Map and terrain
Map notes: The event map for all courses is 1:7500, double sided, printed on A4 waterproof paper.
West of the rail line is mostly woodland on the slopes and banks of the River Darwen. To the east there are mixed areas of open ground and woodland, and further east again is Highercroft Woods, a deep wooded valley, reached only by the longest courses. All areas have a well-trodden path network, plus urban areas with multiple route choices.
The new map was first surveyed in 2024, using the latest ISOM symbols, which includes symbol 105.200 “Retained earth wall” of which there are several examples on the map. (The symbol is the same as for a “retained wall” but printed in brown, not black.)
Terrain notes: In addition to the very runnable path network and urban areas, there is woodland and rough open land where you may will encounter some seasonal undergrowth that has not yet fully died back. These rough areas have variable runnability and spikiness!
Some footbridges and board-walks have been damaged. Take care to step over missing or fire damaged boards. They will NOT be taped.
Clothing: Competitors on ALL courses should wear long legwear. Shorts are NOT recommended. Orienteering studded shoes are best for this mixed terrain, which is steep in places.
Railway crossings: There are 6 railway crossing points shown on the map. Some are bridges over, some are bridges under and one is a low tunnel (mind your head!). All are optional and clearly marked.
Course information
All courses are printed on double sided A4. Turn your map over at the map-flip control as indicated in your control descriptions.
Courses:
| Course | Length | Climb | Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Brown | 6.4km | 160m | 23 controls, TD5, Map flip at 17. |
| Blue | 5.9km | 115m | 20 controls, TD5, Map flip at 12. |
| Green | 4.1km | 85m | 15 controls, TD5,Map flip at 4. |
| Short Green | 3.2km | 85m | 13 controls, TD5,Map flip at 5. |
| Light Green | 3.2km | 65 m | 11 controls, TD4,Map flip at 6. |
| Red | 5.9km | 115m | 15 controls, TD3, Map flip at 10. |
| Orange | 2.8km | 55m | 10 controls, TD3,Map flip at 6. |
| Yellow | 2.0km | 40m | 10 controls, TD2,Map flip at 5. |
Start & Finish: Distances from Event Centre.
Start: Approximately 150m.
South Finish (Red & Light Green only): Approximately 300m. The return route has short steep sections, which may be slippery when wet – take extra care.
North Finish (All other courses): Approximately 150m.
Photos from the event
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.