RegionalTockholesSun 08 December, 2024
Regional 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.
Safety: This is a winter event - WHISTLES and WATERPROOF JACKETS must be carried or worn - unless specifically relaxed by the controller. To cope with wind, rain and cold, carrying hats, gloves, additional thermal layers and waterproof trousers may also be necessary. Be prepared!
Mobile phones may be carried as a safety measure only. Emergency help numbers will be printed on your competition map.
Respect the fundamentals of orienteering and do not use your phone as a navigational aid, except if you have retired.
Retirement: If retiring, proceed to the east of the competition area to the Tockholes road. Follow this to the venue. You MUST report your retirement to Download.
Control descriptions: They will be on the map and available as loose descriptions in the start lanes.
Permissions: We are indebted to United Utilities (landowner) for permission to use the area.
Location Info
Near: Blackburn Lat,Lng: 53.68658,-2.50909
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
Field parking near to BB3 0PA. However using W3W ///reveal.aquatics.buckling will take you to the entrance gate of the parking field, which is approximately 500m south of the Tockholes Information Centre/Rambler's Country Cafe and Royal Arms car park, all of which will be open on the day.
Best approach from north, east and west is via the M65. Exit at J3 and follow the A675** for (7km/4.5mi) past Tockholes Woods on your left to the next minor junction left, signposted Tockholes. Proceed for 2.0km/1.25mi, to the parking field entrance gate, which will be an easy turn on your right. Follow parking marshals directions. Your donation per vehicle (recommended £2) goes to local good causes in Tockholes. The alternative route via J4 through Tockholes Village is steeper, bumpier, twistier and slower - and is not recommended.
** Average speed cameras are in operation on the A675: from J3, first 50mph, then 40mph, then 30mph through Abbey Village and then 50mph.
From the south (Bolton direction) follow the A675 through Belmont village (average speed cameras in operation) then after 2.5k/1.6mi turn right at the junction noted above, then 2.0k/1.25mi tp parking.
Anyone bringing a large camper van or larger coach should contact the Organiser in advance for details of alternative parking.
Map / Terrain
Tockholes has been used for orienteering for more than 50 years! It is excellent mixed terrain that is 90% woodland.
High quality orienteering terrain in mature woodland around the catchment area of Roddlesworth Reservoirs. Map updated 2024.
Tockholes has been used for orienteering for over 50 years! Much has changed in that time, but the woods, a mix of deciduous and coniferous woodland, remains largely clear of nasty undergrowth and is very runnable. There is no forestry grid and no straight lines anywhere, but there are ample rock, forest, landform and water features. Quality orienteering guaranteed!
The area is popular with walkers, dog owners, runners and mountain bikers – take care and give way.
As such there are many incidental paths and tracks, in places too numerous to map. Only the main and through paths are marked.
Several high crags and a dangerous ravine are highlighted with the purple uncrossable symbol along the top edge. Some crags are 10m high! Beware!
Registration and Start times
Start times from 10:30AM to 12:00 noon. When entering choose your start time in one of 4 x 15 minute blocks.
Courses close at 14:00PM.
If demand is suficient start times and course closing times will be extended by half an hour.
Course Information
Course Offer: (Provisional.)
Course: | Length: | Climb: | Controls: | Notes: |
Brown | 7.9k | 250m | 22 | TD5. Map 1:10000 |
Blue | 6.1k | 150m | 16 | TD5. Map 1:10000 |
Short Blue | 5.1k | 135m | 15 | TD5. Map 1:10000 |
Green | 4.4k | 115m | 12 | TD5. Map 1:10000 |
Short Green | 3.4k | 85m | 12 | TD5. Map 1:10000 |
Light Green | 3.1k | 80m | 8 | TD4. Map 1:10000 |
Orange | 2.3k | 70m | 10 | TD3. Map 1:10000 |
Yellow | 2.3k | 50m | 9 | TD2. Map 1:10000 |
Distance to the Start is TBAm from parking and the return from the Finish is TBAm.
Control descriptions will be on the map and available as loose descriptions in the start lanes.
Planner's Notes:
- Dangerous high crags and earth banks: Marked as uncrossable using a thick purple line along the top edge. Some crags are 10m high!
- River crossings: TBA
Entry Details
On-line pre-entry only via SIEntries. No EOD.
Standard pricing will apply up to midnight Wednesday 4th December. Entry will remain open after this, subject to map availability, until midnight Friday 6th December, with a late entry surcharge of £2.00 Adults / £1.00 Young Adults & Juniors.
Entry fees for BOF-members:
Senior (26+) | Young Adult (21-25) | Junior (U21) | |
Up to 04/12/2024 | £9.00 | £6.50 | £4.00 |
From 05/12/2024 | £11.00 | £7.50 | £5.00 |
Entry fees for non-members:
Senior (26+) | Young Adult (21-25) | Junior (U21) | |
Up to 04/12/2024 | £11.00 | £8.00 | £5.00 |
From 05/12/2024 | £13.00 | £9.00 | £6.00 |
Dibber hire £1.00 (£40 if lost/broken). Hired dibbers must be collected from Download before heading to the Start.
£1.00 Discount per person if entering both the day and nights events.
Dog restrictions
No dogs on courses. You may exercise your dog in the woods, under control, after your run. Please remember that this is sheep country. Do not let your dog run loose in the parking field.
Facilities
Toilet cubicles at Parking.
The Ramblers Country Cafe and the Royal Arms pub are both 500m north of event parking. Both serve food and drink and will be open at the time of this event, however the cafe closes at 3:00PM.
In addition, those competitors leaving to rejoin the M65 at J3, will pass through Abbey Village. Holden's (cafe, bakery and icecream parlour) on your left as you travel north, is open on Sundays. Worth a visit!
Miscellaneous
General enquiries -
BOF event: 83439
Contacts / Officials
Planner - Stephen Horrocks PFO
Controller - Andy Quickfall SROC
Organiser - George Crawford-Smith