West Cumberland Orienteering Club run a series of informal events every Thursday evening throughout Winter (November to May) using different venues each week across some of the most interesting terrain in the Lake District. So it's time to don the headtorch and put your navigational skills to the test. Where events are marked with an '*' there are courses to suit all abilities from novice to expert. However, it isn't always possible to cater for novices on some of the more technical or remote areas, so some events will only have long and short courses. All courses start from 06.00pm to 07:00pm. Please note that courses close at 08:30 so all competitors must report back to registration by then (even if they haven’t completed the course). Cost £2 adults, £1 juniors.
All courses use pre-marked maps (supplied) and electronic punching (e-card hire available). Just turn up to the parking area and register (usually at the car with the crowd around it!).
Please note that parking is often limited so it’s a good idea to car-share if possible.
Remember that the weather will often be inclement (even in the car park), so all competitors must dress accordinglyand carry waterproofs and whistles.
Up to the minute information can be found on the club answerphone (01768 895539)
EVENTS |
Thursday 22nd December Lodore A compact classic area that provides a technical and physical challenge, with lots of features - rock detail, knolls, boulders but also line features (streams, marshes and walls) to help newcomers to night orienteering. This is all in a mainly runnable gorgeus deciduous forested area. And it all comes with a surprise view, a great way to start the festive season. Parking is opposite the view, and also in various laybys around NY 268 189. Start and finish close by. Please drive carefully along this narrow road and be courteous to the local residents. Planner: John Taylor
| Thursday 29th December Cockermouth Streets Come and join in with the bi-annual Crimble O’ and help raise funds for the North West Junior Squad’s tour to Norway in the summer of next year. Long and short standard format courses available, the short course being more suitable for families and younger orienteers whilst the long is suited to those of you who want a bit more of a challenge. Both courses follow a “Christmas Lights” trail, exploring the town’s most festively decorated areas. The courses should be mostly lit by street lights, although a small head torch is recommended due to the odd faulty lamp. Starts between 6.15pm and 7.15pm. Parking is at the Kirkgate Theatre carpark at NY 124 307. Planner: Callum Pearson
| Thursday 5th January Setmurthy This event features a 45 min mass start score event . Start at 7pm prompt. call up at 6.50. Dont be late or if you are youll just have less time Suitable for all standards . Parking along the road at NY 164 313. Planner: Joyce Woffindin
| Thursday 12th January Wasdale A perrenial favourite for the night orienteers with it's varied terrain featuring crags, marshland and faster flat areas down towards the lake. Parking by the lake in the public car park area at NY 150 054. Planner: Alan Irving
| Thursday 19th January Blea Tarn Parking at Miterdale NY147012 with a good walk up the forest track to the start. A very challenging area on a dark night. Be careful not to go off the map and don't forget your spare torch. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A NOVICE COURSE TONIGHT Parking by the river at Mitredale NY 147 012. Planner: Kate Charles
| Thursday 26 January Mosser Back to fast running open fell this week at Mosser, which lies between Lorton and the Loweswater fells. Planners perogative as to how tough this one will be! Parking by the roadside at NY 120 239. Planner: Roger Jackson
| Thursday 2nd February Theif Gill This small area of open fell has plenty features to challenge the night orienteer. Only used once in the past the area is dominated by the extensive Moto Cross track. Parking is on the Moto Cross car park NY 047 222
| Thursday 9th February Holme Wood Off to Holme Wood, Loweswater on a new updated map. The area contains some beautiful areas of woodland and has amazing views over Loweswater and the surrounding fells on a clear night. The woodland has changed considerably over the last few years as brashings have reduced in some areas and others have become more difficult due to fallen trees and undergrowth. The planner will be using the parts that are now more open runnable forest and new features that are now on the map. Parking will be in the usual laybys NY 118 225 on the road on the northwest of the lake and for those who havent been here for a while - the track to the wood has been upgraded and is now dry and easy underfoot. Planner: Jane Hornsby
| Thursday 16th February Ling Fell
Another favourite Thursday night haunt, summer or winter. Ling fell is an open fell area steep in places with good running on the tops. Bordering the Vale of Lorton, the fell is accessed from the hamlet of Wythop. Limited parking along the narrow roadside - please park thoughtfully NY 179 293 Planner: TBA
| Thursday 23rd February Buttermere A new area with runnable open fellside above Crummock Water and some complex areas of natural woodland. An excellent new area. Long, short and easy courses. Parking in the National Trust car park on the western edge of Buttermere village at NY174173 Planner: Bob Barnby
| Thursday 1st March Whinlatter Finishing of the winter series once again in the Keswick area. Last event of the night series but will it be the decider? Physical wooded area with plenty of paths so it should provide good courses for both beginners and experts. Prizegiving following this event in the Coledale Inn, Branthwaite. Parking to be confirmed. Charges may apply. Planner: Graham Watson |