NI Sprint Championships
2016-04-27 11:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Mid Ulster Sports Arena & Loughry College, 38 Tullywiggan Rd, Cookstown, BT80 8SG, Northern Ireland

Wed Evening Series - Gransha Grounds
2016-05-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Gransha Estate, Clooney Rd, Londonderry, BT47 6TF, Northern Ireland
Parking will be at the U3A Building which will be signposted from the main Gransha estate entrance.

Wed Evening Series - Roe Valley Country Park
2016-05-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Roe Valley Country Park, 41 Dogleap Road, Limavady, T49 9NN, Northern Ireland
Starts will be between 18.30 and 19.00. The markers will be collected at 20.00.
Courses

Score
Green

This will be a Charity Event for Cancer Research

Wed Evening Series - Downhill Forest
2016-05-25 00:00 | Downhill Forest, 11-15 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
NB. Change of Venue (was Garvagh)
Starts will be between 18.30 and 19.00. The markers will be collected at 20.00.
Courses

Score
Green

Wed Evening Series - University of Ulster, Coleraine
2016-06-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
Never been to University? Now's your chance!
For one night only!
Coleraine Uni is open to all who want to come along (Grounds only)
Courses

Score course - 20 controls in any order
Green Course - 4.6km

Starts from 1830
Courses close at 2000
Parking
Parking will be at at University Car Park 5 - see campus plan. Be aware there are now parking charges - £0.80 for 2 hours / £1.20 for 3 hours.

A mixture of University Buildings, playing fields, and bits of interspersed forest, not too technical, quite flat, but still challenging, especially re route choice!

If interested in coming along please e-mail fill in the form below (Ideally before Tuesday) to ensure a map:

Wed Evening Series - Ballykelly Forest
2016-06-08 00:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
The next evening series event will be in Ballykelly Wood (see linked map). NB this event was previously listed as being at Walworth Forest.

Car parking will be in the Ballykelly forest car park SOUTH of the main Limavady / L'Derry road just outside Ballykelly (Opposite Craig's Costcutters). This is a different car park and forest from the Walworth Forest further along on the other side of the road.

Starts from 18.30 and 19.00. Green (3.5km) and Score courses as in previous weeks.

If you are coming or need further information please use the form below. Please book a map in advance if possible to help us print the right number!
Book a Map

If you have any difficulty with this form please email help@nwoc.info

Wed Evening Series - St.Columb's Park
2016-06-15 18:30 - 20:00 | St Columb's Park, 2 Browning Drive, Londonderry, BT47 6HN, Northern Ireland
The next Wednesday evening event will take place in the fast and furious parkland surrounds that make up St. Columb's Park. All are welcome from absolute beginners to experienced veterans.
Courses
There will be 2 courses:

Green: 4.8Km
Score: As many controls as you can in 45 minutes (20 controls in total)

The start and finish areas will be located near the Browning Drive (allotment) car park. Runners will be able to start their course from 6.30 till 7.00pm. Courses close at 8.00pm.
Costs

Seniors: £5.00
Juniors: £3.00

Coaching and advice will be provided by experienced orienteers at the start for anyone that is relatively new to the sport. There will be ample opportunity to conduct a post mortem with your fellow orienteers after your run.
Book a Map
If you are coming or need further information please use the form below. Please book a map in advance if possible to help us print the right number!

If you have any difficulty with this form please email help@nwoc.info

Primary Schools' Championships 2016
2016-06-22 00:00 - 20:00 | Limavady Grammar School, 3 Ballyquin Road, Limavady, BT49 9ET, Northern Ireland
This year's Primary Schools' Championships will be run in the grounds of Limavady Grammar School. Starts will be between 6.30 and 7.30pm and the Presentation of Prizes will take place at 8.15pm. There will be refreshments on the night for all those who pre-enter.
Courses: (All suitable for beginners)

A: Girls, individual or pairs (P6-7)
B: Boys, individuals or pairs (P6-7)
C: Mixed pairs (P6-7)
D: Parents or Teachers, individual or pairs
E: Families (At least two adults and 1 child)

Entry Fees
All courses £2 per map
Prizes
There will be prizes for first three places on each course and a trophy for the school with the highest team score. The first ten places on each course will be allocated points, with first place receiving 10 points, second 9 points, etc. The best three scores for each school on each course will then be totalled to give a school team score.
Team Entries
School team entries for each course must be emailed to fredcorscadden@yahoo.co.uk by Wednesday 15th June. This is to allow time for the printing of the correct number of maps on special waterproof paper.

Wed Evening Series - Limavady Grammar School
2016-06-22 00:00 - 20:00 | Limavady Grammar School, 3 Ballyquin Road, Limavady, BT49 9ET, Northern Ireland
The next Wednesday evening event will take place alongside the Primary School Championships at Limavady Grammar School Grounds.

All are welcome from absolute beginners to experienced veterans.
Courses
There will be 2 courses:

Green:
Score:

Costs

All Runs £2.00

Coaching and advice will be provided by experienced orienteers at the start for anyone that is relatively new to the sport.
Book a Map
If you are coming or need further information please use the form below. Please book a map in advance if possible to help us print the right number!

If you have any difficulty with this form please email help@nwoc.info

Walworth WES (extra Event)
2016-06-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Walworth Wood, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, Northern Ireland
One more WES evening for 2016 in Walworth Wood (otherwise known as Ballykelly Forest North). Different format with only one type of map to book.

Binevenagh Training Event
2016-07-02 11:30 - 14:00 | Binevenagh Forest, 15 Duncrun Road, Limavady, Northern Ireland
Training Event in Binevenagh Forest

Parking at St Aidan's Church Car Park

Time- 11:00 - 15:00 (there will be several exercises planned and a variety of levels).

Please fill in the Google Doc if you are planning to come- GOOGLE DOC

Allan Bogle

NI Colour Series 4
2016-10-01 00:00 - 14:00 | Downhill Forest, 11-15 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
Planner: Ross Walker
Controller: Charlie Reid
Organiser: David Blair

Roe Valley Country Park O-day (Cancelled)
2016-11-26 10:30 - 15:00 | Roe Valley Country Park, 41 Dogleap Road, Limavady, T49 9NN, Northern Ireland
Sorry to report this event has been cancelled as a result of access difficulties.

This event will be based at the Roe Valley Country Park centre.

In the morning there will be a range of Colour Coded courses combined with an opportunity to practice using the Auto Download and PurplePen software for event planning and management for anyone who it interested.

We intend to break for lunch at 12:30 with a further short hands-on session afterwards to look at using online methods to supplement (or replace some) old style committee meetings.

Xmas Event and AGM
2016-12-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
Wednesday 28th December

This year's Xmas Event will be be held at Ballykelly Forest using an extensively revised map. The area has continued to mature with several sections opening up to allow a range of new control sites and more interesting courses.Parking

Parking will be just south of the A2 in the forest "Jogging Trail" car park. The turn-off is immediately opposite the Costcutters shop.

Starts - from 11:30-12:00

Courses close at 1pm.

Courses (please book your map below)

Green
5.0 km

Light Green
2.8 km

Orange
2.5 km

White (suitable for prams)
1.8 km

Cost

Adults £6, Juniors £3.

Terrain Notes

While Ballykelly is a small forest, it has a complex network of tracks and small paths running through a diverse patchwork of forest types. Around the periphery there is a band of naturally regenerating traditional mixed forest with the core being comprising of blocks of coniferous plantation. This central area has matured well in recent years and now offers a good degree of runnability. Visibility varies, particularly in the natural forest area where Holly bushes etc. make straight line running difficult and careful compass work will pay dividends.

The area is used by mountain bikers who have contributed to the path network and provide a number of rough bridges across ditches - these should always be treated with caution.
Lunch and NWOC AGM
The event will be followed by a Carvery lunch at the Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly starting from 1pm (main course £6.95). All club members and visitors very welcome.

The NWOC AGM will be held after the meal at approximately 2:30pm.
Please Book your Map Here

NI Score Championships
2017-02-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Drumnaph Wood, 15 Halfgayne Road, Maghera, BT46 5PB, Northern Ireland
Terrain
The area is made up of a small area of superb natural forest and scrub, and an extensive area of new native planting. The area is partly managed by the Woodland Trust and partly by a community trust. There is a good network of small paths, ponds, hills and site of historical and nature interest.

Strictly NO DOGS due to presence of livestock (Sheep)
Map
Map Scale 1:7500
Safety & Future Access
There are a number of areas marked Out of Bounds on the map. These must be strictly adhered to for safety (Deep Marshes / Livestock) and also to ensure our future access to this area.

The OOB marsh to the west of the map will not be marked on the ground - stay out!
The OOB marsh and adjacent environmental restricted area on the east will be marked with tape - this must not be crossed.
The OOB field in the centre of the map contains semi-feral livestock - the fence must not be crossed.

Control stakes will have a small piece of reflective tape towards the top, and the one major crossing point (NOT compulsory, but highly recommended to use) will also have reflective tape for the Night event, and red/white tape for the Score event.

All Score Orienteers will be checked for carrying a whistle, and weather depending, a Cagoule

3-blasts from the whistle is an Internationally Recognized Distress Signal
Tree Disease
Competitors will be required to use a foot bath/spray after leaving the forest to reduce the chance of spreading tree disease.
Mass Start
Registration from 1300 HRS.

Race / Safety Briefing at 1350 HRS at Start location

Mass Start at 1400 HRS Sharp (timed not punched)! Please arrive in good time so you don't miss this.

Ensure you have a watch set to the correct time or suitable stopwatch. Avoid those plenty points!
Classes
All competitors will use the same map and have the same time (45 minutes) to visit the controls. There will be a penalty of 50 points per minute for late returning runners.

Junior Men (M16-)
Junior Women (W16-)

Open Men
Open Women

Veteran Men (M45+)
Veteran Women (W45+)

Super Veteran Men (M55+)
Super Veteran Women (W55+)

Pricing (for Score and Night)

NIOA Members
Score only
Night Only
Combined

Senior
£8
£8
£12

Student/Unwaged
£6
£6
£9

Junior
£4
£4
£6

NIOA Non- Members
Score only
Night Only
Combined

Senior
£10
£10
£14

Student/Unwaged
£8
£8
£11

Junior
£5
£5
£7

Book a Score Championship Map

To book a map for the NIOA Night championships - please use the form on the Night Championship event page.
Facilities
Car Parking convenient to Registration, Starts and Finish

Toilet facility available

The Juniors Fundraising Kitchen will be at the event.

Warm-up available along entrance lane – beware of traffic!
NIOA Prize-giving
NIOA Prize-giving in same Barn as Registration

Limited number of chairs, please bring your own folding chairs if possible
Detailed Travel Directions

SAT NAV Info
15 Halfgayne Road
Maghera
BT46 5PB
N 54°52.591' W 006°41.788'
From Dungiven
19 minutes from Dungiven

Leaving Dungiven on A6 Glenshane Road towards Maghera, approximately 2 miles after the Ponderosa Restaurant, turn left onto Ranaghan Road. Follow this road for 1.7 miles then turn left onto Urbalshinney Road. After 0.8 miles travel over the crossroads to Halfgayne Road, after 0.7 miles entrance to Drumnaph is on the right, travel up this lane, car parking is on the left after 0.2 miles
Google Maps Full Route from Dungiven Link
From Coleraine
36 Minutes from Drumcroone Roundabout

Follow A29 Drumcroone Road towards Maghera, after travelling through Swatragh continue on the A29 for 2.3 miles, turn right onto Gortinure Road, Drumnaph will be signposted with a Brown Signpost at this location. Travel for 1.5 miles and then turn left at the T-Junction with Halfgayne Road and after 0.5 miles entrance to Drumnaph is on the right, travel up this lane, car parking is on the left after 0.2 miles
Google Maps Full Route from Coleraine Link
From Castledawson Roundabout
52 minutes from York Street/M2

Travel North from Castledawson Roundabout on the A6 Glenshane Road for 5.8 miles then turn right onto Mullagh Road, signposted for Maghera and Coleraine. Continue for 0.4 miles to a mini roundabout, turn left following signs to Maghera, follow A42 Main Street straight at the next mini roundabout, through a set of traffic lights, and continue along the Tirkane Road. Drive for 2.1 miles, then turn right onto Halfgayne Road, and after 0.7 miles entrance to Drumnaph is on the right, travel up this lane, car parking is on the left after 0.2 miles
Google Maps Full Route from Castledawson Roundabout Link

NI Night Championships
2017-02-11 17:00 - 19:30 | Drumnaph Wood, 15 Halfgayne Road, Maghera, BT46 5PB, Northern Ireland
Terrain
The area is made up of a small area of superb natural forest and scrub, and an extensive area of new native planting. The area is partly managed by the Woodland Trust and partly by a community trust. There is a good network of small paths, ponds, hills and site of historical and nature interest.

Strictly NO DOGS due to present of livestock (Sheep)
Map
Map Scale 1:7500
Safety & Future Access
There are a number of areas marked Out of Bounds on the map. These must be strictly adhered to for safety (Deep Marshes / Livestock) and also to ensure our future access to this area.

The OOB marsh to the west of the map will not be marked on the ground - stay out!
The OOB marsh and adjacent environmental restricted area on the east will be marked with tape - this must not be crossed.
The OOB field in the centre of the map contains semi-feral livestock - the fence must not be crossed.

Control stakes will have a small piece of reflective tape towards the top, and the one major crossing point (NOT compulsory, but highly recommended to use) will also have reflective tape for the Night event, and red/white tape for the Score event.

All Night Orienteers will be checked for whistle, clothing with some sort of reflective capability is advisable, and weather depending, a Cagoule, while still allowing for some sort of reflectivity on clothing

3-blasts from the whistle is an Internationally Recognized Distress Signal

It is advised that Night Orienteers carry a spare set of batteries/Torch
Tree Disease
Competitors will be required to use a foot bath/spray after leaving the forest to reduce the chance of spreading tree disease.
Start Times
Race/Safety Briefing at 1720 HRS in Registration Barn

Starts from first reasonable darkness, approximately 1730 HRS

Courses close 2030 HRS (competitors must endeavour to report to the finish before this time)!
Courses

A – Long

4.9k
120m climb
Men Open

B – Medium

3.9k
95m climb
Women Open
Men 45+

C – Short

3.2k
55m climb
Women 45+
Junior Men 16+
Junior women 16+

N.B. Competitors must be 16 years or older to compete in the Night event
This means 16 years on the day, not 16 by the end of the year!
Pricing (for Score and Night)

NIOA Members
Score only
Night Only
Combined

Senior
£8
£8
£12

Student/Unwaged
£6
£6
£9

Junior
£4
£4
£6

NIOA Non- Members
Score only
Night Only
Combined

Senior
£10
£10
£14

Student/Unwaged
£8
£8
£11

Junior
£5
£5
£7

Book a Map (Night Championships)

To book a map for the NIOA Score championships - please use the form on the Score Championship event page.
Facilities
Car Parking convenient to Registration, Starts and Finish

Toilet facility available

The Juniors Fundraising Kitchen will be at the event.

Warm-up available along entrance lane – beware of traffic!

Detailed Travel Directions

SAT NAV Info
15 Halfgayne Road
Maghera
BT46 5PB
N 54°52.591' W 006°41.788'
From Dungiven
19 minutes from Dungiven

Leaving Dungiven on A6 Glenshane Road towards Maghera, approximately 2 miles after the Ponderosa Restaurant, turn left onto Ranaghan Road. Follow this road for 1.7 miles then turn left onto Urbalshinney Road. After 0.8 miles travel over the crossroads to Halfgayne Road, after 0.7 miles entrance to Drumnaph is on the right, travel up this lane, car parking is on the left after 0.2 miles
Google Maps Full Route from Dungiven Link
From Coleraine
36 Minutes from Drumcroone Roundabout

Follow A29 Drumcroone Road towards Maghera, after travelling through Swatragh continue on the A29 for 2.3 miles, turn right onto Gortinure Road, Drumnaph will be signposted with a Brown Signpost at this location. Travel for 1.5 miles and then turn left at the T-Junction with Halfgayne Road and after 0.5 miles entrance to Drumnaph is on the right, travel up this lane, car parking is on the left after 0.2 miles
Google Maps Full Route from Coleraine Link
From Castledawson Roundabout
52 minutes from York Street/M2

Travel North from Castledawson Roundabout on the A6 Glenshane Road for 5.8 miles then turn right onto Mullagh Road, signposted for Maghera and Coleraine. Continue for 0.4 miles to a mini roundabout, turn left following signs to Maghera, follow A42 Main Street straight at the next mini roundabout, through a set of traffic lights, and continue along the Tirkane Road. Drive for 2.1 miles, then turn right onto Halfgayne Road, and after 0.7 miles entrance to Drumnaph is on the right, travel up this lane, car parking is on the left after 0.2 miles
Google Maps Full Route from Castledawson Roundabout Link

NI Colour Series 3
2017-04-01 11:30 - 14:00 | Learmount Wood, 197 Learmount Road, Claudy, BT47 4BB, Northern Ireland
NI CS3 Learmount Wood - 1st April 2017

Parking will be at Learmount Community Centre, near Park in the Sperrin foothills (click to open map below).

If approaching on the A6 from Dungiven take the B74 *(signposted Feeny / Park) just outside the town. After 2 miles turn left on the B44 (signposted Park) and follow for 5.5 miles to Park. Turn left at the bridge in Park onto the Learmount Road – the entrance to the Community Centre car park is 1/3 of a mile on the right (signposted “School Lane”) immediately before the speed limit end sign.

If approaching from Claudy, drive through the centre of the town on the B49 (signposted Donemana) to the T junction just outside the town. Turn left here onto the Learmount Road (Signposted Park) and follow for 4 miles. Immediately after passing the Park 30 mile speed limit sign turn left into the Community Centre access road (signposted “School Lane”).

Registration will operate from 10:30am. Parking spaces will be limited so please park carefully.

Courses Close at 3:00pm.

Starts are from 11:00-12:30. Starts pre 11:00 should be available for parents needing split runs. Start and Finish will be close to the registration.

Entry Fees:

Juniors £5 (NIOA members £4)
OAP/ Unwaged £8 (NIOA members £6)
Seniors £10 (NIOA members £8)
Family £25 (NIOA members £20)

Book a Map:

Please try to book by 24th March. If you can't plan this far ahead - still come along - we will fit you in!

Map:

Courses will be pre-printed on water-proof paper. Code descriptions will be at registration and printed on the maps.

Course Details:

Brown
6.5km
225m

Blue
5.4km
200m

Green
4.2km
180m

Light Green
3.2km
110m

Long Orange
3.7km
95m

Orange
2.6km
85m

Yellow
2.1km
45m

White
1.6km
30m

Food and Drink the Junior Kitchen will be in attendance with good things for hungry Orienteers.

Toilets are available in Learmount Community Centre. Please do not wear studded shoes inside the centre.

Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Course Notes:

Thurs Evening Series (Event 1)
2017-05-04 18:30 - 20:00 | St Columb's Park, 2 Browning Drive, Londonderry, BT47 6HN, Northern Ireland
This series of events are suitable for all ages, but children under 10 should be supervised by a parent or teacher. The series will incorporate the NWOC Primary Schools championships events where children (and parents) can score points for their School.

No special equipment is required - just wear outdoor clothing suitable for running or walking and bring a watch to check your time with.
Location / Parking

Parking will be in the Browning Drive Park. For full directions and other information about the venue visit the St Columb's Park Location page.
Courses

Pupil/Junior Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

Adult/Parent Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

20 Markers in Order
All markers in numeric order – fastest time wins
This course is for experienced Orienteers only.

Entry Fees
Participants who use the form below to "Book a Map" will get half price entry on the night.

Junior - pre-entry on Website £1
Junior - entry at the event £2

Senior - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Senior - entry at the event £5

Family - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Family - entry at the event £5

Pre-Enter / Book a Map

Starts
Starts will be between 18:30 and 19:00. All competitors should return to the finish by 20:00.

Thurs Evening Series (Event 2)
2017-05-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Gransha Park, 11 Gransha Roundabout, L'Derry, BT47 6FJ, Northern Ireland
This series of events are suitable for all ages, but children under 10 should be supervised by a parent or teacher. The series will incorporate the NWOC Primary Schools championships events where children (and parents) can score points for their School.

No special equipment is required - just wear outdoor clothing suitable for running or walking and bring a watch to check your time with.
Location / Parking

Parking will be in the Gransha Park. For full directions and other information about the venue visit the Gransha Park Location page.
Courses

Pupil/Junior Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

Adult/Parent Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

20 Markers in Order
All markers in numeric order – fastest time wins
This course is for experienced Orienteers only.

Entry Fees
Participants who use the form below to "Book a Map" will get half price entry on the night.

Junior - pre-entry on Website £1
Junior - entry at the event £2

Senior - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Senior - entry at the event £5

Family - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Family - entry at the event £5

Pre-Enter / Book a Map

Starts
Starts will be between 18:30 and 19:00. All competitors should return to the finish by 20:00.

NI Sprint Series 1 (Cancelled)
2017-05-13 11:00 | Ulster University, Coleraine, 20 Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
Unfortunately owning to circumstances beyond our control this event has had to be cancelled.

Thurs Evening Event 3
2017-05-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Garvagh Forest, 159 Main Street, Garvagh, Northern Ireland
Includes Primary School Champs Garvagh Area

This series of events are suitable for all ages, but children under 10 should be supervised by a parent or teacher. The series will incorporate the NWOC Primary Schools championships events where children (and parents) can score points for their School.

No special equipment is required - just wear outdoor clothing suitable for running or walking and bring a watch to check your time with.
Location / Parking

Parking will be in the Forest Car Park just off Garvagh Main Street. For full directions and other information about the venue visit the Garvagh Forest Location Page
Courses

Pupil/Junior Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

Adult/Parent Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

20 Markers in Order
All markers in numeric order – fastest time wins
This course is for experienced Orienteers only.

Entry Fees
Participants who use the form below to "Book a Map" will get half price entry on the night.

Junior - pre-entry on Website £1
Junior - entry at the event £2

Senior - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Senior - entry at the event £5

Family - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Family - entry at the event £5

Pre-Enter / Book a Map

Starts
Starts will be between 18:30 and 19:00. All competitors should return to the finish by 20:00.

Thurs Evening Event 4
2017-05-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
Includes Primary School Champs Limavady Area
This series of events are suitable for all ages, but children under 10 should be supervised by a parent or teacher. The series will incorporate the NWOC Primary Schools championships events where children (and parents) can score points for their School.

No special equipment is required - just wear outdoor clothing suitable for running or walking and bring a watch to check your time with.
Location / Parking

Parking will be in the Ballykelly Forest Car Park (opposite Costcutters) on the South side of the main road. For full directions and other information about the venue visit the Ballykelly Forest Location page
Courses

Pupil/Junior Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

Adult/Parent Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

20 Markers in Order
All markers in numeric order – fastest time wins
This course is for experienced Orienteers only.

Entry Fees
Participants who use the form below to "Book a Map" will get half price entry on the night.

Junior - pre-entry on Website £1
Junior - entry at the event £2

Senior - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Senior - entry at the event £5

Family - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Family - entry at the event £5

Pre-Enter / Book a Map

Starts
Starts will be between 18:30 and 19:00. All competitors should return to the finish by 20:00.

Thurs Evening Event 5
2017-06-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Ulster University, Coleraine, 20 Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
Includes Primary School Champs Coleraine Area
This series of events are suitable for all ages, but children under 10 should be supervised by a parent or teacher. The series will incorporate the NWOC Primary Schools championships events where children (and parents) can score points for their School.

No special equipment is required - just wear outdoor clothing suitable for running or walking and bring a watch to check your time with.
Location / Parking

Parking will be in the University Grounds. For full directions and other information about the venue visit the Ulster Univerity, Coleraine Location page.
Courses

Pupil/Junior Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

Adult/Parent Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

20 Markers in Order
All markers in numeric order – fastest time wins
This course is for experienced Orienteers only.

Entry Fees
Participants who use the form below to "Book a Map" will get half price entry on the night.

Junior - pre-entry on Website £1
Junior - entry at the event £2

Senior - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Senior - entry at the event £5

Family - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Family - entry at the event £5

Pre-Enter / Book a Map

Starts
Starts will be between 18:30 and 19:00. All competitors should return to the finish by 20:00.

Thurs Evening Event 6
2017-06-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Downhill Forest, 11-15 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
This series of events are suitable for all ages, but children under 10 should be supervised by a parent or teacher. The series will incorporate the NWOC Primary Schools championships events where children (and parents) can score points for their School.

No special equipment is required - just wear outdoor clothing suitable for running or walking and bring a watch to check your time with.
Location / Parking

Parking will be in the at the picnic area just off (south) of the A2. For full directions and other information about the venue visit the Downhill Forest Location page.
Courses

Pupil/Junior Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

Adult/Parent Score
45 minutes to visit as many markers as you can (20 points per marker)
If you take longer than 45 minutes then 5 points are subtracted for each minute late back

20 Markers in Order
All markers in numeric order – fastest time wins
This course is for experienced Orienteers only.

Entry Fees
Participants who use the form below to "Book a Map" will get half price entry on the night.

Junior - pre-entry on Website £1
Junior - entry at the event £2

Senior - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Senior - entry at the event £5

Family - pre-entry on Website £2.50
Family - entry at the event £5

Pre-Enter / Book a Map

Starts
Starts will be between 18:30 and 19:00. All competitors should return to the finish by 20:00.

Mount Errigal Club Ascent!
2017-07-29 11:00 | Errigal Mountain, Errigal, Dunlewey, Gweedore, Co. Donegal, Dunlewey, Northern Ireland
Click for larger map

On the 29th July the Club is organising a "social climb" of Errigal Mountain (805m / 2641 ft) in the Glenveagh National Park, Donegal.The route from the car park to submit is 2km, but with 500m of climb.The path varies from grassy to rocky, with some boggy sections and small amounts of scree near the summit. Moderate fitness, boots, waterproofs and basic mountain walking gear required.

The ascent (and descent) will be followed by a meal - exact venue still to be decided.

We will meet in the car park at base of Errigal on the southern side, on R251, a few miles past entrance to Glenveagh National Park at 10:30am.

NB Please note the earlier starting time!

Anyone planning to come along should phone me on 028 7772 2721 (leave message on answering machine if no-one at home) so we have an idea of numbers .

If the weather looks bad for the 29th we will re-schedule. Please ring on Thursday to check if the walk is to go ahead.

David Blair

Autumn Training One
2017-09-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Somerset Forest, 38 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, BT51 3RL, Northern Ireland
Saturday 2 September
Somerset Forest, Coleraine
This training event will last about 2 hours and designed to help us all improve some of the basic orienteering techniques that we should maybe put into practice more often.

It will be an opportunity for those attending to share their skills and techniques to help us all improve our navigation and hopefully improve our race times.

Beginner very welcome but please contact David so we can make sure we we have appropriate activities lined up for you!

Anyone planning to come along should give me David Blair call on 028 77722721

NI Orienteering Championships 2017
2017-09-09 11:00
For online entries and full details please see the FERMO Event Page

Autumn Training Two
2017-09-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Portstewart Sand Dunes, 110 Strand Road, Portstewart, BT55 7PG, Northern Ireland
Saturday 16 September
Portstewart Dunes, Portstewart

This training event will last about 2 hours and designed to help us all improve some of the basic orienteering techniques that we should maybe put into practice more often.

It will be an opportunity for those attending to share their skills and techniques to help us all improve our navigation and hopefully improve our race times.

Beginner very welcome but please contact David so we can make sure we we have appropriate activities lined up for you!

Anyone planning to come along should give me David Blair call on 028 77722721

NI Colour Series 4
2017-10-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Binevenagh Forest, 15 Duncrun Road, Limavady, Northern Ireland
Saturday 7th October 2017 - Binevenagh
Parking
The car park and registration will be located at Duncrun Fishing Lakes, (approx 1/2 mile past St Aiden's church).

This venue is courtesy of Mr George Canning. This is a particularly scenic site with lovely views over Magilligan, Lough Foyle and over to Donegal. Also, for anyone interested in maybe coming by train, Bellarena station (officially opened by The Queen in 2016) is just 1.3 miles away from the event.

Registration will operate from 11:00am.

Courses Close at 3.00pm.

Start and Finish are adjacent and are 5 minutes walk from parking/registration. NB cagoules and whistles may be required in the case of inclement weather.

Entry Fees:

Juniors £5 (NIOA members £4)
OAP/ Unwaged £8.00 (NIOA members £6)
Seniors £10.00 (NIOA members £8)
Family £25 (NIOA members £20)

Map:

All courses will run on a newly updated version of the previous 1:10,000 map.

Course Details:

Brown
5.5km
320m

Blue
5.0km
250m

Green
4.0km
220m

Light Green
2.9km
180m

Long Orange
3.2km
130m

Orange
2.6km
130m

Yellow
1.6km
50m

White
1.1km
30m

Toilets There may be very limited facilities at the event. Please use public toilets at nearby at Downhill Beach car park or Benone Tourist Complex.

Junior Fundraiser Refreshment Stall: Please note there will NOT be a refreshment stall at this event.

Dogs Strictly no dogs are allowed in the competition area.
Course Notes:
This colour series event returns to the core mature mixed forest and fast runnable hillside of Binevenagh. The area is now very mature and subsequently in danger of significant clear felling in the not too distant future. This may be your last chance to run it at its best!

The deciduous, largely beech, areas of the forest (which are visited by Brown, Blue and Green) are in particularly fine condition, with the low level vegetation now almost completely gone and the underlying contour detail much more visible. Some of the mature coniferous sections are a little more scrappy with light wind damage slowing progress in places.

The hillside remains as fast as ever - although in areas encroaching whin bushes will add some new route choice problems.

Stiles are provided at multiple crossing points and must be used by all competitors. All stiles are clearly marked on the map with the purple overprint symbol. Permanent stiles are untaped, but the temporary ones will be taped.
Hazards:

Parents should be aware there are two small fishing lakes adjacent to the car parking and supervise their children accordingly.
There is a short steep climb from the fishing lake to the start area. The route is not suitable for prams and care should be taken, particularly if the ground conditions are wet.
All courses except white and yellow will go up onto the open hillside beneath the Binevenagh cliffs. Bring a cagoule (and whistle) and be prepared to carry it should the event officials make this mandatory as a result of weather conditions.
Courses on the hillside (not white and yellow) cross a field grazed by ponies. Please do not approach these animals.
The area contains a number of mountain bike tracks which are mostly disused. However, please be aware of the possibility of encountering mountain bikes.
Entrances to the hillside may still display signs warning of the presence of cattle (and a bull). However, these animals will have been taken off the land before the event.

NWOC Club Championships
2017-11-18 00:00 | Carnfunnock Country Park, Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne, BT40 2QG, Northern Ireland
We have decided to use LVO's Autumn Trophy event at Carnfunnock on 18 November for our club champs.

Handicaps based on previous individual results during 2017 will be used to calculate the winner using the Green course.

For full event details see the LVO website

Xmas Event 2017 (NWOC AGM/Meal)
2017-12-27 11:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
This year's Xmas Event will be be held at Ballykelly Forest with the long course also crossing under the A2 main road and accessing Ballykelly North (or Walworth Wood to give it its old name). There will also be a score event just on the main Ballykelly map.

NB. Please note that the actual event date in Wednesday 27th, not Saturday 30th as was provisional listed on the website.

Parking

Parking will be just south of the A2 in the forest "Jogging Trail" car park. The turn-off is immediately opposite the Costcutters shop.

Starts - from 11:00-11:30

Courses close (markers lifted) at 1pm. This will allow us to go to the Drummond Hotel (Ballykelly village) for lunch followed by AGM scheduled to start around 2pm.

Courses (please book your map below)

Long Green
5 km

Short Green
3.3 km

Score
45 minutes

Cost

Adults £6, Juniors £3.

Terrain Notes

While Ballykelly is a small forest, it has a complex network of tracks and small paths running through a diverse patchwork of forest types. Around the periphery there is a band of naturally regenerating traditional mixed forest with the core being comprising of blocks of coniferous plantation. This central area has matured well in recent years and now offers a good degree of runnability. Visibility varies, particularly in the natural forest area where Holly bushes etc. make straight line running difficult and careful compass work will pay dividends.

The area is used by mountain bikers who have contributed to the path network and provide a number of rough bridges across ditches - these should always be treated with caution.
Lunch and NWOC AGM
The event will be followed by a Carvery lunch at the Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly (see map above) starting from 1:00pm.

The NWOC AGM will be held after the meal at approximately 2:00pm.

Visitors will be very welcome to come to the forest, hotel and AGM, or any combination, and it would be appreciated if anyone planning to attend,especially lunch, would let me know at least a week in advance. I can be contacted either by phone on 028 77722721 or by email davidblairart@gmail.com.
Please Book your Map Here

Club Score Training
2018-02-03 00:00 - 10:30 | St Columb's Park, 2 Browning Drive, Londonderry, BT47 6HN, Northern Ireland
With the NI Score Champs coming up on 10 Feb we've decided to hold a club score training event in St Columb's Park on Sat 3 Feb starting at 10.30am.

Parking at car park off Browning Drive.

Anyone planning to come along to please phone David Blair beforehand on 028 77722721 to enable him to print the correct number of maps and plan groups for putting out markers.

Drum Manor NI Colour Series 1
2018-03-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Drum Manor, 183 Drum Road, Cookstown, Northern Ireland
Drum Manor Forest Park NI CS1 - Postponed to 7th April
Drum Manor Forest Park has been closed today owing to the build-up of drifting snow and a number of fallen trees. It is unlikely to re-open tomorrow. In addition there may still be travel difficulty in some areas tomorrow. Therefore the decision has been taken to postpone the event until Saturday 7th April. Please put this date in your diary.

See you then

Rachel Reid / Helen Baxter / Charlie Reid
Parking
Parking will be in the main Drum Manor Forest car park. Please note that a pay and display charging system per car will operate.

Registration will operate from 11:00am.
Junior Kitchen
The Junior Kitchen will be in attendance selling good food and rasing money for the Junior Orienteering squad. Soup, toasties and CAKE! Please give your support.

Courses Close at 3.00pm.

Start and Finish are both adjacent to the parking/registration.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £5 (NIOA members £4)
OAP/ Unwaged £8.00 (NIOA members £6)
Seniors £10.00 (NIOA members £8)
Family £25 (NIOA members £20)

Map:
All courses will run on a updated version of the previous 1:7,500 map. The Brown course will split into two halves (one on each side of the map) to maximise clarity for competitors.
Course Details:
This will be the first NI Colour Series event to feature the new colour course options. The Long Orange course has been removed and replaced with a new Short Green course. This course will be of the same technical difficulty as the Green course but shorter.

Distance (km)
Climb (m)
Controls

Brown
8.5
240
29 *

Blue
5.6
145
21

Green
3.9
80
15

Short Green
3.3
85
17

Light Green
3
70
15

Orange
2.5
70
12

Yellow
2.2
60
7

White
1.4
25
9

* Owning to the large number of controls - the use of Sport Ident 5 e-cards on the Brown course is not recommend. Higher capacity SI Cards are available to borrow for any Brown runner who needs one.

Toilets:
There are good toilet facilities associated with the Forest Park car park
Terrain Notes:
Drum Manor is a small forest but one with great diversity with terrain ranging from very mature conifer plantation, mixed deciduous woodland and a complex arboretum grid. There is also an extensive path network giving good options for the shorter less technical courses. Runnability will be generally very good owing to the maturity of the area and seasonal vegetation (bracken etc.) being at a minimum. Following from this areas marked with "vegetation slow run" are generally runnable while "vegetation walk" areas are often closer to slow run.

The courses have been planned to BOF long O standards. With the Brown the distance has been achieved by breaking the course into two sections printed on opposite sides on the map for maximum clarity.

Finally while the area will be familiar to many, the planning aims to provide a fresh twist wherever possible!
Hazards:

Parents should be aware there are two lakes adjacent to the car parking and supervise their children accordingly.
This is a busy forest park so there will be traffic coming and going all day and members of the general public in the competition area.

Drum Manor NI Colour Series 1
2018-04-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Drum Manor, 183 Drum Road, Cookstown, Northern Ireland
Saturday 7th April Drum Manor Forest Park NI CS1
Parking
Parking will be in the main Drum Manor Forest car park. Please note that a pay and display charging system per car will operate.

Registration will operate from 11:00am.
Junior Kitchen
The Junior Kitchen will be in attendance selling good food and rasing money for the Junior Orienteering squad. Soup, toasties and CAKE! Please give your support.

Courses Close at 3.00pm.

Start and Finish are both adjacent to the parking/registration.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £5 (NIOA members £4)
OAP/ Unwaged £8.00 (NIOA members £6)
Seniors £10.00 (NIOA members £8)
Family £25 (NIOA members £20)

Map:
All courses will run on a updated version of the previous 1:7,500 map. The Brown course will split into two halves (one on each side of the map) to maximise clarity for competitors. The map is drawn to ISOM 2000 specification.
Course Details:
This will be the first NI Colour Series event to feature the new colour course options. The Long Orange course has been removed and replaced with a new Short Green course. This course will be of the same technical difficulty as the Green course but shorter.

Distance (km)
Climb (m)
Controls

Brown
8.5
240
29 *

Blue
5.6
145
21

Green
3.9
80
15

Short Green
3.3
85
17

Light Green
3
70
15

Orange
2.5
70
12

Yellow
2.2
60
7

White
1.4
25
9

* Owning to the large number of controls - the use of Sport Ident 5 e-cards on the Brown course is not recommend. Higher capacity SI Cards are available to borrow for any Brown runner who needs one.

Toilets:
There are good toilet facilities associated with the Forest Park car park
Terrain Notes:
Drum Manor is a small forest but one with great diversity with terrain ranging from very mature conifer plantation, mixed deciduous woodland and a complex arboretum grid. There is also an extensive path network giving good options for the shorter less technical courses. Runnability will be generally very good owing to the maturity of the area and seasonal vegetation (bracken etc.) being at a minimum. Following from this areas marked with "vegetation slow run" are generally runnable while "vegetation walk" areas are often closer to slow run.

The courses have been planned to BOF long O standards. With the Brown the distance has been achieved by breaking the course into two sections printed on opposite sides on the map for maximum clarity.

Finally while the area will be familiar to many, the planning aims to provide a fresh twist wherever possible!
Hazards:

Parents should be aware there are two lakes adjacent to the car parking and supervise their children accordingly.
This is a busy forest park so there will be traffic coming and going all day and members of the general public in the competition area.

Gransha Park NI Sprint Series 2 - Cancelled
2018-04-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Gransha Park, 11 Gransha Roundabout, L'Derry, BT47 6FJ, Northern Ireland
NI Sprint 2 at Gransha Park, which was to have been run on the 28th April, has been cancelled.

This is as a result of additional restrictions related to the possible impact on patient welfare of seeing runners approach close to their buildings. This has made it impossible for the planner to produce satisfactory Sprint Orienteering Courses (which requires the use of intricate spaces defined around and between buildings to provide technical challenge).

Thursday Evening Summer Series 2018 Event One
2018-05-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
Venue: Ballykelly Forest

Start times: 1830-1700 Starts

Courses close: 2000

Prices

Adult
£4

Junior
£2

Family (2 Adults 2 Kids minimum)
£10

Courses

As in previous years there will be two course options - either a Score event with a maximum of 20 controls or the same twenty control visited in order.

Maps

All will be pre-printed so please use the booking form below (to follow shortly) to ensure there will be a map waiting for you on the evening:

Thursday Evening Summer Series 2018 Event Two
2018-05-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Garvagh Forest, 159 Main Street, Garvagh, Northern Ireland
17th May 2018
Primary School Championships

This event includes the Garvagh Primary School Championship

Venue: Garvagh

The event will start from the small Garvagh Forest car park just off Main Street.

Start times: 1830-1700 Starts

Courses close: 2000

Prices

Adult
£4

Junior
£2

Family (2 Adults 2 Kids minimum)
£10

Maps

All will be pre-printed on waterproof maps so please use the booking form below (to follow shortly) to ensure there will be a map waiting for you on the evening:

Courses

As in previous years there will be two course options - either a Score event with a maximum of 20 controls or the same twenty control visited in order.

Maps

All will be pre-printed so please use the booking form below (to follow shortly) to ensure there will be a map waiting for you on the evening:

Thursday Evening Summer Series 2018 Event Three
2018-05-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Coleraine College, Carthall Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
24th May 2018
Primary School Championships

This event includes the Coleraine Primary School Championship

Venue: Coleraine College

The event will be run in the grounds of Coleraine College accessed off Carthall Road.

Start times: 1830-1700 Starts

Courses close: 2000

Prices

Adult
£4

Junior
£2

Family (2 Adults 2 Kids minimum)
£10

Courses

As in previous years there will be two course options - either a Score event with a maximum of 20 controls or the same twenty control visited in order.

Maps

All will be pre-printed so please use the booking form below (to follow shortly) to ensure there will be a map waiting for you on the evening:

Thursday Evening Summer Series 2018 Event Four
2018-05-31 18:30 - 20:00 | Backburn Path, Alexander Road, Limavady, Northern Ireland
31st May 2018
Primary School Championships

This event includes the Limavady Primary School Championship

Venue: Limavady (Backburn Path)

The event will start from the parking area just outside Drumachose School on Alexander Road.

Start times: 1830-1700

Courses close: 2000

Prices

Adult
£4

Junior
£2

Family (2 Adults 2 Kids minimum)
£10

Courses

As in previous years there will be two course options - either a Score event with a maximum of 20 controls or the same twenty control visited in order.

Maps

All will be pre-printed so please use the booking form below (to follow shortly) to ensure there will be a map waiting for you on the evening:

Thursday Evening Summer Series 2018 Event Five
2018-06-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Ulster University, Coleraine, 20 Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
7th June 2018
Venue: Ulster University, Coleraine Campus

Start times: 1830-1700 Starts

Courses close: 2000

Prices

Adult
£4

Junior
£2

Family (2 Adults 2 Kids minimum)
£10

Courses

As in previous years there will be two course options - either a Score event with a maximum of 20 controls or the same twenty control visited in order.

Maps

All will be pre-printed so please use the booking form below (to follow shortly) to ensure there will be a map waiting for you on the evening:

Thursday Evening Summer Series 2018 Event Six
2018-06-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Somerset Forest, 38 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, BT51 3RL, Northern Ireland
14th June 2018
Venue: Somerset Forest, Coleraine

Owning to rapid recent growth to brambles, nettles and ferns - full leg cover is highly recommended. Families and younger competitors are advised to stay on the paths as much as possible to stings and scratches!

Start times: 1830-1700 Starts

Courses close: 2000

Prices

Adult
£4

Junior
£2

Family (2 Adults 2 Kids minimum)
£10

Courses

As in previous years there will be two course options - either a Score event with a maximum of 20 controls or the same twenty control visited in order.

Maps

All will be pre-printed so please use the booking form below (to follow shortly) to ensure there will be a map waiting for you on the evening:

NI Colour Series 4 Garvagh
2018-08-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Garvagh Forest, 159 Main Street, Garvagh, Northern Ireland
Saturday 25th August 2018

Parking:
Parking for competitors will be in the St Paul's Garvagh Church car park which is adjacent to the small forest public car park marked on the map above. Many thanks to the Church for making this available.
Junior Kitchen:
The junior kitchen will be operating at the event - please support this good cause.
Registration:
Registration will be in the public forest car park and will operate from 11:00am

Courses Close at 3pm.

Start and Finish are 75m from registration.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £5 (NIOA members £4)
OAP/ Unwaged £8.00 (NIOA members £6)
Seniors £10.00 (NIOA members £8)
Family £25 (NIOA members £20)

Map:

All courses will use the same 1:10,000 map. This has been completely resurveyed by Anthony McGonigle and David Blair summer 2018.
Course Details:

Brown
7.5km
110m

Blue
5.8km
95m

Green
4.5km
75m

Short Green
3.4km
50m

Light Green
3.8km
40m

Orange
3.1km
40m

Yellow
2.8km
30m

White
2.2km
20m

Toilets are available nearby in Garvagh.

Dogs should be kept on a lead.
Course Notes:
The forest has matured greatly in recent years and areas which were felled in the 1980/90s now useable again. Older mature areas have have been allowed to mature further and make for attractive fast running. Mountain bike tracks (runners please exercise caution) have also opened up new areas and route choices.
Hazards

Parents should be aware that there is a river adjacent to the registration area.
The area is popular for informal mountain biking and the courses use many of the resulting tracks. Runners should be aware of the possibility of meeting bikers in the forest.

Xmas Event 2018
2018-10-10 10:30 - 2018-10-29 14:00
Our traditional Christmas/New Year final event of the year will take place on Sat 29 December, with venue to be confirmed in due course. Continuing our practice for the past number of years this event will be followed by lunch and AGM in a local hostelry.

Just a date for now. Venue and more details shortly!

N.Ireland Open Orienteering Championships
2018-10-13 10:30 - 15:00 | Pomeroy, 56 Tanderagee Rd, Dungannon , Northern Ireland
Saturday 13th October 2018
Scots Pines abound in this former Demesne and Forestry School grounds

This year's Open Championships will be held in a forest new to Orienteering – Pomeroy, between Dungannon and Cookstown. The forest was formerly the Demesne of Pomeroy House (built circa 1780 by Robert Lowry) and still contains stands of ornamental planting of Scots Pines and the ruins of walled gardens. In the mid-twentieth century the old house and land was acquired by Northern Ireland Forest Service and demolished to make way for a purpose built specialist forestry college which operated until 2006, however it now lies derelict. It is now a recreational forest with walks, an outdoor exercise trail, children’s playground and an abundance of wildlife including occasional deer.
Final Information (new 10th October)

Please see the "Final Information Sheet" for details of the starting procudures, event layout, out of bounds areas and the use of crossing points. These should be read in conjunction with the information on this page.
Terrain Notes:
From an orienteering perspective, the useable areas of the forest are mainly coniferous, undulating and with an abundance of old boundaries and drainage ditches. A few areas of rough open parkland with mature isolate trees are reminders of the former Demesne. There are a number of paths and trail loops varying from heavily used stone blinded paths to less distinct trails used only by the more adventurous walker. The courses have been planned within the runnable areas, visibility is generally good. Only some legs will encounter mixed scrubby seasonal vegetation depending upon the route chosen. Whilst runability is generally good, the momentum is often broken by ditches, ridges and furrows associated with the lines of planting. The area is very compact, so in order to keep path running to a minimum expect courses with lots of twisting and turning with higher numbers of controls than usual.
Getting there:
Pomeroy forest is most easily accessed from the junction of the A29 with the B160 between Dungannon and Cookstown
Parking:
All parking will be on areas of hard standing adjacent to the former forestry College buildings in the centre of the competition area.
Pre-Entry:
Start and Finish First start 11:00 - last start 13:00. Start is 75m from registration.

Courses Close at 3:30pm.

Entries via the Fabian 4 website have closed. There will be limited EOD for some classes. Please use the contact form if you wish to enquire about course/map availability.
View Start Lists Here
In the event of cancellation NWOC reserves the right to retain all/part fees to cover costs.
Enquiries / EOD:
There will be entry on the day for 5 colour courses (see below). This will be along with enquiries adjacent to the parking and will operate from 10:30am
Map:
All courses will use a new 1:10,000 map with IOSM 2017 symbols. This has been surveyed by Anthony McGonigle summer 2018.
Course Details (Final):

Course

Length
Climb

Classes

1
8.7
165m
M21L

2
7.5
100m
M35, M40

3
6.8
110m
W21L, M18, M20, M21S, M45, M50

4
6.0
105m
W35, W40, M16, M55, M60

5
4.5
70m
W18, W20, W21S, W45, W50, M65

6
4.0
55m
W16, W55, W60, W65, M70

7
2.9
45m
W70, M75, M80, M85

8
2.7
45m
W75, W80, W85

9
3.5
55m
W14, M14

10
2.4
45m
W12, M12

11
2.0
30m
W10, M10

The following courses will also be available to enter on the day:

White
1.8
25m

Yellow
2.0
30m

Orange
2.4
45m

Light Green
3.5
55m

Green
4.0
55m

Toilets will be provided adjacent to the parking

The Junior Kitchen will be selling hot drinks and snacks - please support their fundraising efforts.
Hazards:

The entrance to the forest from the B160 is on a bend - please take extra care when arriving and leaving.
The derelict forestry college building is surrounded by security fencing which must not be entered.
The walk to the start is along the forest driveway - please take care.

All participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.

NWOC Club Champs 2018
2018-10-27 13:30 - 15:00
This year's NWOC Club Champs will be held at the LVO Autumn trophy event on the National Trust property at Black Mountain and Divis on Saturday 27th October.

A handicap system will apply which will enable all members to compete in a single competition.

Divis and Black Moutain National Trust property – Approach from Westlink / M1 (click / pinch to zoom in).

NB Starts are now from 11.30 to 13.00.

Event Details on LVO Website

Xmas Event 2018
2018-12-29 10:30 - 11:30 | Backburn Path, Alexander Road, Limavady, Northern Ireland
Date: - Saturday 29 December 2018

Venue: - Backburn Path, Limavady for Sprint & junior course with a longer orienteering/treasure hunt event around Limavady town.

Start Times: From: 11.00 am

Car Parking: - Roe Valley Hospital. (Hospital Lane, off Irish Green Street)

Directions:

(from Dungiven) - Dungiven Rd into Limavady, past Nicholl's petrol station and Limavady Grammar School to a mini-roundabout. Go straight ahead and after 300m turn right just after a SPAR supermarket into Benevenagh Drive. Go straight ahead over small bridge and into car park by the old hospital buildings.

(from Coleraine) - Turn left at first roundabout just after TESCO petrol station. Continue through next 2 roundabouts, past Roe Valley Leisure Centre to T junction. Turn right after 300m turn right just after a SPAR supermarket into Benevenagh Drive. Go straight ahead over small bridge and into car park by the old hospital buildings.

Courses:

short about 1.5km for juniors on the Back Burn path
medium about 1.8km around hospital grounds and back burn path
Long urban about 5km optimum route
Extra long of course 2 and 3. There will be 2 maps with a map exchange.

If you are running the urban courses as well as your dibber please bring a pen and you will need to answer a question at each marker.

Entry Fees:

Juniors £2
Seniors £5

Lunch and AGM
A carvery lunch is available afterwards in the Drummond Hotel in Ballykelly ( 3 miles from Limavady towards Londonderry) which will be followed by NWOC AGM.

Please let David Blair know by 15 Dec if you plan to stay for lunch either by texting 07929621342 or by email on davidblairart@gmail.com.

NI Colour Series 1 2019 - Downhill Demesne and Forest
2019-03-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Downhill Forest, 11-15 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
Saturday 2nd March 2019
Parking
Parking will be in the National Trust car park for Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple (Lion's Brae). There will be a £1 charge per senior runner to cover car parking and toilets.

Registration will operate from 10:30am.

Starts from 11.30 to 13.00pm.

Courses Close at 3.00pm.

Start and Finish are both adjacent to the parking/registration.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £5 (NIOA members £4)
OAP/ Unwaged £8 (NIOA members £6)
Seniors £10 (NIOA members £8)
Family £25 (NIOA members £20)

Plus £1 per adult to cover car parking / toilets.
Maps:
An updated 1:5000 of Downhill Demesne will be used by all courses. The Blue and Brown courses will also use an updated 1:5000 map of Downhill Forest (printed on the reverse of the Downhill Demesne map).
Special feature - Ha-Ha
The area features a number of 'invisible' livestock barriers called 'ha-has' (the name supposedly deriving from the exclamation genteel visitors would have made when they discovered them). Runners on the wrong side might make a different exclamation!
It is not recommended you try to cross them in either direction. The inset graphic above shows how they are represented on the map with a wall and steep slope symbol in parallel.
Crossing Points

The area has many pedestrian gates and permanent stiles. These are highlighted with the purple crossing symbol and must be used.

Fences and walls must not be climbed.
Course Details:

Course
Controls
Length
Climb

White
7
1.3 km
25 m

Yellow
8
1.9 km
40 m

Orange
13
2.6 km
50 m

Light Green
14
3.5 km
75 m

Short Green
10
2.9 km
80 m

Green
15
4.4 km
115 m

Blue
22
6.2 km
245 m

Brown
26
8.0 km
315 m

Road Crossing and Timeout
Both Blue and Brown courses will cross the busy A2 road twice. There will be a control either side of the crossing point and a punched 'timeout' of 2 minutes. This means that after punching the first box the race clock stops for up to 2 minutes allowing you to walk carefully across the road when safe to do so. Punching the second box after crossing restarts the clock and the course continues as normal.
Sheep (for dogs owners and runners):
The area is grazed by sheep which are currently lambing. Please take great care near the pregnant ewes and lambs and avoid running through groups of sheep.

Dogs must not accompany runners. Should you wish to go for a walk after your run, dogs are permitted on leads, but again please take great care near sheep.
Toilets:
There are good toilet facilities associated with the National Trust car park.
Terrain Notes:
The Downhill Demesne map is made up of three distinct areas. Firstly a headland area of fast open parkland surrounding the castle with magnificent sea views. The shorter colours are contained in this area and should pose no major challenge to runners new to the Colour Series but familiar with urban / park orienteering. In the middle of the map a small wooded glen runs via an artificial lake to the sea. Finally the east section of the map is a second exposed headland but with much rougher vegetation and some contour detail.

The Blue and Brown courses will also visit Downhill Forest. This is a small complex mixed wooded area of undulating terrain centred around a steep-sided open plateau. It should make a nice contrast to the faster Downhill Demesne.
Al's Coffee Bar:
There is a permanent 'coffee shack' in the National Trust car park which serves hot drinks and snacks.
Hazards:

Blue and Brown courses cross the fast and busy A2 road twice. There will be controls either side of the road and a 2 minute timeout on each crossing will operate to allow competitors to walk across safely.
There are high sea cliffs to the north of the area. The area used by white, yellow and orange courses is bounded by a high stone wall. However, the headland visited by the Green, Blue and Brown has no bounding wall and care should be taken, particular if the weather on the day is windy or misty.
The area features a number of steep narrow paths with stone steps. Take care particularly in wet conditions.
Parents should be aware that the car park opens directly onto the busy A2 road.

Thursday Evening One 2019 -St Columb's Park
2019-05-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Foyle Arena, Limavady Road, L'Derry, BT47 6JY, Northern Ireland
St Columb's Park - 9th May 2019
Event Location

Start Times
Starts will be from 6.30 to 7pm.
Parking
Parking will be at the Foyle Arena car park / St Columb's Leisure Centre. NB This is a correction of earlier information.
Courses
There will be two courses available. The first will be a score event where competitor will have 60 minutes to visit as many control points as possible. This will be suitable for those new to Orienteering. The second course will consist of 20 controls which must be visited in a fixed order (approximate length about 4km).
Equipment
The only equipment needed is outdoor clothing and a pair of trainers / running shoes.
Costs
Cost is £4 per adult, £2 per child and £10 for a family
Book a Map
Please let us know you are coming so we can have a map printed and ready.

Thursday Evening Two 2019 - Gransha
2019-05-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Gransha Park, 11 Gransha Roundabout, L'Derry, BT47 6FJ, Northern Ireland
Gransha Park - 16th May 2019

Start Times
Starts will be from 6.30 to 7pm.
Parking
Parking will be in the Gransha Park at the U3A building. This will be signposted with orienteering signs from the Gransha Park entrance at the roundabout on the A2 dual carriageway.
Courses
There will be two courses available. The first will be a score event where competitor will have 45 minutes to visit as many control points as possible. This will be suitable for those new to Orienteering. The second course will consist of 20 controls which must be visited in a fixed order (approximate length about 4km).
Equipment
The only equipment needed is outdoor clothing and a pair of trainers / running shoes.
Costs
Cost is £4 per adult, £2 per child and £10 for a family
Book a Map

Officials
Organiser:
Planner:
Controller:
Date/Time
Date(s) - 9th May 2019
18:30 - 20:00

Thursday Evening Three 2019 - Ballykelly Forest
2019-05-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
Ballykelly Forest – 23rd May 2019

Start Times
Starts will be from 6.30 to 7pm.
Parking
Parking will be in the main forest car park which is directly opposite Costcutters supermarket on the main A2 road.
Courses
There will be two courses available. The first will be a score event where competitor will have 45 minutes to visit as many control points as possible. This will be suitable for those new to Orienteering. The second course will consist of 20 controls which must be visited in a fixed order (approximate length about 4km).
Equipment
The only equipment needed is outdoor clothing and a pair of trainers / running shoes.
Costs
Cost is £4 per adult, £2 per child and £10 for a family
Book a Map

Thursday Evening Four 2019 - O'Cahan's Rock
2019-05-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Roe Valley Country Park, 41 Dogleap Rd, Limavady, BT49 9NN, Northern Ireland
O'Cahan's Rock Car Park,
Roe Valley Country Park – 30th May 2019

Start Times
Starts will be from 6.30 to 7pm.
Parking
O'Cahan's Rock Car Park - accessed of the Roe Mill Road Limavady

NB - Not at the visitors centre at the Dog Leap Bridge.
Courses
There will be two courses available. The first will be a score event where competitor will have 45 minutes to visit as many control points as possible. This will be suitable for those new to Orienteering. The second course will consist of 20 controls which must be visited in a fixed order (approximate length about 4km).
Equipment
The only equipment needed is outdoor clothing and a pair of trainers / running shoes.
Costs
Cost is £4 per adult, £2 per child and £10 for a family
Book a Map

NI Sprint & Middle Distance 2019
2019-06-01 10:30 - 16:30 | Ulster University, Coleraine, 20 Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
1st June 2019
Venues
This year's NI Sprint and Middle Distance Championships will both be held within the Campus of Ulster University, Coleraine. Both events will use separate new maps and each will start in a different part of the campus.

Sprint Championships

Parking
Parking and Registration adjacent to Car Park 5 on the University Site Map PDF. Cars entering the campus have to pass through a ticket barrier. Please note that the ticket issued is required when exiting but there is no charge for parking.
Toilets
There are no toilets at Car Park 5. Competitors can drive to Car Park 8 and use the facilities in the Sports Pavilion. All other internal roads are out of bounds.
Registration
Registration will be a short walk from the car park adjacent to the start.

We will register runners for both events in the morning. Owing to limitations of the software we can't use "dip to enter" to do this, but if competitors can quote their BOF number this will speed the process up considerably.
Starts / Finish
Sprint starts from 11:15-12:00. Sprint courses close at 12:30.

There is plenty of space between car parking area and registration to warm-up. The area north of start is OOB until your race has started

Runners can enter start grid at -4 mins.

Control descriptions on waterproof paper at -3 mins
Blank maps at -2 mins
It will be a punching start
It will be a punching finish

Dogs
Competitors are not allowed to bring dogs on the campus.
Map
The event will use a newly updated 1:4,000 ISSOM 2007 map with 2.5m contours.

Click or tap to enlarge

If you are unfamiliar with the different symbols used on Sprint-O maps, please pay special attention to the ones listed here. These show features you must not cross - even if it appears it might be possible to do so. Any competitor seen crossing any of these marked features will be disqualified.

For a full list of all current Orienteering map and control descriptions symbols see the guides on the excellent MapRunner Site

Control description using the special item symbol (O) refers to Flood Lighting posts
Terrain
University campus with areas of open grass, car parking areas and university buildings. Road running shoes should be suitable unless it is wet, as there are some grass areas to cross.

There is the slight possibility of moving vehicles on the area - please take care when
crossing roads and car parks.
SI Air / Contactless Punching
All controls (with the exception of the start and finish) will operation in contactless mode. Competitors with ordinary SI Cards can punch in the normal way. However, any competitor who wishes to try contactless punching may borrow a SI Air Card from registration free of charge.
Courses/Classes (Sprint)

Course
Classes (M)
Classes (W)
Approximate
Distance

1
M Open

2.9km

2
M40+
W Open
2.3km

3
M Super Vet 55+
W40+
2.2km

4
M Ultra Vet 65+
W Super Vet 55+ W Ultra Vet 65+
1.7km

5
M Junior 16-
W Junior 16-
1.2km

6
M Junior 12-
W Junior 12-
1.1km

Middle-Distance Championships

Parking
Parking in Car Park(s) 7 on the University Site Map PDF
Registration
Registration / enquiries will be in the Sports Pavilion car park. Runners who registered for both events in the morning do not need to visit registration again.
Starts / Finish
Middle Distance starts from 14:30. Courses close at 16:30.

There is plenty of room for warm ups between the start and finish area which are close to each other

Runners can enter start grid at -4 mins.

Control descriptions on waterproof paper at -3 mins
Blank maps at -2 mins
It will be a punching start
It will be a punching finish

Map
Extract from previous 1:4,000 sprint map

The event will use a newly updated 1:7,500 ISOM 2017 map with 2.5m contours.

Control description using the special item symbol (O) refers to Flood Lighting posts
Terrain
University campus with areas of open grass, forested areas, playing fields/all weather pitches car parking areas and university buildings. Orienteering/Trail shoes recommended, also full leg cover.

Ulster University will have other sports happening, particularly on outdoor pitches, there are some orienteering legs that cross these pitches, if they are in use please navigate around them. Deliberate crossing of pitches in use will warrant disqualification.

There is the slight possibility of moving vehicles on the area - please take care when
crossing roads and car parks.
SI Air / Contactless Punching
All controls (with the exception of the start and finish) will operation in contactless mode. Competitors with ordinary SI Cards can punch in the normal way. However, any competitor who wishes to try contactless punching may borrow a SI Air Card from registration free of charge.
Courses/Classes (Middle Distance)

Course
Classes (M)
Classes (W)
Approximate Distance

1
M Open

5.5km

2
M40+
W Open
4.2km

3
M Super Vet 55+
W40+
3.4km

4
M Ultra Vet 65+
W Super Vet 55+ W Ultra Vet 65+
2.8km

5
M Junior 16-
W Junior 16-
2.6km

6
M Junior 12-
W Junior 12-
2km

Entry Fees

Sprint or Middle only
Member
Non-member

Senior
£8
£10

Junior
£4
£5

Unwaged
£6
£8

Family
£20
£25

Both Sprint and Middle
Member
Non-member

Senior
£12
£14

Junior
£6
£7

Unwaged
£9
£11

Family
£30
£35

NI Orienteering AGM
The NI Orienteering AGM will be held at 12:30 in the Sports Pavilion.
Junior Kitchen
The Junior Kitchen will be present at the Sports Pavilion / AGM and will be serving tea, coffee and buns. Please support this good cause.
Any Questions?

Saturday Morning One 2019 - Downhill Forest
2019-06-08 11:00 - 11:30 | Downhill Forest, 11-15 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
Downhill Forest – 8th June 2019

Start Times
Starts will be from 11.00 to 11:30 am.
Parking
Parking will be in the layby / picnic area opposite the Bishops Gate on the south side of the A2.
Courses
There will be two courses available. The first will be a score event where competitor will have 45 minutes to visit as many control points as possible. This will be suitable for those new to Orienteering. The second course will consist of 20 controls which must be visited in a fixed order (approximate length about 4km).
Equipment
The only equipment needed is outdoor clothing and a pair of trainers / running shoes.
Costs
Cost is £4 per adult, £2 per child and £10 for a family
Book a Map

Saturday Morning Two 2019 - Benone
2019-06-15 11:00 - 11:30 | Benone Dunes, 53 Benone Avenue, Limavady, Northern Ireland
Benone Leisure Complex – Saturday 15th June 2019

Start Times
Starts will be from 11.00 to 11:30 am.
Parking
Parking will be in the main leisure complex car park.
Courses
There will be two courses available. The first will be a score event where competitor will have 45 minutes to visit as many control points as possible. This will be suitable for those new to Orienteering. The second course will consist of 20 controls which must be visited in a fixed order (approximate length about 4km).
Equipment
The only equipment needed is outdoor clothing and a pair of trainers / running shoes.
Costs
Cost is £4 per adult, £2 per child and £10 for a family
Book a Map

Autumn Club One - Ballykelly
2019-09-14 11:00 - 11:30 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
Ballykelly Forest – Saturday 14th September 2019

Parking
Parking will be in the main forest car park on the south side of the A2 (turn in opposite Costcutters).
Times
Starts from 11.00 to 11.30. Markers will be collected at 13.00
Courses
Score event or 4km run if the points are visited in order.

The start will be in the car park.
Cost
£5 Seniors £2 Junior Family £2

Book a Map

Autumn Club Two - Gransha
2019-09-28 11:00 - 11:30 | Gransha Park, 11 Gransha Roundabout, L'Derry, BT47 6FJ, Northern Ireland
Gransha Hospital Grounds - Saturday 28th September 2019

Times
Starts from 11.00 to 11.30. Markers will be collected at 13.00
Courses
Score event or 4km run if the points are visited in order.

The start will be at the small wood in the middle of the grounds.
Cost
£5 Seniors £2 Junior Family £2
Book a Map

NI Colour Series 6 - Pomeroy
2019-11-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Pomeroy, 56 Tanderagee Rd, Dungannon , Northern Ireland
9th November 2019
Getting there:
Pomeroy forest is most easily accessed from the junction of the A29 with the B160 between Dungannon and Cookstown
Parking:
All parking will be on areas of hard standing in the centre of the competition area.

Registration will operate from 10:30am.

Starts from 11.30 to 13.00pm.

Courses Close at 3.30pm.

Start and Finish are both adjacent to the parking/registration.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £5 (NIOA members £4)
OAP/ Unwaged £8 (NIOA members £6)
Seniors £10 (NIOA members £8)
Family £25 (NIOA members £20)

Course Details:

Course
Length
Climb

White
1.6 km
25m

Yellow
2.0 km
25m

Orange
2.2 km
25m

Light Green
2.5 km
35m

Short Green
2.7 km
30m

Green
3.5 km
60m

Blue
5.1 km
85m

Brown
7.0 km
130m

Map:
All courses will use a 1:10,000 map with ISOM 2017 symbols.
Out of Bounds:
All public roads along the edge of the forest are out of bounds and will be marked as such on your map, Please ensure you observe this.
Terrain Notes:
From an orienteering perspective, the useable areas of the forest are mainly coniferous, undulating and with an abundance of old boundaries and drainage ditches. A few areas of rough open parkland with mature isolate trees are reminders of the former Demesne. There are a number of paths and trail loops varying from heavily used stone blinded paths to less distinct trails used only by the more adventurous walker. The courses have been planned within the runnable areas, visibility is generally good. Only some legs will encounter mixed scrubby seasonal vegetation depending upon the route chosen. Whilst runability is generally good, the momentum is often broken by ditches, ridges and furrows associated with the lines of planting. The area is very compact, so in order to keep path running to a minimum expect courses with lots of twisting and turning with higher numbers of controls than usual.

Toilets no toilets are available at the event.
Hazards:

The entrance to the forest from the B160 is on a bend - please take extra care when arriving and leaving.
Take care when driving from the forest entrance to the parking because the access route passes through the competition area.
The derelict forestry college building is surrounded by security fencing which must not be entered.

All participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.

NWOC Club Championships 2019
2019-11-16 12:00 - 15:00
This years Club Handicap Championships will be held at the LVO Autumn Trophy 3 at Hillsborough Forest on Saturday 16th November.
LVO Event Fixture Page
David has calculated a handicap for each club regular as a minutes per km time. This will be combined with the course lengths (Green and Orange) at Hillsborough to give a target time for each runner. The winner will be whoever beats their target time by the greatest amount (or misses it by the least)!

The handicaps and target times will be on display on Saturday at the event.

Xmas Event 2019 (and Club AGM)
2019-12-28 11:00 - 12:30 | St Columb's Park, 2 Browning Drive, Londonderry, BT47 6HN, Northern Ireland
Saturday 28th December 2019
Getting There

The event will start from the car park of St Columb's Park House NOT the Foyle Arena. Turn off the Limavady Road just past the Foyle Area entrance onto St Columb's Road / Browning Drive and then turn right following signs to St Columb's Park House. Additional parking is available adjacent to Browning Drive and at Foyle Arena.
Starts
Starts from 11:00 to 12:30
Courses

4.7km linear
2.8km linear (Orange standard)
Score (suitable for families)

In addition there will also be a Sporteering Event across the peace bridge in the city centre. Juniors under 16 years cannot compete in this event unless accompanied by an adult.
Sporteering

Score format - approx 4km if all markers visited

This is a form of orienteering which replaces traditional physical Orienteering markers and control boxes with invisible GPS checked control sites. Competitors download the Sporteering app (Android or Apple IOS) onto their phone and select the City Centre event from a menu.

Competitors are given a normal Orienteering map with overprinted course and proceed to the location of the start triangle. Once there they start their run by clicking on the phone. A GPS lookup is done and the phone confirms the start (if they are in the correct location). Similarly as they reach each control site they click their phone and there location is checked with GPS. Correctly clicking at the finish circle stops the race clock.

Please note that GPS is only accurate to few metres so a margin of error will allow control to be "punched" in the general area of the circle.

The course will remain "open" after the event - so competitors can take part at a time which suits them.
Costs
Orienteering Course OR Sporteering £5 seniors, £2 juniors

Orienteering Course AND Sporteering £7 seniors £3 juniors
Cafe in the Park / Shopping
St Columb's Park House Cafe will be open for the duration of the event for Coffee / Tea and light meals. The "sales" are also only a short walk away over the peace bridge!
Park Run
There is also a Derry Park run on should you wish to extend exercise opportunities!
Lunch in the Cafe
Everyone attending is invited to join NWOC members for lunch. In addition to snacks, and lighter options (including vegetarian and vegan) the Xmas menu is still available at a very reasonable 2 courses £11.95 / 3 courses £13.95. Christmas Lunch 2019 Menu

Please email anthony@nwoc.info with your choices from the link above if you plan to order from this menu.
AGM
The NWOC AGM will follow the Orienteering at approximately 1400.

NIOA Score and Night Championships 2020
2020-02-22 11:00 - 20:00 | Downhill Forest, 11-15 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
Saturday 22th February 2020 (Event postponed from 8th February)
Information updated 21st Feb - see below for details of later starting times
Parking
Parking will be in the National Trust car park for Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple (Lion's Brae).

Event Fees for Night and Score

Event Fees
Senior
Full-time Student
Junior
Family

Score Champs
£10 (£12)
£5 (£6)
£5 (£6)
£25 (£30)

Night Champs
£10 (£12)
£5 (£6)
£5 (£6)
£25 (£30)

Score plus Night
£16 (£18)
£8 (£9)
£8 (£9)
£40 (£45)

The 2019/20 NI Orienteering prize giving will be held at approximately 15:30 in Castlerock.
NI Score Championships 2020
Registration
Registration will operate from 12:45 in NT Lion's Gate car park (see map).
Mass Start (NB Later start 14:00)
The mass start will be at 14:00 (45 minutes time limit) inside the ruins of Downhill Castle! This is also the location for the Finish and is 5 minutes walk from the Lion's Gate Car Park.
Warm-up is available along the foot path between Lion's Gate entrance towards Bishop’s Gate beside the main A2 road (Downhill Forest is out of bounds until the night event).

Classes

M Open

Senior Score

M40+
W Open
Senior Score

M Super Vet 55+
W40+
Senior Score

M Ultra Vet 65+
W Super Vet 55+ W Ultra Vet 65+
Senior Score

M Junior 16-
W Junior 16-
Junior Score

M Junior 12-
W Junior 12-
Junior Score

Courses
There will be separate courses for Senior and Junior competitors. Junior courses are designed to stay away from the un-walled cliff edges and rough slopes to the east of the map.
The map is at 1:5000 scale and will be printed on waterproof paper. The Senior course will use two maps - printed on opposite sides of the paper.
All competitors will have 45 seconds to peruse their maps and plan their routes before starting.
Senior runners must also decide which map to start on, either Map A or B. Once decided competitors can change map sides after punching all or as many controls as they want, but cannot then revert back to their first map side.

Electric Fences
The National Trust are grazing cattle on a rotational strip system to improve grassland biodiversity. The grazed areas will be contained by electric fences and are out of bounds. These areas will be marked on your map with a purple out-of-bounds hatching.
Special feature - Ha-Ha
The area features a number of 'invisible' livestock barriers called 'ha-has' (the name supposedly deriving from the exclamation genteel visitors would have made when they discovered them). Runners on the wrong side might make a different exclamation!
It is not recommended you try to cross them in either direction. The inset graphic above shows how they are represented on the map with a wall and steep slope symbol in parallel.
Crossing Points

The area has many pedestrian gates and permanent stiles. These are highlighted with the purple crossing symbol and must be used.

Fences and walls must not be climbed.
Competitor Safety (update 21st Feb)
Carrying a whistle is recommended. Cagoules will be required owing to very cold, wet and windy weather. Please note the area is extremely wet and slipply .
Terrain Notes
The Downhill Demesne map is made up of three distinct areas. Firstly a headland area of fast open parkland surrounding the castle with magnificent sea views. In the middle of the map a small wooded glen runs via an artificial lake to the sea. Finally the east section of the map is a second exposed headland but with much rougher vegetation and some contour detail.
Al's Coffee Shack and Crusoe's Coffee Shop

There is a permanent 'coffee shack' in the Lion's Gate National Trust car park which serves hot drinks and snacks. If you are looking for an indoor lunch venue, Crusoe's Coffee Shop, close to the prize giving in Castlerock, is also a good option.
Toilets
There are good toilet facilities associated with the National Trust car park.
Hazards

Sections on the area are being rotation grazed with cattle, with low voltage electric fences being used to contain them. Do not cross these fences. The fences will be marked on the map with a purple out-of-bounds hatching.
There are high sea cliffs to the north of the area. The area used by the Junior Score is bounded by a high stone wall. However, the headland visited by the Senior Score has no bounding wall and care should be taken, particular if the weather on the day is windy or misty.
The area visited by the Senior Score features a number of steep narrow paths with stone steps. Take care particularly in wet conditions.
Parents should be aware that the car park opens directly onto the busy A2 road.

NI Prize Giving
The NI Orienteering prize giving will be held at 15:30 in the Peter Thompson Hall, Castlerock (see map above).
NI Night Championships 2020
Registration
Registration for the night event will be at the Peter Thompson Hall from 16:45 to 17:30 (not at the forest)
Starts Times / Courses Close (please note later start times)
Starts from 17:50 -18:20 (or as soon as it is dark after 17:50).
Courses close 20:00 - please ensure you leave the forest by this time even if this means abandoning your course!

Course/Class Combinations

Course
Classes

Long
M Open
4.9km

Medium
W Open, M45+
3.1km

Short
W55+, M65+, M16, W16
2.1km

There are no classes below M/W16. Please note that Night Orienteering is significantly more difficult than daytime running and is therefore not suitable for novice competitors.

Map
Maps are at scale 1:5000, printed on waterproof paper - loose code descriptions in start lane.

Competitor Safety
Owing to the greater difficulty in locating an injured competitor in the dark, we will require runners to carry a whistle. We also strongly recommend wearing some form of reflective / fluorescent strips or panels to aid location. Cagoules may be required in extreme weather.
Update 20th February
Owing to recent persistent rain the main stream running through the area is swollen and potentially hazardous to cross - especially at night. The medium and long courses have a marked crossing point to avoid the stream which will be marked with florescent tape. This is now a compulsory crossing point.
Terrain Notes
Downhill Forest is an undulating mixed woodland with an extensive path and track network. The forest is mature and runability is generally good. There are some small areas of brambles and seasonal vegetation, but these should not prove a problem, particularly at this time of year.
Hazards

Downhill forest has a number of steep slopes which can be very slippy in wet conditions. Courses have been planned to avoid the worst of these, but extra care should be taken on slopes especially when descending!
Mountain bikers have built a number of jumps and bridges / duck boarding using pallets and other pieces of wood. These are slippy and insecure and should not be run over.
There are a lot of trees down over the small paths - please take extra care in the dark!
There is a large lake with dam and weir in the centre of the area. Be aware and do not attempt to cross the lake or the weir outfall.
There is a stream running through the map which is normally easy to cross. In the event of very heavy rain this stream could become deep and should not be crossed. If such weather does occur, competitors will be instructed not to wade the stream and use a nearby marked (fluorescent tape) crossing point instead.

Contact Us
If you are planning to bring a group or have any other queries, please use the form below to let us know.

NI Colour Series 2 - Drum Manor (Cancelled)
2020-03-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Drum Manor, 183 Drum Road, Cookstown, Northern Ireland
28th March 2020 (Cancelled)

This event is cancelled owing to the Coranvirus outbreak. We hope to be able to reschedule it for later in the year.

Travel - Drum Manor is three miles west of Cookstown on the main A505 Omagh Road.

Registration will operate from 11:00 am. Starts from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.

Split Starts for Parents - if desired an 11:00 am early start for one parent should be available.

Courses Close at 3.00 pm.

Start and Finish are both adjacent to the parking/registration.
Parking:
Parking will be in the main forest park car park. There is a charge of £4 per car.

Parking is free for holders of an annual Forestry Parking Permit (this also covers Tollymore, Castlewellan, Glenariff and Portglenone Forest Parks - for details see the Permits for vehicles and activities in forests on nidirect).
Entry Fees:

Juniors £6 (NIOA members £5)
Full-time Student £6 (NIOA members £5)
Seniors £12 (NIOA members £10)
Family £30 (NIOA members £25)

Map:
All courses will run on an updated version of the 1:7,500 map. The Brown course will split into two halves (one on each side of the map) to maximise clarity for competitors. The map is drawn to ISOM 2000 specification.

Maps will be printed on waterproof paper. Code descriptions will be printed on the map and available at registration.
White Course Warm-Up Run:
We would like all competitors to run the White Course before they run their main course! You can do this as an individual, family or small group. As well as getting you warmed up this should also allow you to get a feel for the area and the map.

Free maps will be available at the start.
Course Details:

Approx length (km)

Brown
8.0

Blue
5.7

Green
4.4

Short Green
3.0

Light Green
2.8

Orange
2.6

Yellow
1.4

White
1.1

Toilets:
There are good toilet facilities associated with the Forest Park car park.
Dogs:
Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Terrain Notes:
Drum Manor is a small forest but one with great diversity with terrain ranging from very mature conifer plantation, mixed deciduous woodland and a complex arboretum grid. There is also an extensive path network giving good options for the shorter less technical courses. Runability will be generally very good owing to the maturity of the area and seasonal vegetation (bracken etc.) being at a minimum. Following from this, areas marked with “vegetation slow run” are generally runable while “vegetation walk” areas are often closer to slow run.

The courses have been planned to BOF long O standards. With the Brown the distance has been achieved by breaking the course into two sections printed on opposite sides of the map for maximum clarity.
Hazards:

Parents should be aware there are two lakes adjacent to the car parking and supervise their children accordingly.
This is a busy forest park so there will be traffic coming and going all day and members of the general public in the competition area.

Attending with a group:
Please contact us before Thursday 19th March (using the form below) if you are bringing a group. This will enable us to advise you on choosing a suitable course(s) and ensure we have ordered the correct number of maps from the printer.
Information Updates:
Please check this event page for information updates before travelling in case changes to these details are required.

NI Colour Series 4 (Cancelled)
2020-08-29 11:00 - 15:00 | Portstewart Sand Dunes, 110 Strand Road, Portstewart, BT55 7PG, Northern Ireland
Unfortunately we have had to cancel NI Colour Series 4 which we planned to hold in Portstewart Dunes in September. This is because we have been unable to obtain permission to run the event on the Dunes from the National Trust.

We have used this area with the Trust's cooperation for the last 40 years and pride ourselves on our environmental good practice and “leave no trace” level of impact. We still hope to be able to resolve this issue for future events as we feel sure it arises from a lack of understanding rather than any substantial issues.

Portstewart Urban MapRun
2020-09-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Portstewart Harbour Car Park, Kinora Terrace, Portstewart, BT55 7BB, Northern Ireland
There will be a Maprun smartphone punching urban activity on Saturday 5th September. We will be using the free MapRunF app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

The starts will be at Harbour Hill Car Park (see below) from 11am.

There will be a 60 minute score and a 5.7km linear course available.

NB Course Update Friday 5pm

The linear course has been updated to "Portstewart Linear Sep Ver2". Please ensure the version you download ends with Ver2.

Book a Map

Or send us an email to nwocmapreply@gmail.com

Downhill Score
2021-05-01 11:00 | Downhill Forest, 11-15 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
A gentle start back to Orienteering with a simple Club score event at one of our old favourites - Downhill Forest.

To keep things simple and safe this will be an NWOC Club member-only event.

Mass start at 11:15.
Pre-Entry
Please fill in the form below if you are intending to come. This will help us with map printing and ensuring event safety.

Parking at the picnic area on the A2 opposite the Bishop's Gate.

More details to follow.

Ballykelly Score Training
2021-05-15 11:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
Parking
Meet at the Ballykelly Forest Car Park (NB not Walworth Wood) to the south of the A2 opposite Costcutters.
Start Time
Mass start at 11:00am.
Format
Score Event with Twenty markers spread over a small area of the map with 40 minute time limit.

No electronic punching or timing.

Senior runners should start with odd numbers and switch over to even at any time.
Pre-Entry
Please fill in the form below if you are intending to come. This will help us with map printing and ensuring event safety.

Gransha Park Training
2021-06-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Gransha Park, 11 Gransha Roundabout, L'Derry, BT47 6FJ, Northern Ireland
Parking

Parking will be in the first car park on the left after entering the park.
Start Time
Starts 10:30am - 11:30am.
Smartphone GPS Punching / Timing
The event will use the MapRun6 App which can be downloaded for Apple and Android via the links below:

NB. Make sure you download MapRun6 - not MapRun or MapRunG!
Course
One course will be available - a classic linear course where all points must be visited in numeric order.

If you have the MapRun6 App installed on your phone the link below will download the course.

PXAC Gransha June 2021b

Alternatively you can download the course at the Event using the "Events Near Me" button.

Please note this is an updated version of the course file PXAC Gransha June 2021a which was previously on this event page.
Pre-Entry
Please fill in the form below if you are intending to come. This will help us with map printing and ensuring event safety.

There is no charge for this training activity.

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

St. Columb’s Park MapRun Activity
2021-07-03 10:30 - 12:30 | St Columb's Park, 2 Browning Drive, Londonderry, BT47 6HN, Northern Ireland
There will be a MapRun Smartphone activity on Saturday 3rd July 2021. This will be suitable for families and beginners and one-to-one help will be available.

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking

Parking in the second car park on the right down Browning Drive (near the running track).
Start Time
Starts 10:30am - 11:30am.

Course finishes at 12.30.
Smartphone GPS Punching / Timing
The event will use the MapRun6 App which can be downloaded for Apple and Android via the links below:

NB. Make sure you download MapRun6 - not MapRun or MapRunG!
Course
There will be a single course, with controls taken in order.

If you have the MapRun6 App installed on your phone the link below will download the course.

OATS3 St Columb's Park

Alternatively you can download the course OATS3 ScoreV60 at the Event using the "Events Near Me" button.
Pre-Entry (please do this by 6pm Friday 2nd July)
There is no charge for this training activity.

NB anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

NI Colour Series 3 2021 - Portstewart Strand
2021-09-04 10:30 - 13:30 | Portstewart Sand Dunes, 110 Strand Road, Portstewart, BT55 7PG, Northern Ireland
Saturday 4th September 2021
Location

Parking
Parking will be on the beach. Please note that the National Trust charges non-members £7.50 per car to drive on the beach. If you are a member please remember to bring your card.

Please park adjacent to the Finish, enquiries and download.
Entries
Pre-entries only - no entry on the day.

All entries via SIEntries Website:

Enter Online
Edit your Entry
View Entry Lists

Event Enquiries will operate from 10:30am.

Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Electronic Punching
Sportident Electronic punching with beacon mode enabled for SI Air on all controls but not on the start and finish boxes which must be "dipped" in the traditional manner. Ordinary SI cards will work on all controls as normal. Passive SI dippers are available for hire and can be booked in the entry system.

Starts from 11.00am to 13.00pm.

When entering online please choose an available 15-minute start block. The number of starters in each block has been limited to aid with social distancing.

Courses Close at 3.00pm.

Start is 300m back along the beach from Finish / Downloads

Finish is adjacent to download. All competitors must Download even if they do not complete their courses.
Water
Please bring your own water and make sure you are fully hydrated before starting.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £6 (NIOA members £5)
Seniors £12 (NIOA members £10)

Maps:
A waterproof 1:5000 map of Portstewart Strand, updated summer 2021, will be used by all courses.
Crossing Points

The longer courses will cross fences which divide the area. There are several gates in each. These are highlighted with the purple crossing symbol and must be used.

Fences and walls must not be climbed.
Course Details

Course
Controls
Length

White
10
1.0 km

Yellow
11
1.1 km

Orange
12
2.1 km

Light Green
13
2.2 km

Short Green
14
2.3 km

Green
16
3.4 km

Blue
22
4.9 km

Brown
27
6.5 km

Dogs:
All dogs must be kept on leads at all times
Toilets:
Toilets are located by the National Trust booth at the beach entrance.
Terrain Notes:

Portstewart is classic sand dunes Orienteering terrain. The area is unusual in that it is bounded by the sea to the north and by the River Bann to the south and west. In recent years large amounts of thorny scrub have been removed by the National Trust. This has increased runability and opened up new sections of terrain. The easterly section, near the start, has many small informal paths and while the map has been updated to show the principal ones, not all are mapped. The mid and west sections, in contrast, have very few paths and the contour detail here is particularly complex. There are a number of fences in these areas and the marked gate crossings must be used.
Coronavirus Safety Measures
This event is organised within the Covid regulations laid down by the NI Government and British Orienteering.

A number of measures have been put in place to provide for 2m Social Distancing and ensure your safety throughout this activity. Please pay attention to them.

Start Times are pre-allocated in 15min blocks so that we can minimise the number of people at the various stages of the event. Please time your arrival so that you can get to your start just in time.

During the event please use the hand sanitisers provided to maintain hygiene.

Do not touch the SI Control boxes except with the SI Card.

During the race please be aware of who is around you and try to maintain distance especially when approaching Controls.

As we are using public areas please be mindful of other users and give them space.

Please minimise pre and post-activity socialising and maintain your distance.

Car sharing (except for household bubbles) is not permitted to and from the event.

IMPORTANT You MUST NOT attend the activity if:

You are unwell with a cough, fever or have had other Covid symptoms or tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 10 days
You have been in close contact with anyone who is suspected of or confirmed as having Covid-19 in the 10 days before this event
You are supposed to be Self Isolating or are undergoing testing for suspected Coronavirus
You have been outside of Northern Ireland within the last 10 days **EXCEPT from exempted countries - See https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice for the current rules .

If you have a condition that makes you Clinically Vulnerable, please follow current government and medical advice before registering.

If you need to withdraw your entry due to Coronavirus restrictions we will refund your entry fee on request.

In the event that regulations change and we have to cancel the event we will refund entry fees .
Hazards:

Parents should be aware that there will be regular car traffic driving up and down the beach past our parking area. Please supervise children accordingly.
If the weather is sunny the dunes can become very hot (particularly in the hollows) and dehydration is possible. Runners should ensure they are well hydrated before starting and bring their own water bottle as covid regulations mean we cannot supply water at the finish.
In windy and wet conditions the dunes are very exposed and the wearing of cagoules may be advised.

Event Queries

NI Colour Series 5 2021 - Drumnaph
2021-11-13 12:45 - 15:45 | Drumnaph Wood, 15 Halfgayne Road, Maghera, BT46 5PB, Northern Ireland
Saturday 13th November 2021 - middle distance NI Colour Event

Location
The event is at Drumnaph Wood accessed via the Halfgayne Road 5kms north of Maghera.
SAT NAV Info
15 Halfgayne Road
Maghera
BT46 5PB
Lat. 54.87755, Lng. -6.70049

Parking
Parking will be at the community nature reserve car park.
Entries
Pre-entries only - no entry on the day.

The NIOA night Championship are being held later on the same day at Portglenone Forest, so a reduced joint entry fee is available:

Member
Member
Non-Member
Non-Member

One Event
Two Events
One Event
Two Events

Senior (aged 21 or over)
£10
£16
£12
£18

Junior or Student
£5
£8
£6
£9

Maximum charge for a family*
£25
£40
£30
£45

Closing Date for Drumnaph Entries Sunday 7th September

We should be able to accommodate a small number of late entries, but late entries cannot be guaranteed.

Starts from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.

When entering online please choose an available 15-minute start block. The number of starters in each block has been limited to aid with social distancing.
Online Entry
All entries via SIEntries Website:

Enter Online
Edit your Entry
View Entry Lists

Entries close on Sunday 7th November at midnight.

Event Enquiries will operate from 12:30am.

Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Electronic Punching
Sportident Electronic punching with beacon mode enabled for SI Air on all controls but not on the start and finish boxes which must be "dipped" in the traditional manner. Ordinary SI cards will work on all controls as normal.

Passive SI dippers will be available to borrow at enquiries for those who do not have their own.

Courses Close at 4.00pm.

Start and Finish

Both are within 200m of parking.

All competitors must download even if they do not complete their courses.
Water
Please bring your own water and make sure you are fully hydrated before starting.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £6 (NIOA members £5)
Seniors £12 (NIOA members £10)

Discount for runners also entering the NIOA Night Champs in Portglenone (same evening).
Maps:
A waterproof 1:7500 map will be used by all courses.

Code descriptions printed on the maps will be IOF symbolic descriptions. Loose code descriptions on waterproof paper will also be available at the start. Text format code descriptions for White and Yellow courses will also be available at the start.
Course Details (provisional)

Course
Controls
Length

White

1.0 km

Yellow

1.5 km

Orange

2.2 km

Light Green

3.5 km

Short Green

3.1 km

Green

4.2 km

Blue

5.1 km

Brown

6.2 km

Dogs
Strictly NO DOGS on courses due to presence of livestock
Toilets
There are limited toilet facilities associated with the community nature reserve.
Terrain
The area is made up of a small area of superb natural forest and scrub, and an extensive area of new native planting. The area is partly managed by the Woodland Trust and partly by a community trust. There is a good network of small paths, ponds, hills and sites of historical and natural interest.
Planners Comments
• Fields identified on the map by purple cross-hatching are out of bounds and will contain livestock.
• The access lane from Halfgayne Road up to the corner near the car park is out of bounds to competitors.
• All courses with the exception of White and Yellow twist and turn in a criss-cross fashion so please take time to check that you visit controls in sequence.
• Rough open areas are generally very tussocky however there are occasional sheep tracks
Coronavirus Safety Measures
This event is organised within the Covid regulations laid down by the NI Government and British Orienteering.

Start Times are pre-allocated in 15min blocks so that we can minimise the number of people at the various stages of the event. Please time your arrival so that you can get to your start just in time.

During the event please use the hand sanitisers provided to maintain hygiene.

As we are using public areas please be mindful of other users and give them space.

Please minimise pre and post-activity socialising and maintain your distance.

IMPORTANT You MUST NOT attend the activity if:

You are unwell with a cough, fever or have had other Covid symptoms or tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 10 days
You have been in close contact with anyone who is suspected of or confirmed as having Covid-19 in the 10 days before this event
You are supposed to be Self Isolating or are undergoing testing for suspected Coronavirus
You have been outside of Northern Ireland within the last 10 days **EXCEPT from exempted countries - See https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice for the current rules .

If you have a condition that makes you Clinically Vulnerable, please follow current government and medical advice before registering.

If you need to withdraw your entry due to Coronavirus restrictions we will refund your entry fee on request.

In the event that regulations change and we have to cancel the event we will refund entry fees .
Hazards:

In windy and wet conditions part of the area is very exposed and the wearing of cagoules may be advised.
Fields identified on the map by purple cross-hatching are out of bounds and will contain livestock.

Event Queries

Xmas Event 2021
2021-12-27 11:30 - 13:30 | Roe Valley Country Park, 41 Dogleap Rd, Limavady, BT49 9NN, Northern Ireland
Date: - Monday 27 December 2021

Venue: - Roe Valley Country Park - O'Cahan's Rock (north) Car Park

Directions
From Dungiven: - approaching Limavady on B68 continue into the outskirts (ignore sign to Roe Valley Country Park), pass Nicholl's/Centra petrol station and turn left into Roe Mill Road (brown sign O'Cahan's Rock). After 500m turn left again at brown sign for O'Cahan's Rock.

From Limavady: - follow signs from the town centre for Dungiven / B68. 500m after Limavady Grammar School turn right into Roe Mill Road (brown sign O'Cahan's Rock). After 500m turn left again at brown sign for O'Cahan's Rock.
Start / Finish
Starts will be from 11.45 am with the start and finish adjacent to the car park. Courses will close (markers will be collected and all competitor must have reported to finish) at 1:30pm.
Event Enquiries
Enquiries will operate from 11:30am.

Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Electronic Punching
Sportident Electronic punching with beacon mode enabled for SI Air on all controls but not on the start and finish boxes which must be “dipped” in the traditional manner. Ordinary SI cards will work on all controls as normal. Passive SI dippers are available for hire and can be booked in the entry system.
Courses

Green 4.6 km 100m climb
Short Green 3.2km 60m climb
Score (45min)

Entry Fees

Juniors £3
Seniors £6
Family Group Run £10

Online Entry
Entries are online only. Please note that you will be asked whether you want a 'solo' or 'group' run. This is to allow us to offer a 'family group run' where a family can go around the score event together. Family groups can have up to three maps.

Enter Online
Edit Entries
Entry List

Toilets
There are no toilets at the O'Cahan's Rock Car Park however the toilets at the Country Park visitor centre will be open - see map above.
Refreshments
We hope to supply hot drinks and snacks at the end of the event.
AGM
The NWOC AGM will follow at 14.00hrs.
Hazards

Parents should be aware that the River Roe runs through the competition area and may be in spate after heavy rain.
Parents should be aware there are high cliffs associated with the upper part of the river in the competition area.

Coronavirus Safety Measures
This event is organised within the Covid regulations laid down by the NI Government and British Orienteering.

During the event please use the hand sanitisers provided to maintain hygiene.

Do not touch the SI Control boxes except with the SI Card.

During the race please be aware of who is around you and try to maintain distance especially when approaching Controls.

As we are using public areas please be mindful of other users and give them space.

Please minimise pre and post-activity socialising and maintain your distance.

IMPORTANT You MUST NOT attend the activity if:

You are unwell with a cough, fever or have had other Covid symptoms or tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 10 days
You have been in close contact with anyone who is suspected of or confirmed as having Covid-19 in the 10 days before this event
You are supposed to be Self Isolating or are undergoing testing for suspected Coronavirus
You have been outside of Northern Ireland within the last 10 days **EXCEPT from exempted countries – See https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice for the current rules .

If you have a condition that makes you Clinically Vulnerable, please follow current government and medical advice before registering.

If you need to withdraw your entry due to Coronavirus restrictions we will refund your entry fee on request.

In the event that regulations change and we have to cancel the event we will refund entry fees .

Drum Manor NI Colour Series 2
2022-04-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Drum Manor, 183 Drum Road, Cookstown, Northern Ireland
Saturday 2nd April 2022

Parking
Parking will be in the main Drum Manor Forest car park. Please note that a £4 pay and display charging system per car will operate.

Entries
This is a Pre-entry event.

Juniors £6 (NIOA members £5)
Full-time Student £6 (NIOA /BOF/IOA members £5)
Seniors £12 (NIOA /BOF/IOA members £10)
Family Multiple Individual runs £30 (NIOA /BOF/IOA members £25)
Group / Family Runs up to Orange course - ask on the day

Closing Date for Entries Sunday 27th March (some late entries available)

We should be able to accommodate a small number of late entries, but late entries cannot be guaranteed.

Please use the contact form below to request an entry (number of runners and preferred course). Make sure you include an email address!).

Starts from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Earlier start should be available for parents wanting non-overlapping runs

When entering online please choose an available 15-minute start block. The number of starters in each block has been limited to aid with social distancing.

Start and Finish are both adjacent to the parking/registration.

All competitors must download even if they do not complete their courses.

Courses Close at 3.00pm.
Online Entry Closed
Some late entries are available by request (use the contact form at foot of this page).

View Entry Lists

Entries close on Sunday 27th March at midnight.

Event Enquiries will operate from 10:30am.

Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Electronic Punching
Sportident Electronic punching with beacon mode enabled for SI Air on all controls but not on the start and finish boxes which must be "dipped" in the traditional manner. Ordinary SI cards will work on all controls as normal.

Passive SI dippers will be available to borrow at enquiries for those who do not have their own.
Map:
All courses will run on an updated version of the previous 1:7,500 map. The Brown course will split into two halves (one on each side of the map) to maximise clarity for competitors.
Course Details:

Distance (km)
Climb (m)

Brown
8.2
180

Blue
5.7
145

Green
4.2
100

Short Green
3.0
85

Light Green
2.6
80

Orange
2.5
70

Yellow
1.5
60

White
1.1
30

Toilets:
There are good toilet facilities associated with the Forest Park car park
Dogs:
Dogs should be kept on a lead.
Terrain Notes:
The top half of the forest has been thinned recently. The ground is very rough and the area is covered in large machine tracks. These are not marked on the map.

There are more brambles than usual for this time of year owing to the mild winter. Full leg cover is recommended.
Coronavirus Safety Measures
This event is organised within the Covid regulations laid down by the NI Government and British Orienteering.

Start Times are pre-allocated in 15min blocks so that we can minimise the number of people at the various stages of the event. Please time your arrival so that you can get to your start just in time.

As we are using public areas please be mindful of other users and give them space.

Please be careful while pre and post-activity socialising and maintain your distance.

IMPORTANT You MUST NOT attend the activity if:

You are unwell with a cough, fever or have had other Covid symptoms or tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 10 days
You have been in close contact with anyone who is suspected of or confirmed as having Covid-19 in the 10 days before this event
You are supposed to be Self Isolating or are undergoing testing for suspected Coronavirus.

If you have a condition that makes you Clinically Vulnerable, please follow current government and medical advice before registering.

If you need to withdraw your entry due to Coronavirus restrictions we will refund your entry fee on request.

In the event that regulations change and we have to cancel the event we will refund entry fees .
Hazards:

Parents should be aware there are two lakes adjacent to the car parking and supervise their children accordingly.
This is a busy forest park so there will be traffic coming and going all day and members of the general public in the competition area.

Event Queries / Late Entry Requests

NI Urban League 2022 - Portrush
2022-05-21 11:00 - 12:30 | Portrush - East Strand Car Park, 47 Causeway St, portrush, Northern Ireland
Saturday 21th May 2022
Parking

Parking will be at East Strand Pay and Display Car Park Portrush.

47 Causeway St
Portrush
BT56 8AD

what3words.com location link flattens.orbit.clean

Parking costs 30p per hour. Please note that there is a 2.2m height restriction.
Toilets
There are public toilet facilities close by the car park.
Fees

Juniors £4 (NIOA members £3)
Full-time Student £4 (NIOA /BOF/IOA members £3)
Seniors £9 (NIOA /BOF/IOA members £7)

Online Entry
Entries via SIEntries Website are now closed. We have some additional maps printed. Use the contact form below to request a late entry.

Enter Online
Edit your Entry
View Entry Lists

Closing Date for Entries Sunday 15th May
New to Online Entry?

Register your details
Club - If you are not a member of a club (yet!) please select 'IND' for individual
Start Window - Select the time that suits you best, you can begin your course any time in that window
SI Timing Card - Also known as a 'dibber'. We will have these available for you at registration
Families or friends going round the course together: No need to register all: One entry = one map. So, decide on how many maps you want and register accordingly with the name/s you want to appear in the results

We should be able to accommodate a small number of late entries, but late entries cannot be guaranteed.
Start etc
Start, Finish and enquiries/download are at East Strand car park

Starts will be 1100-1230.

Courses close at 1400.
Event Enquiries
These will operate from 1030.

Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Courses

Open 5.7km (8.4 km optimal route)
Med 3.6km (5.3 km optimal route)
Short 2.2km (2.8 km optimal route)

NB In line with Urban Orienteering practice the course details include an optimal route length. Of course this is much longer than the normally quoted straight-line length.

Open and Medium are for 16 years plus, Short is suitable for all, including under 16s as no main road crossings are involved. All runners must exercise extreme care while crossing public roads.
Electronic Punching
Sportident Electronic punching with beacon mode enabled for SI Air on all controls but not on the start and finish boxes which must be “dipped” in the traditional manner. Ordinary SI cards will work on all controls as normal.

Passive SI dippers will be available to borrow at enquiries for those who do not have their own.
Water
Please bring your own water and make sure you are fully hydrated before starting.
Hazards:

All courses will encounter some road crossings - please take appropriate care.
This is a busy public area - please take normal precautions.

Event Queries

NI Orienteering Championships 2022
2022-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Carntogher, 132A Tirkane Road, Maghera, BT46 5NH, Northern Ireland
Carntogher - NIOA Long Distance Championships 15th October 2022
This year's Long Distance Championships will be held in an area completely new to Orienteering - the South-East slopes of Carntogher mountain in the east Sperrins. Although only a few miles from Glenshane Pass the terrain here is completely different and as you can see below it features a wealth of subtle contour detail. In addition to the natural features, the area has a network of unusual earthbanks which add landscape interest and linear features for the less technical courses.

The east-facing slopes feature rich contour detail

A new plot and map by Peel Map Surveys should make the best of the area.

A sample of the new map

In recent years the local Community Association has been instrumental in establishing car parking, access, and walking trails which explore the history of this unique landscape and we will make good use of these for our event.
Latest Information (updated 09:00 14th October)

Parking:
Parking will be at the An Carn Community Centre and Cafe. Please do not park directly in front of the centre (this is reserved for normal customers) and use the three areas shown on the map above.
Enquiries:
Enquiries, hire dipper pick up and car key drop will be at the An Carn centre.

Results will be live online but also on display at enquiries.
SI Air:
The controls will be SI Air enabled (beacon mode), but the start and finish must be dipped in the traditional fashion.
Bus to Start:
A shuttle bus will take competitors to the start and from the finish. This will leave adjacent to event enquiries. It will take 10 minutes to drive to the drop-off. There is then a further 10 minute uphill walk to the start.
Weather / Safety:
The forecast for Saturday is currently for showers, possibly heavy with a strong gusting wind and strong wind chill. The carrying of a cagoule is strongly recommended and may be required so please ensure you have one with you. Whistles are compulsory. There will be a small tent at the start.

The finish is adjacent to the bus drop off and clothing may be left there.

Please read the map notes and hazards at the foot of the page. This is an unusual area and rock and water features require extra care.
Prize Giving:
This will be in the An Carn Centre as close to 3pm as possible
Toilets:
There are toilets in the An Carn centre - please make use of these if possible. There will also be a single toilet by the bus drop-off point.
Cafe:
There is a good cafe in the An Carn centre providing meals, snacks and coffee. Please support this community enterprise.
Start Lists
Start lists page now live at the link below:

NIOA Champs 2022 Carntogher Start Lists

Any problems contact us with the Query form below.
Entries:
This is a Pre-entry event.

Juniors £9 (NIOA/BOF/IOA members £7)
Full-time Students £9 (NIOA/BOF/IOA members £7)
Seniors £18 (NIOA /BOF/IOA members £16)
Family multiple individual runs £45 (NIOA /BOF/IOA members £40)

Entries will be via the SIEntries Website

Entries now closed - but we have a few spare maps on some courses. So contact us if you would like to run and we will see what we can do!

Enter Online
Edit Entry
Entry List

Event Query

Start and Finish:
First start 11:00 – last start 13:00.

Please allow at least 25 minutes to catch the shuttle bus and walk 400m (40m climb) to the start. The finish (and download) is adjacent to the bus pickup point.

Courses Close at 15:00.
Map:
All courses will use a new 1:10,000 map. This has been surveyed by Peel Land Surveys spring 2022.
Course Details (Final):

Course

Length
Climb

Classes

1
7.8
290m
M21L

2
7.4
290m
M35, M40

3
6.3
280m
M45, M50, M20, M18, W21

4
5.7
210m
M55, M21S, M16, M60

5
4.6
225m
W20, W18, W35, W40

6
4.1
185m
M65, W45, W50

7
3.5
165m
M70, W55, W21S, W16, W60

8
3.2
150m
M75, W65, W70, Green

9
2.2
120m
W75, M80, M85, M90, W80, W85, W90

10
2.9
150m
W14, M14, Light Green

11
1.7
105m
M12, W12, Orange

12
1.3
65m
M10, W10, Yellow

Yellow, Orange, Light Green, and Green colour courses are also available. These are pre-entry only.
Mapping Notes
The higher areas of Carntogher has many old peat cuttings which in places is complex. To best represent this the mapper has modified the steep bank symbol by reducing the length of the tags and in places removing the tags all together. In the terrain these are most commonly a 1m drop and fairly easy to cross, though in places they are even smaller than this but always distinct features in the terrain. Sometimes the cuttings face each other and are too close to map so here the wet ditch symbol has been used to represent the line of cuttings. However in other locations the symbol can be a traditional ditch often with flowing water.
There are many patches of gorse across the area and in most cases these have been shown as Vegetation Fight but occasionally when younger Vegetation Walk. Only the most distinct trees and bushes are represented.
Knoll symbols are used to indicate not only very small hills as we would expect in Ireland, but also to indicate high points on hills.
The unusually geology/hydrology of the area results in water channels cutting below the surface vegetation in places. This makes small streams more difficult to see and indeed you may hear water courses (or linear marches) before you see them! Extra care is required.

The marsh symbol tends to be a better guide to vegetation type than the actual wetness of the ground. By Irish mountain standards, the area is relatively dry (probably because of the unusual hydrology mentioned above).
Planning Notes
The best terrain at Carntogher is clumped together on the easterly facing slope and lies between about 250 and 450m above sea level. In making best use of this, climb is inevitable mainly on the first half of courses. This is reflected in shorter than usual courses. Care is required on all courses over the “yellow” open hillside particularly whilst descending on account of the numerous areas of surface bouldery stones.

Dogs:
No dogs are allowed in the competition area.
Hazards:

The area is open, exposed and mountainous. Please bring a cagoule which you may be required to carry if weather conditions are poor.
Some of the faster hillside areas contain many small rocks. Please exercise care, particularly while descending.
Be aware that the unusual hydrology of the area results in some small sinkholes and linear trenches forming in the surface peat.
Most of the competition area is over 800 feet so low visibility is very possible. Ensure you carry a compass and be prepared to lose height to the SW should you need to retire.
Whistles must be carried.

All participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety

NI Colour series 7
2022-11-26 10:00 - 14:30 | Learmount Wood, 197 Learmount Road, Claudy, BT47 4BB, Northern Ireland
Learmount Wood

Saturday 26th November 2022

We can't promise snow - but the woods will be generally lovely and only occasionally dark and deep!
Getting there
The easiest approach is to follow the road signs to Park from just outside Dungiven on the A6. The new dualed route of the A6 is almost complete, but at the time of writing the Dungiven bypass is closed.

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Learmount Community Centre
School Lane, Learmount Rd, Park, Londonderry BT47 4AL
Parking
The main parking will be at the Learmount Community Centre with overflow parking available at the adjacent recycling centre and resource centre.

Venue
Learmount Wood is located adjacent to Park village which nestles at the foot of Sawel Mountain. The forest boasts a mixture of pine and deciduous trees, including a lovely section of Beech and a wide variety of habitats. The paths in and around the forest are not overly manicured which does tend to present the forest in a more rugged and natural light. Other interesting features of the forest, apart from the beauty and tranquillity of the woods, are the Castle and The River Faughan.

Terrain
The wood is generally runnable, although there is quite a lot of up and downs, and Brown/Blue/Green will have an initial steep ascent to access the far side of the road (south of the map) which has matured in recent years.

Courses may seem slightly shorter than normal, the steepness of some courses and time of year have been factored into this.
Entries
Pre-entries only - no entry on the day.

Entries now closed – but we have a few spare maps on some courses. So contact us (using the form below) if you would like to run and we will see what we can do!

Enter Online
Edit your Entry
View Entry Lists

Course Details:

Controls
Distance (km)
Climb (m)

Brown
21
5.7
265

Blue
19
4.9
180

Green
12
3.8
125

Short Green
10
3.2
125

Light Green
11
2.6
130

Orange
12
2.7
110

Yellow
9
1.9
45

White
8
1.4
35

White Course Warm up run
Some extra White Course Maps are available for anyone who would like to take a jog around the White Course before their main run. Please return your maps when you are finished.

Starts and road crossings

There will be two starts (see map above). The shorter course will start adjacent to the community centre while Green/Blue/Brown will courses start over the public road on the southern part of the map. This will involve a walk of approximately 300m. It is highly recommended to walk down the right-hand side of the road to the start, there is plenty of verges to step onto and there is a good view of oncoming traffic.

These courses will eventually cross the road onto the northern section of the map and this will be a timed-out crossing point which will entail following tapes to the next control. The time-out is 3 minutes,

Map
The map has had a major update in November 2022 to reflect the forest's maturity and increased runnability. The scale for all courses will be 1:7500.

Sample of the new map

Toilet facilities will be available in the community centre.
Hazards

Brown, Blue and Green runners will walk along and cross a public road on the way to the start control. The later crossing back over will be timed controlled, but unmanned. Should any under 16s enter these courses we will ensure the crossing is manned for them.
Parents should be aware the area is bounded by a river which flows very powerfully in flood.
Courses from Light Green upward will cross an unbridged stream. With recent rain the water may be up to a foot deep in places at the crossing point. A tree handrail has been provided to assist in crossing.

Event Queries

Tireighter Wedge Tomb just above Park Village

NWOC 500 - Xmas Event 2022
2022-12-27 11:00 - 13:00 | Roe Valley Country Park, 41 Dogleap Rd, Limavady, BT49 9NN, Northern Ireland
Date: – Tuesday 27 December 2022

Venue: – Roe Valley Country Park Visitor Centre
Directions

From Dungiven: – approach Limavady on B68 and turn left at the brown "Roe Valley Country Park" sign and follow Dogleap Road to the visitor centre.

From Limavady: – follow signs from the town centre for Dungiven / B68. Just after the end of the town speed limit turn right at the brown "Roe Valley Country Park" sign and follow Dogleap Road to the visitor centre.
Course
There will one course, a score with a 45 minute time limit (10 penalty points per minute late). If you manage to visit all the controls within the time you will score 500 points - 10 for every year of North West Orienteering Club Orienteering!
Mass Start
There will be a mass start for the score event at 12:00. Please assemble at the Roe Valley Park Centre by 11:45 for a short walk to the start point (across the road bridge).
Electronic Punching
Sportident Electronic punching with beacon mode enabled for SI Air on all controls but not on the start and finish boxes which must be “dipped” in the traditional manner. Ordinary SI cards will work on all controls as normal. Passive SI dippers are available for hire and can be booked in the entry system.
Entry Fees

Juniors £4
Seniors £7

FAMILY GROUP Just enter one junior name for 1 map or two junior names for two maps.
Map
Scale 1:5000 2.5m contours
Online Entry

Enter Online
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Entries close on Monday 26th December at 18.00
Toilets
Toilets are available at the Centre.
Refreshments
Tea and Coffee supplied at the finish.
AGM
The NWOC AGM will follow at 14.00hrs.
Hazards

Parents should be aware that the River Roe runs through the competition area and may be in spate after heavy rain.
Parents should be aware there are high cliffs associated with the upper part of the river in the competition area.

NI Colour Series 1 - Pomeroy
2023-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 | Pomeroy, 56 Tanderagee Rd, Dungannon , Northern Ireland
Saturday 4th March 2023
Getting there:

Pomeroy Forest Park, Between Cookstown and Dungannon

1 hour approx. from Limavady, Belfast and Enniskillen
Parking:
All parking will be on areas of hard standing in the centre of the competition area.

Registration will operate from 11:00am.

Starts from 11.30 to 13.00pm.

Courses Close at 3.00pm.

Start and Finish are both adjacent to the parking/registration.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £6 (NIOA members £5)
Seniors £12 (NIOA members £10)
Family £30 (NIOA members £25)

Online Entry

Enter Online
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Entry List

Entries now closed – but we have a few spare maps on some courses. So contact us (using the form below) if you would like to run, let us know which course you would like and we will see what we can do!

Closing date Sunday 26th February at 22.00 hrs.

Course Details:

Course
Length
Climb

White
1.8 km
30m

Yellow
2.2 km
40m

Orange
2.7 km
60m

Light Green
2.8 km
50m

Short Green
2.9 km
75m

Green*
4.5 km
100m

Blue
5.9 km
140m

Brown
7.1 km
160m

*Please note that the Green Course first control is in a different direction from that of all other courses!
Map:
All courses will use a 1:10,000 map printed on waterproof material. Code descriptions will be at registration and printed on the maps.
Out of Bounds:
All public roads along the edge of the forest are out of bounds and will be marked as such on your map, Please ensure you observe this.
Dogs:
Dogs should be kept on a lead.
Terrain Notes:
From an orienteering perspective, the useable areas of the forest are mainly coniferous, undulating and with an abundance of old boundaries and drainage ditches. A few areas of rough open parkland with mature isolate trees are reminders of the former Demesne. There are a number of paths and trail loops varying from heavily used stone blinded paths to less distinct trails used only by the more adventurous walker. The courses have been planned within the runnable areas, visibility is generally good. Only some legs will encounter mixed scrubby seasonal vegetation depending upon the route chosen. Whilst runability is generally good, the momentum is often broken by ditches, ridges and furrows associated with the lines of planting. The area is very compact, so in order to keep path running to a minimum expect courses with lots of twisting and turning with higher numbers of controls than usual.

A lot of rhododendron bushes have been cut back in areas of the forest, The cuttings have been left lying in the forest making running very difficult. These areas have been marked as slow run.

Full leg cover recommended.

Toilets no toilets are available at the event.
Hazards:

The entrance to the forest from the B160 is on a bend – please take extra care when arriving and leaving.
Take care when driving from the forest entrance to the parking because the access route passes through the competition area.

All participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.

Benone Training (sand dunes)
2023-08-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Benone Dunes, 53 Benone Avenue, Limavady, Northern Ireland
Saturday 19th August
Meet at 11.00am in car park at Benone Complex.Assembly area 2 minutes from car park along path directly to beach.

This is technical orienteering training based on reading contours and will be suitable for runners at light green standard and above.

We will all help to put out 20 markers
Three short training loops of 1.7km or Score.
Collect in to finish at 13.00

Full leg cover compulsory.Everyone welcome.Please email anthony@nwoc.info to book a map.

NI Colour Series 5 - Portstewart Dunes
2023-09-02 10:30 - 15:00 | Portstewart Sand Dunes, 110 Strand Road, Portstewart, BT55 7PG, Northern Ireland
Saturday 2nd September 2023
Location

Parking
Parking will be on the beach. Please note that the National Trust charges non-members £8.00 per car to drive on the beach. If you are a member please remember to bring your card. Please park at the east end of the beach where you will find the event enquiries at the NWOC camper van (with club feather flag). This will also be the location for dipper download. The start is 1.3km down the beach.
Entries
Pre-entries only - no entry on the day.All entries via SIEntries Website. Entries are now closed.

Enter Online
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Event Enquiries will operate from 10:30am. Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Electronic Punching
Sportident Electronic punching with beacon mode enabled for SI Air on all controls but not on the start and finish boxes which must be "dipped" in the traditional manner. Ordinary SI cards will work on all controls as normal. Passive SI dippers are available for hire and can be booked in the entry system. Starts The pre-entry start blocks are from from 11.30am to 13.00pm. We should also be able to provide starts from 11:00 to 11:30 on request for those who need to run earlier. Please use the contact form below for this or our queries. Courses Close at 3.00pm. Start is 1.3km down the beach a short distance into the dunes. Cagoules, water bottles etc. may be left here adjacent to the finish. Finish is adjacent to the start. All competitors must report to the finish and the Download point even if they do not complete their courses. Download is at the east end of the beach in the main car parking area.
Water
Please bring your own water and make sure you are fully hydrated before starting.
Entry Fees:

Juniors £6 (NIOA members £5)
Seniors £12 (NIOA members £10)

Maps:
A waterproof 1:5000 map of Portstewart Strand (updated summer 2023) will be used by all courses.
Crossing Points
Most courses will cross fences which divide the area. There are several gates in each. These are highlighted with the purple crossing symbol and must be used. Fences and walls must not be climbed. White Course Owing to the physical nature of the Dunes we have decided not to offer a white course. However if parents wish to accompany younger children around the yellow course to give them the experience of being in this exciting area we will make every effort to facilitate this. Please use the contact form to request a yellow map for parent accompanied run.
Course Details

Course
Controls
Length

White (see above)

Yellow
11
1.7 km

Orange
13
2.5 km

Light Green
13
2.4 km

Short Green
13
2.3 km

Green
19
3.2 km

Blue
21
4.9 km

Brown
27
6.4 km

Dogs:
No dogs are allowed in the competition area (see note below on blue - green algae).
Toilets:
Toilets are located by the National Trust booth at the beach entrance.
Terrain Notes:
Portstewart is classic sand dunes Orienteering terrain. The area is unusual in that it is bounded by the sea to the north and by the River Bann to the south and west. In recent years large amounts of thorny scrub have been removed by the National Trust. This has increased runability and opened up new sections of terrain. Almost all courses will be confined to the west part of the dunes. Some of this area is relatively fast with a simple, but indistinct, path network, but the far west section has few paths and the contour detail here is particularly complex. There are a number of fences in these areas and the marked gate crossings must be used.

Blue green algae

There is currently blue green algae in the River Bann which bounds the south of the competitor area. There is no reason for runners to go near the water so the main hazard is to dogs. Subsequently we have changed our "all dogs on leads" rule for this event to "no dogs on courses". Access to the beach is as normal.

Hazards:

Parents should be aware that there will be regular car traffic driving up and down the beach past our parking area and some traffic all the way along the walk to the start. Please supervise children accordingly.
The area is bounded by the river Bann to the south and the yellow course runs in sight of its marshy banks.
If the weather is sunny the dunes can become very hot (particularly in the hollows) and dehydration is possible. Runners should ensure they are well hydrated before starting and bring their own water bottle.
In windy and wet conditions the dunes are very exposed and the wearing of cagoules may be advised.
Brown course runners will pass in sight of the edge of Portstewart Golf course (which is of course out of bounds). One possible route choice will bring the runner part way towards a green and competitors must be aware that there is a small chance of a driven ball crossing into the dunes from the golf course and exercise appropriate caution.

Event Queries

NWOC Xmas Event 2023
2023-12-28 11:00 - 13:30 | Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne, 10 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, BT51 4SB, Northern Ireland
Thursday 28th December 2023

Parking
Main parking will be in the National Trust car park for Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple (Lion's Gate). Please note that there is a charge of £7:50 for non National Trust members for the use of this car park (another reason to share transport)!

Entries
Online Entries are now closed. However we have ordered some spare maps so it you would like a run please use the Contact Form and tell us which course(s) and we will facilitate if possible.

Enter Online
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Event Enquiries will operate from 11:00am. Having entered online you can go directly to the start for 11:30 mass start (5 minutes walk). Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
(Mass) Start:
There will be a joint mass start for medium and long runners at 11:30 (or soon after). The Score mass start will be about 11:35.

Courses Close at 1.00pm.
Entry Fees:

Juniors / Family Group £4 (non-members £5)
Seniors £7 (non-members £8)

Maps:
An updated 1:5000 of Downhill Demesne will be used by all courses. This has been updated to reflect the closure of several paths (these areas are now out of bounds).
Special feature - Ha-Ha
The area features a number of 'invisible' livestock barriers called 'ha-has' (the name supposedly deriving from the exclamation genteel visitors would have made when they discovered them). Runners on the wrong side might make a different exclamation!
It is not recommended you try to cross them in either direction. The inset graphic above shows how they are represented on the map with a wall and steep slope symbol in parallel.
Crossing Points

The area has many pedestrian gates and permanent stiles. These are highlighted with the purple crossing symbol and must be used.

Fences and walls must not be climbed.

Course Details:
The Long and Medium courses will both have a mass start at 11:30am, but these will not be score events! Instead the courses will be a mixture of control clusters which you can visit in any order (but you must visit all) and linking sections of traditional in-sequence linear orienteering. Everyone does all the controls and the fastest time (first back) is the winner.

Here is a sample course which shows how this works (with map features removed):

Notice that within the free order clusters the control descriptions omit the sequence numbers.

Please note that the Long course will go through a fenced area with cattle. Medium and Score do not.

The Score (30 minutes time limit) is a traditional format and the more physical controls and controls in the cattle grazing area have been omitted to make it suitable for all. It has been planned with variable points controls and the intention that those running should not be able to visit all controls in the 30 minutes. See below for an example of how the points are included in the control descriptions:

Details

Course
Controls
Approx Length

Long
23
7 km

Medium
13
3.5 km

Score
14
30 minutes

Sheep and Cattle:
The long course (only) will visit an enclosed area with cattle grazing. There may be sheep grazing in the main National Trust area.

Dogs must not accompany runners. Should you wish to go for a walk after your run, dogs are permitted on leads within the National Trust area.
Toilets:
There are good toilet facilities associated with the National Trust car park.
Terrain Notes:
The Downhill Demesne map is made up of three distinct areas. Firstly a headland area of fast open parkland surrounding the castle with magnificent sea views. In the middle of the map a small wooded glen runs via an artificial lake to the sea. Finally the east section of the map is a second exposed headland but with much rougher vegetation and some contour detail - this is where the cattle are, but the area is only visited by the long course.
Al's Coffee Bar:
There is a permanent 'coffee shack' in the National Trust car park which serves hot drinks and snacks.
Hazards:

There are high sea cliffs to the north of the area but these are guarded by a substantial boundary wall.
The long course will pass through an area where cattle are grazing for conservation purposes. Please exercise normal caution if close to these animals.
Please take care when passing other users of the area, particularly at gates and on narrow paths.
Parents should be aware that the car park opens directly onto the busy A2 road.

NI Score Champs 2024
2024-02-17 00:00 | St Columb's Park, 2 Browning Drive, Londonderry, BT47 6HN, Northern Ireland
Saturday 17th February 2024
Venue: St Columb's Park

Parking
The event will start from the car park of St Columb's Park House NOT the Foyle Arena. Turn off the Limavady Road just past the Foyle Area entrance onto St Columb's Road / Browning Drive and then turn right following signs to St Columb's Park House. Additional parking is available adjacent to Browning Drive and at Foyle Arena.
Entries
Entries will be online only and will open shortly.

Enter Online
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Event Enquiries will operate from 13:15. Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Indoor Facilities
The room which will be used for the NIOA prize Giving has been booked for the duration of the event and is avalable for compeitor use. Plaese ensure you remove running shoes before entering this room.
Entry Fees (score champs only)

Senior £10 (non-members £12)
Full-time Student £5 (non-members £6)
Junior £5 (non-members £6)
Family £25 (non-members £30)

Entry Fees (night champs and score champs)

Senior £16 (non-members £18)
Full-time Student £8 (non-members £9)
Junior £8 (non-members £9)
Family £40 (non-members £45)

Starts
Briefing for all runners at 13:45.

Senior mass start: 14:00
Junior mass start 14:05

Courses
Two courses are on offer. A Junior (M/W14-) with a 30 minute time limit and a senior score with a 45 minute time limit.

The Junior course will be confined to the grounds of St Columbs Park.
The Senior course will also include Ebrington Square (crossing Browning Drive which is a public road - please take extra care here).

The Senior course will use a double sided map with even number control on side one, odd on side two. Competitors will initially visit as many even controls on side one as they wish before turning over the map continuing with the odd controls on side two.

Please note that once you punch an odd control you cannot score more points from visiting even controls - the sides must be run in order.
Map
A newly updated 1:4000 map will be used by both courses.
Cafe in the Park
St Columb's Park House Cafe will be open for the duration of the event for Coffee / Tea and light meals.
NIOA Prize Giving
The NIOA prizing will follow the Orienteering at approximately 15:30.

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NI Night Champs 2024
2024-02-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Ballykelly Forest, 320 Clooney Rd, Ballykelly, BT49 9JE, Northern Ireland
17th February 2024
Venue: Ballykelly Wood

Parking
Parking will be the official forest car park on the south side of the A2 - entrance opposite Craig's Costcutters.
Entries
Entries will be online only and will open shortly.

Enter Online
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Event Enquiries will operate from 17:45. Having entered online you can go directly to the start. Runners who have hired a dipper can collect them from Enquiries.
Entry Fees (night champs only)

Senior £10 (non-members £12)
Full-time Student £5 (non-members £6)
Junior £5 (non-members £6)
Family £25 (non-members £30)

Entry Fees (night champs and score champs)

Senior £16 (non-members £18)
Full-time Student £8 (non-members £9)
Junior £8 (non-members £9)
Family £40 (non-members £45)

Starts
First start will be as soon after 18:00 as light levels permit (twilight is 18:15).
Courses Close
Competitors must finish (or abandon) their courses by 8.00pm. This is particularly important to observe for night orienteering.
Map
An updated 1:5000 of Ballykelly Wood will be used by all courses.
Provisional course lengths

Course
Length (Km)
Climb (Metres)

Short
2.7
90

Medium
3.5
120

Long
4.1
130

Competitor Safety
If you are new to night orienteering please be aware that night events are physically demanding and require a higher level of technical skill. Please choose your course accordingly.

As this is a night event competitors must be in age groups M/W16 and above.

All competitors must carry a whistle and head torch. Reflective clothes are strongly recommended (to aid location of lost / missing runners should this be necessary). Also carrying a spare torch is recommended in case of battery failure etc.

You may be required to carry a cagoule, depending on weather conditions.

Please also read the spesfic hazards section at the foot of the page.
Toilets
There will be no toilets at the event. Competitors previously attending the Score Champs / AGM in St Columb's Park should use the facilities there.
Dogs
Dogs must not accompany runners on courses.
Terrain Notes
While Ballykelly is a small forest, it has a complex network of tracks and small paths running through a diverse patchwork of forest types. Around the periphery there is a band of naturally regenerating traditional mixed forest with the core being comprised of blocks of coniferous plantation. This central area has matured well in recent years and now offers a good degree of runnability. Visibility varies, particularly in the natural forest area where Holly bushes etc. make straight line running difficult and careful compass work will pay dividends.

The area is used by mountain bikers who have contributed to the path network and provide a number of rough bridges across ditches - these should always be treated with caution.
Hazards

There is a steep sided old quarry, quite close to a main internal forest road (sse map segment above).

All courses have been planned that competitors, should not be approaching from above as part of their route choice, should anyone approach , they will see yellow/ black tape cordoning this off
If competitors see black/yellow tape, then they should check their location, this will confirm their position

Bridges made by Mountain bikers - there are a number of these, we cannot guarantee how well built they are, they are mostly composed of wood, and can be particularly slippery

Usual slip/trip hazards of a forested area, that are less visible by night
