Our event is based in Almondell Country Park, near Livingston. For the avoidance of confusion, note that the event was previously scheduled for 3rd June, then 6th May, before finally settling on 13th May!

We have now mapped a large area of urban estate to the east of the country park. The green course will use this, as well as the country park. The green course will therefore be a mix of fast urban with more traditional country park orienteering. We believe the green course will present some interesting challenges including transitions from fast urban to terrain orienteering.For those not wishing to include the urban section, and for U-16s who don't wish to be shadowed, there is a short green course as an alternative.

The slopes in Almondell are steep so we would advise green course runners to wear shoes with a good grip but not dob spikes, because of the high proportion of tarmac running. Full leg cover will be needed.

Entries are open on

Entries close midnight Monday 8th May.

LOCATION

Registration / Assembly are at the Ranger / Visitor Centre in the Park. Toilets are available, and start and finish are nearby.

• Google maps
• NT090692
• ///plays.assembles.afternoon

DIRECTIONS

Almondell Country Park has 2 car parks - north (500m to registration) or south (900m) - and you should park in one of these before walking to the Ranger / Visitor centre where the event is based.

North Car Park:

• Google maps
• EH52 5PE
• NT091696 /
• ///aviation.cement.feel

Head past Broxburn on the A89 and follow the brown Almondell and Calderwood Country Park signs from the A89 crossroads on the south side of Broxburn. After leaving the A89, slow down and take care at the bridges and underpasses as two of them narrow to a single lane with very limited visibility.

From the car park, walk down the footpath approx 500m to the Ranger Centre for registration and toilets.

If the north car park is full, please do not park along the approach road and instead drive round to the south car park.

South Car Park:

• Google maps
• EH53 0ET
• NT091682 /
• ///beginning.examiner.entrusted

This is to the norht side of the B7015 as it approaches the east side of East Calder. From the car park itself, follow the footpath west into the woods for approx 20m then turn right along the driveway for approx 900m to the Ranger Centre, event registration and toilets.

If the south car park is full we are allowed to park in the cemetery car park opposite.

ENTRY AND ENTRY FEES

Entries are open on

Entries close midnight Monday 8th May.

Advance entries will reopen on Tuesday with a limited number of maps as we will have ordered the maps at this point, and close finally at midnight on Thursday 11th May . A small number of extra maps will be available on a first come first served basis on the day but you are strongly advised to enter in advance to guarantee a map.

For any last minute queries or to reserve a map after entries close, please contact: events@interlopers.org.uk. Fees are as follows:

• Seniors: £6 (SOA/BOF-affiliated club members) / £8 (non-members)
• Juniors / Students: £3 (SOA/BOF-affiliated club members) / £4 (non-members)
• Pairs / Family Groups - entry fee as above for oldest member of group then request extra map(s) as desired at £1 each on entry form.

TERRAIN

Stunning river valley with a mix of mature deciduous woodland, coniferous forest, grassland, some slopes and a good path network. The green course will include sections of urban orienteering through a modern housing estate.

Due to the part-urban nature of the green course, please do not wear dob spikes.

COURSES

Maps will be at 1:5000 scale, printed on A4 paper, planned by Chris Dibben and Philippa Ascough.

Loose control descriptions will be available.

REGISTRATION, START AND FINISH

Start times 1:30 - 2:30 (beginners) / 1:30 - 3pm (intermediate and experienced orienteers). Start and finish are both close to registration (within 100m).

Courses close at 4pm at which time controls will begin to be collected in.

Everyone must report to the finish and proceed to Download, whether they finish their courses or not. Otherwise you will trigger a search party and potentially a call to the emergency services as we try to locate you!

If you think you may take a while on your chosen course, please ask for an early start time.

TOILETS

There are toilets at the Visitor Centre.

ELECTRONIC TIMING

SportIdent (SI) electronic timing will be used, with SI Air enabled.  If you have your own SI dibber, please bring it.  Otherwise SI dibbers can be hired free of charge, but with £30 charge if lost.  This must have been requested when booking your place for the event.

PRIVACY

When entering our orienteering events your name may appear in the results section of the Interlopers orienteering club website.  We do not share your data with any other organisations, other than the sport governing bodies for administrative purposes.  We do not use it for any marketing purposes.  By entering the event you are accepting this condition.

SAFETY NOTICE

Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event. By entering the event you are accepting this condition. 

Parents/guardians should explain all safety aspects to all children and vulnerable persons in their care and if you are in any doubt about their ability to stay safe only allow them to participate with a carer.

A comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out by the organiser. 

Please note:

(1) Water courses must not be crossed, except at bridges.  The Aqueduct bridge has low beams, so make sure you duck before crossing.

(2) A small number of vehicles use the north driveway and disabled car park near the Ranger Centre.  Vehicles also use the main car parks and adjacent roads.  You must watch for vehicles, give way and follow the Highway Code. In the urban area which is used only by the green course there is likely to be more car traffic. Be careful at all road crossings.

(3) The park is used by the general public, including dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders.  Please respect their right to use the park and make room for them to pass safely.  With bike and horse riders it is important to talk clearly to them as you approach and pass them, otherwise they might not know you are there and horses are likely to think you are a predator and panic.

(4) You are required to abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and if necessary give way or stop running temporarily for safety, e.g. some horses, dogs, etc.  It is important that everyone acts responsibly, not least because the Rangers and friends of the park will be watching how orienteers conduct themselves.  We do not want to jeopardise future access.

(5) Good hygiene is required in the countryside, so wash your hands after competing and especially before eating.

(6) Cuts and scratches cause problems, so you are required to wear full leg cover.  If the weather is bad, you might be required to wear a coat.  It is recommended that you carry a whistle for emergencies (6 blasts, wait, repeat). 

Forthcoming Events

Gracemount Sprintelope #7 - Wednesday 22nd May 2024

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