Saxons Summer Event 4 at Whinless Down and High Meadow

Location

Nearest town: Dover

• Grid Ref:
• Postcode: CT17 0DQ
• Latitude: 51.12923
• Longitude: 1.29033
• Google Map
• Streetmap (OS 50k)
• Bing Map (OS 50k)
• OpenStreetMap

Directions / Parking

Assembly is opposite the entrance to Dover Grammar School for Boys at the end of Noahs Ark Road, Dover CT17 0DQ (w3w: sticks.wasp.beams).

Please park along Noahs Ark Road or on the gravel track beyond the school.

NOTE - there are roadworks in the area as traffic calming bumps are replaced but should be passable.

If approaching from M20 continue onto A20 then left to Dover mid-way between Folkestone and the port (B2011 Folkestone road). As you come into the town left at mini-roundabout (Elms Vale road) then 3rd right (Eaton road which becomes Astor Avenue). After 500m turn left into Northbourne avenue and 2nd left into Noahs Ark road. Continue to end.

From A2 come down the flyover over the docks, left at roundabout then right at 2nd set of lights (disregarding pedestrian lights) onto York street (A256). Left at roundabout (B2011 Folkestone road), past the station, and turn right at mini-roundabout onto Elms Vale road then 3rd right (Eaton road which becomes Astor Avenue). After 500m turn left into Northbourne avenue and 2nd left into Noahs ark road. Continue to end. (Sat Nav might take a more diect route which is fine just less easy to describe).

Public Transport options

Dover Priory station is about 2 km away.

Registration & Start Times

Starts will be at 1 minute intervals 11.00-12.30 (you specify your time when registering).  Please keep clear of the Start area until your start window opens.

Control descriptions will not be available in the start lanes on the day but they are on the maps.

If you don’t have a dibber (electronic timing device) you can hire one (request during registration) and collect it before starting.

When it is your start time, please use the hand sanitiser provided and follow the start volunteer’s instructions. If you miss your start time we should be able to slot you in at a spare minute a little later.

The start will be a self-service affair as much as possible. Please ensure you clear your dibber on entering the start lane by entering it into the clear box, and punch the Check box, (for safety check and also to enable SIAC dibbers). When it is your turn, punch the ‘start’ box and don’t forget to start your watch.

Controls will be SIAC contactless enabled so those with SIACs can swipe, others must “punch” the dibber as normal (including hire dibbers), just push the dibber into the hole in the unit. Finish must be punched by all.

Please do not linger at controls, move away once you have punched. Try to maintain the 10/2 rule (stay 10m behind runners on path legs, 2m at controls).

After your run

After your run please don't forget to download: use hand sanitiser provided and follow the instructions on the screen at download. Please remember to return hired dibbers by placing them in the pink container provided.

Course Information

Score courses; there will be 21 controls in total.

Short Score - Find as many controls as you can in any order within 60 minutes. 10 points for each control collected.  Please note, here will be 5 penalty points per minute late back.

Long Score - there will be two number series 40's and 50's with a compulsory non-scoring changeover control (number 60). Visit as many controls as you want in one series before punching the changeover control and moving to the other series (then no changing back). 60 minute time limit. There will be 10 penalty points per minute late back.

The map will be double sided at scale 1:4,000. A composite map shownig how the two sides relate will be displayed before the start.

Explanation of colour courses

• White are very easy with all controls on paths. They are mainly used by 6-10 year olds and family groups.
• Yellow use simple linear features like paths, walls and streams. They are mainly used by under 12’s and family groups.
• Orange progress to basic use of the compass and route choice. They are ideal for novice adults or experienced youngsters.
• Light Green are ideal for improvers as the navigational difficulty begins to increase and uses simple contours and point features.
• Green are used mostly by experienced under 18’s and adults wanting a short but challenging course with a very hard navigational difficulty.
• Blue are a longer, more physically demanding course in comparison to the green. The distances are more varied between controls and the course attracts experienced orienteers.
• Brown & Black are very physically demanding and have a very hard navigational difficulty. They are for experienced orienteers only.
• Score means visiting as many controls as possible in any order in a specific time, like 45mins.

Entry Details

Advance entry only by Racesignup. Details here

Terrain Description

Open area on the top of the downs at Dover with great views out over the Channel. The area comprises a chalk downland ridge falling to woodland on the lower slopes. The start and finish are on the top and many of the controls can be visited without decsending the slopes, however those intending to clear the course will find that there is plenty of climb. The area is divided by fences into a number of compartments for grazing animals (horses or cattle) though they are in low numbers and are unlikey to bother you, or you them.

It is a great location for downland flowers and butterflies.

Facilities

None

Dogs allowed?

Dogs welcome, please keep under close control in the assembly area.

Contacts / Officials

organiser: Simon Blanchflower