Hargate ForestSat 20 Jan
Kent Orienteering League, event 5
Local level event
Explanation of event levels
Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport and Training events are non competitive and used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Regional events attract participants from around the local Region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships. Virtual events are where there are no physical controls being used. Your presence at a control is registered using an App on your mobile phone, normally the free MapRun App.
Terrain type: Woodland
Results
Report
Chilly weather led to hard packed frozen ground. Whilst icy in a few places, it made Hargate more runnable generally. Some great courses packed into a relatively small area on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells. Thanks to Andrea Pauling on organising and planning an excellent first event and to all the helpers. Great to see so many participants enjoying the outdoors and getting stuck in. Some super swift performances on the Blue, and some great performances by some of our younger members taking on the more challenging courses.
Kent Orienteering League
Kent Orienteering League events are organised by Saxons and DFOK and take place on Saturday mornings. A range of courses are available to suit all abilities including newcomers with no experience. League tables are published after each event.
Location Info
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Near: Tunbridge Wells Lat,Lng: 51.11616,0.24350 What3Words: ///goose.bungalows.evenly
Open an interactive map in: GoogleMap - OpenStreetMap - AppleMaps - BingMap
Directions / Parking
Hargate Forest, owned by the Woodland Trust, is a 61.7-hectare (152.5-acre) site at the southern edge of Tunbridge Wells on the Kent/East Sussex border. It is part of the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Hargate Forest - Visiting Woods - Woodland Trust
Location:
What3Words: ///goose.bungalows.evenly (this is the entrance to use for the event)
Parking will be on the surrounding streets, please park considerately.
Public Transport Options
The closest train station is Tunbridge Wells, there are infrequent bus services (#29) that serve Brighton that will stop at the junction with Broadwater Down
Regency 29 - Brighton-Tunbridge Wells and Heathfield | Brighton & Hove Buses
The start is approximately a 30 minute walk from the station.
Pre-event Details
Map / Terrain
1:7500 scale map, contour intervals 5m. Maps will be printed on A4 waterproof paper.
Mainly woodland with some rough areas and some open terrain. There have been recent thinning works, so can be rough underfoot. There are some unmarked ruined fences so care must be taken. The map has had some minor updates, however dogwalkers have created a lot of indistinct tracks, not all are marked on the map.
Out of bounds: Normal OOB rules and map markings apply. The Woodland Trust have closed some paths to allow the ground to recover after thinning works. These are clearly visible in the forest and marked on the map.
Clothing & footwear: Full body cover is required and studded or spiked shoes are advised. Cagoules may be compulsory in the event of bad weather. Competitors will be advised on the day.
Course Information
Five courses available:
Yellow - Controls (checkpoints) are very easy to find, mostly on main paths, ideal for younger children and complete beginners. Approx distance 2.2 km, 50m climb.
Orange - Moderate, controls are on or near paths with more route choice. Good for progressing juniors and beginner adults who are reasonably confident reading a map. Approx distance 3.3 km, 90m climb.
Green - As technically hard as we can make it, for experienced orienteers requiring a shorter run than the blue course. Approx distance 4.9 km, 120m climb.
Blue - As technically hard as we can make it, for experienced orienteers. Approx distance 6.8 km, 200m climb. Map will be double-sided.
Score - No set distance, but a 60 minute time limit. Find as many of the 21 controls as possible in one hour. Good for adult beginners, those progressing from orange to green, and those that want to be back in a set time. Additional rule for Hargate: the course will be split into odd / even numbered controls. Find as many controls as you want to in one set before switching to the other set.
Read more about Course lengths and Difficulty here
Entry Details
Pre-entry only. This will be via http://www.racesignup.co.uk
Senior (member/non-member): £7/£10
Junior/Student (member/non-member) £4/£6
Group (member/non-member): £10/£15
Basic non-SIAC dibber (electronic timing device) available for hire free of charge. SIAC dibbers available for hire for £1.50.
Entries close the day before the event.
Registration and Start times
Registration opens at 10.30 to collect hire dibbers and yellow course maps that will be made available in advance. There will be experienced orienteers on hand to help newcomers.
Start times will be from 11:00 to 12:30. Courses close at 14:00.
Facilities
There are no facilities in the wood. Closest toilet location is at Sainsburys.
Dog restrictions
The woodland Trust link says dogs welcome. As long as they are under control there shouldn't be an issue but bear in mind this is a well used area by the public.
Contacts / Officials
Andrea Pauling (email hidden; JavaScript is required)
Nearest A&E Hospital
Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Tonbridge Road, Pembury, TN2 4QJ
NHS Urgent care search