Ashridge N Ace of Herts

The going is generally very fast with some limited areas of denser woodland. Since our last event here,  many of the areas of rhododendron have been cleared but there are increasing areas of brambles.

The larger 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.

The rainfall over recent weeks has forced us to move as much parking as we can to hard-standing at the Real Christmas Tree Farm which is 400m N of the previously advertised location.  Once the farmyard is full, we will revert to the original field for the overflow.   Please follow the Orienteering signs on the B4506 to ensure you get to the correct car park.

The farm drive entrance is at the bend on the B4506, what3words  valve.tiny.loafing.

It is 500m off-road from the P  in the diagram to the event centre via the route shown. Allow yourself extra time to get to your start please.

Our thanks to the farm for helping us out.  Please note they have no liability for any damaged incurred while on their property.  And strictly No Smoking as there are flammable materials around.

The entrance to the main event field is on the B4056 at Ringshall, just N of the junction with the road from L Gaddesden, what3words paper.mocking.flotation.   Take care on approach.

There is no parking charge.  There is no car access from anywhere on Beacon Road.

If you’ve not orienteered before, we suggest most people start with the yellow course. Young juniors, say primary school age, and family groups with young children are better on white. People confident with a map and compass may start on orange. It’s better to start simpler. If you find a course too easy, our policy is to allow you to run the next course up for free, if there’s time and there are maps available. Don’t forget to download between runs!

The age classes are those recommended for the South East League (2023). 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.

*Under 16s may run courses up to Blue but no longer, due to road crossing.

Keep clear of out of bounds areas marked on the map. Courses have been planned so that you will not gain by going through them.  They are there for environmental or archaeological reasons and some are marked with only occasional signs.

A previous planner on this area said “if you’re not near the purple line, why not?” The increasing bramble has changed that somewhat, but the patches are accurately mapped and give a good indication of the runnability of an area. As with all vegetation, the edges are sometimes indistinct so cannot be relied upon for fine navigation.

The map has been completely resurveyed and redrawn for this event by  Simon Errington, using LiDAR data:

• There has been significant bramble growth across parts of the area. This is mapped using the the green ‘walk’ screen and represents a significant impact on runnability.
• Bracken is low and has generally not been mapped unless overlain by bramble.
• There are many fallen trees across the area. Rootstocks are only mapped when over 2m high and locally prominent. They are shown with a green cross.
• Hides are not mapped.
• Recent heavy rain means that many pits and depressions may contain water.

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

The start is c.300m from the parking field.  The route is along a public footpath which is also used for vehicle traffic to 3 cottages. You are unlikely to see any vehicles but be aware.  Leave by the W exit besides download and follow signs and tapes. The route to the start and back from the finish crosses a minor road; the crossing will be marshalled. There is limited room at the pre-start on the south side of the road. Please warm up before the road crossing; we reserve the right to hold people at the road crossing until 5 minutes before their start if it gets too busy.

Courses close promptly at 14.00.  Please choose a start time that will give you ample time to complete your run by then.

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

If in a group, you may order extra maps at £1 each.

Enquiries / SIAC collection

Download

First-Aid by White Star Medical

Porta-loos

Kit / key drop

Tom’s Burger Van

Compass Point kit suppliers

Please check before travelling.

Roads around the perimeter of the map, are out of bounds including their verges. The B4506 has a 50mph speed limit. Black, Brown and Short Brown courses cross Monument Drive, the main access road for visitors to Ashridge. Traffic is generally slow moving but take care.

You are advised to carry a whistle. In the event of extreme weather on the day, cagoules may be compulsory.

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 car park 200m from 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 even if you don’t finish your course. We need to confirm you’re back safely.