Ashridge Ace of Herts

The going is generally very fast with some limited areas of denser woodland. In the southeastern part of the eastern section in particular, there are many more brambles, so courses have been planned to minimise use of this area.

The major and large paths can be muddy, making straight routes through the forest more attractive. The National Trust have asked that if you do run along paths, you follow the main line even if it is wet or muddy; running round the edges damages the vegetation much more.

Notices asking the public to stay on the paths because of deer management activity can be ignored and there will no such activity on the day of the event.

The area is much used by walkers (many with dogs and/or buggies) and horse riders. Please be considerate to them to help ensure our continued access to this area.

We would like to thank the National Trust, and Ashridge Estate in particular, for access to this excellent forest. Thanks also to Ashridge House for allowing us to turn buses round.

Use the main car park to the east side of the railway line. There are 500+ spaces. Cost per car is £6 all day on a Sunday, payable contactlessly, enforced by ANPR. West Midland Trains operates a No Smoking policy, including car park areas.

Use the footbridge to cross the railway line (not the bridge on the road you came in on, which has a very narrow footway). Shuttle buses will then take you to the start and from the finish. Wear a face covering on buses, unless you are exempt. Please do not wear muddy or spiked shoes on the bus.

There is a clothing dump near the finish where you can leave warm clothing, clean shoes etc. You may be waiting ~15 minutes for a bus.

There are a few closer parking spaces for those who are shielding, please contact the organiser.

Please do not attempt to use the “usual” National Trust car parks. They have explicitly requested that we do not and we do not wish to jeopardise our relationship with the National Trust.

There will be few facilities in the forest – a clothing dump and one loo, principally for volunteers. Please do not rely on it!

The age classes are those recommended for the South East League. You may run any course you wish, but please take note of the course closure time if you are running a longer course than usual.

The going is generally very fast with some limited areas of denser woodland. In the south-eastern part of the eastern section in particular, there are brambles of varying height, obscuring many previously runnable areas. Courses have been planned to maximise use of the runnable areas.

Longer courses (Blue-Black) include a two-minute timed-out crossing of the main North-South B4506 road with fast-moving traffic. Courses from Very Short Green upwards include unmanned crossing of minor roads. The roads themselves may be crossed but not run along.

The area is much used by walkers (many with dogs and/or buggies) and horse riders. Please be considerate to them to help ensure our continued access to this area.

Loose control descriptions, pre-printed on waterproof paper, will be in the start lanes. They will also be printed on maps.

White and yellow maps available at pre-start.

Allow plenty of time to get to the start. Buses will run about every 15 minutes and take 15 minutes to get to the drop-off point. Bus stop at Ashridge Management College is 400m from clothing dump, further 400m to pre-start. Finish is 50m from clothing dump.

Please follow signs and tapes to start. Keep Off Grass in front of college.

SIAC (contactless timing chip) dibber hire £2. Charge for lost dibbers £65.
If you don’t have your own dibber you’ll need one.

You can enter online up to 1100 on the day, but if you need SIAC hire please enter by Friday 25th 23:59.

In the forest:

• start & finish
• clothing dump. There will be a tarpaulin on the floor but no cover, please bring a bag. Clothing dump is on the way to Start and 50m from finish.
• first aid
• one loo (priority for volunteers).

Very near the bus stop and the finish is the Ashridge Management College Courtyard Cafe serving hot and cold drinks, cakes etc. We are very welcome to use it. Bring a means of payment in your coat? Don’t miss the last bus back shortly after 14:30!

Please check before travelling.

Climbing of fences is strictly forbidden.

You are advised to carry a whistle. In the event of extreme weather on the day, cagoules may be compulsory and you will be informed before you get on the bus. Come prepared.

Large numbers of deer live in Ashridge; please allow them to move away from you without chasing and panicking them. If ever a deer does not move away from you then it is injured and should not be approached.

Ponds and marshy areas may be deeper and muddier than you think. Paths can also be muddy.

The area is popular with cyclists, dog walkers and horse riders. Please show them due consideration.

First Aid will be available at the finish. The nearest hospital is the Luton and Dunstable Hospital Trust, Lewsey Road, Luton LU4 0DZ, 9 miles from the event.

You must go to Download (at the station) even if you don’t finish your course. We need to confirm you’re back safely.