Sunnyhurst WoodSat 07 February, 2026
Local level event
Explanation of Event levels
- Training events 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.
- Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Most clubs run some 'mini series' throughout the year as local mid week events.
- 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 or the annual JK competition.
Location: Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen, BB3 1JA
Join us for an exciting day of orienteering in the historic Sunnyhurst Wood – a beautiful Grade II listed park set in a steep-sided valley with Sunnyhurst Brook running through its heart.
Opened to the public in 1903 to commemorate Edward VII’s coronation, the woods feature heritage landmarks like the Old English Gateway, ornate bridges, and a circular shelter from 1912. It’s a scenic and challenging venue that combines rich history with sporting adventure – perfect for all levels of orienteers.
Terrain
- 85 acres of mixed woodland with occasional open areas
- Steep valley sides and terraces, plus a secondary valley for added complexity
- Good path network, runnable forest, and some undergrowth in places
Courses
Colour-coded courses for all abilities from Yellow (Families) to Green (more experienced navigators). For those wanting a less technical course but a longer run, the Red Course is ideal. It’s designed for runners who prefer a physical challenge without the complexity of advanced navigation, perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and enjoy the park’s varied terrain.
Location Info
Near: Darwen Lat,Lng: 53.70287,-2.48436 OS Grid Ref: SD680230 Postcode: BB3 1JA
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
Event centre: Start, Finish, Download, dibber collection and kit dump will be a downhill walk from parking. Allow 5 minutes and follow signage from the road.
Parking: Park sensibly in the widest parts of Earnsdale Road, Darwen, BB3 1JA. If travelling from the M65, turn right off the A666 on to Earnsdale Rd, just before St Cuthbert's Church at the traffic lights. Please avoid causing obstructions for residents when parking.
What3Words coordinates: ///belts.fuels.rushed for the on-foot park entrance and for Earnsdale Road parking.
Map / Terrain
Map notes:
Map scale is 1:5000, printed on A4.
Green / Red course maps are double sided with map flip.
There are some areas of windblown trees, but courses have been planned to avoid them.
Terrain notes:
- 85 acres of mixed woodland with occasional open areas
- Steep valley sides and terraces, plus a secondary valley for added complexity
- Good path network, runnable forest, and some undergrowth in places
Registration and Start times
Start times from 10:30 - 12:00
Courses close at 13:30
Course Information
Provisional course details.
| Course: | Length: | Climb: | Controls: | Technical difficulty: |
| Green | 3.8 km | 120 m | 22 | TD5: Very difficult. |
| Light Green | 3.2 km | 100 m | 18 | TD4: Difficult. |
| Red | 4.6 km | 130 m | 25 | TD3: Moderately difficult, long. |
| Orange | 2.5 km | 80 m | 16 | TD3: Moderately difficult. |
| Yellow | 2.1 km | 55 m | 13 | TD2: Short and easy. |
Long legwear is recommended.
Entry Details
Registration: ALL entries must be made through SiEntries. There will be no EOD.
When entering please choose a start block (15 minute window). Please choose an early start time if you anticipate being out for a long time.
If you are entering as a pair (or small group), it is only necessary to register one lead name, pay for one entry and hire one dibber, if required.
Entries will close on Friday 6th February, but entries made on or after 5th February will be subject to map availability and will be at a higher price.
Dibber hire: If you do not possess a dibber** (SI-card) you must book and pay £1 when entering on-line.
Your hired dibber can only be picked up at the Event Centre.
[**Note: £40 charge if dibber is lost or broken during the hire period.]
Entry fees for BOF-members:
| Senior (26+) | Young Adult (21-25) | Junior (U21) | |
| Up to 04/02/2026 | £7.00 | £5.00 | £3.00 |
| From 05/02/2026 | £9.00 | £6.00 | £4.00 |
Entry fees for non-members:
| Senior (26+) | Young Adult (21-25) | Junior (U21) | |
| Up to 04/02/2026 | £8.00 | £5.50 | £3.00 |
| From 05/02/2026 | £10.00 | £6.50 | £4.00 |
Dog restrictions
Dogs are permitted, under control. Please clear up after your dog.
Facilities
TBC
Miscellaneous
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.
General enquiries:
BOF event: 87369
Contacts / Officials
Planner: Katy Thompson PFO
Organiser: Kay Hawke PFO