Spring series (3/4)Towneley CollierySun 13 March, 2022
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.
Results
Report
A number of competitors (including myself) said their SIACs didn't appear to be working at todays event.
After a bit of investigation it appears that a reasonable number of people failed to 'Dib' the Check box before starting. As a result their SIAC wasn't turned on.
A SIAC is turned on by 'Dibbing' the clear box followed by a 'Dib' of the check box. They are then turned off when 'Dibbed' into the download box.
Andy Ellis - SI admin
Planner's Comments:
When I was invited to plan at Towneley Colliery I thought that sounds convenient, Towneley Park is only 1km away from our house. It turns out the Colliery is a well kept secret and none of our neighbours, who have lived here for years, even knew it existed!
It’s a pleasant wood with a nice river and some industrial archaeology, but a bit restricted for technical orienteering. When I went to see Healey Heights I liked the juxtaposition of play areas, streets, woods and hills that seemed to have the potential to disorientate. I tried to plan legs that crisscrossed the various areas and kept people thinking.
The other problem was how to use both areas without a lot of dead running to get between them. Hopefully I reduced the monotony of getting from one to the other by offering some route choice to think about. Sorry I couldn’t reduce the climb too!
I was interested to see from RouteGadget that there was a greater variation in routes from south to north than there was on the return leg from north to south. I had considered making the river uncrossable which might have encouraged differing routes returning south.
On the Yellow and Orange courses I wanted it to be as much of an adventure as possible so that the younger orienteers could discover the cave, bridges, streams and winding woodland paths that I enjoyed finding while I was planning.
May I echo George’s thanks to the willing and efficient PFO helpers who always ensure events run smoothly.
Dawn Figg PFO - Planner.
Organiser's Comments:
What a surprise! Another fine turnout. Lots of entries from clubs not involved with the second round of CompassSport Cup heats. Mostly NWOA clubs, but also a smattering of clubs from further afield.
Lucky too! It rained heavily at 7:00 this morning and again at 5:30 this evening, but nothing to speak of all day.
Our thanks go to Dawn Figg for planning testing courses in this unusual area. Part traditional woodland, part urban, part sprint and, always appreciated, lots of route choice. Dawn also spent her day acting as lookout in and around the housing area, explaining the objectives of orienteering and making sure nothing went missing. Successfully I'm pleased to report. Dawn's courses, by all accounts were very much appreciated.
To the many PFO members who helped deliver this event, some behind the scenes, some front of house, we offer our thanks. Maps, printing, SI, results, Routegadget, putting out, collecting in, marshals for Start, Finish and road crossings and more besides. Too many to name, but of course no event would happen without your input.
George Crawford-Smith PFO - Organiser
RouteGadget
Is a web browser app for sharing and comparing orienteering routes. You can draw your own route or upload a GPS track from your watch. It also allows you to watch an animated replay with a simulated mass start.
Go to the Pendle Forest Routegadget now
Classic woodland orienteering event based around the reclaimed Towneley Colliery site with adjacent open areas and woodland visited by the longer courses.
Location Info
Near: Burnley Lat,Lng: 53.77196,-2.22812 OS Grid Ref: SD850306 Postcode: BB11 3QT
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
Barwise Car Park off Todmorden Road. Nearest postcode BB11 3QT. Wht3Words ///steep.watch.oath Park all day for £1.50, cash in the machine.
Map / Terrain
Map scale for all courses is 1:5000.
Old Towneley Colliery site, replanted many decades ago, with water features and lots of contour detail. Also open areas and additional woodland for the longer courses.
Registration and Start times
Registration: ALL entries must be made through SI-Entries here.
For pairs entries (or small groups), it is only necessary to register one name, pay for one entry and hire one dibber.
Dibber hire: If you do not possess a dibber** (SI-card) you must book and pay £1 when entering on-line.
Your hired dibber will be available to pick up at the download tent.
[**Note: £30 charge if dibber is lost during hire period.]
Starts: 13:00 to 14:00. (Start times will be extended if demand exceeds available slots.)
When entering, choose a 15 minute start block window from the drop-down menu. On the day, arrive at the Start during your window. Starts will be allocated by the Start marshal at one minute intervals.
Courses close: 15:30.
Course Information
| Course: | Length: | Climb: | Notes: TD = Technical difficulty |
| Yellow | 1.8k | 50m | TD2 |
| Orange | 2.2k | 100m | TD3 |
| Light Green | 3.4k | 160m | TD4 |
| Technical/Green | 5.1k | 200m | TD5. Double sided map. |
Entry Details
There will be NO entries on the day. Pre-enter by 9th March at SIEntries here..
Entry fees: Adult (M/W21+) £6.00
Junior £2.50 (M/W20-)
Dibber hire £1.00 Note: £30 charge if dibber is lost during hire period.]
Dog restrictions
No dogs on courses. Dogs may be exercised in the competition area after your run.
Facilities
Public toilets and sit-down cafe at Towneley Hall, a 350m walk from parking.
Miscellaneous
Covid restrictions no longer apply, but if you have any concerns please take your own measures to minimise contact.
BOF event: 80500
Contacts / Officials
Planner: Dawn Figg PFO
Organiser: George Crawford-Smith PFO