by walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists. There is a MTB track that runs through the competition area with some steep descents. While not purpose built, it sees a lot of traffic. This track is used for some of the orange course, and both green and blue runners may opt to use it through route choice. While we do not expect people to be out during the night race, they may. Please exercise caution. When in doubt “Be nice. Say hi”.
Pre-existing medical conditions: What you should do.
Insurance: From 1st January 2026, participants who are not members of British Orienteering will no longer be covered by British Orienteering's public liability insurance. By entering any event from 1st January 2026, you acknowledge that you are taking part at your own risk. For example, if you were to accidentally injure a member of the public or damage property during the event, you would not be covered. British Orienteering's public liability insurance used to cover non-members at events before this date.