Type of event: Race
Using for the first time a newly surveyed and drawn map, this event will venture into both Selworthy Woods, and the open moorland above the woodland surrounding the beacon itself. Although steep in places the area is technically interesting and in good weather offers stunning views across Porlock Bay towards Dunkery and Exmoor, and across the channel to South Wales.
Our league events are open to all, beginner or experienced orienteer, young or old and there are colour-coded courses suitable for all.
We have a number of these events a year and together they form the Forest League (QOFL). The series starts in the Autumn and continues until the following Spring.
Please note that all our league events will be Regional events (Level C).
Anyone can get a result for an event, but for it to be included in the league scoring you have to be a member of a British Orienteering affiliated club at the time of entry.
Enquiries: events@
Code of Conduct
Please make sure you have read and comply with the Participant Code Of Conduct and, if applicable, the Parent Code Of Conduct.
White: 1.3km 35m
Yellow: 1.8km 70m
Orange: 2.1km 70m
light green: 2.5km 95m
Short green: 2.6km 130m
green: 3.6km 195m
blue: 5.0km 210m
brown: 5.6km 320m
| Class | Pre-entry | Late / On the day entry |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | £10 | £12 |
| Senior Novice | £5 | £6 |
| Junior | £5 | £6 |
| Group | £7 | £9 |
A standard SI dibber can be hired for free (or £2 for a contactless SIAC dibber). Failure to return it will incur the cost of a replacement (£30 for SI, £60 for SIAC).
Please note that if you enter on the day you run the risk that we have run out of maps for your preferred course.
Please consider buying a pack of pre-entry credits in advance. This costs you the same but saves the club a lot in credit card fees.
Registration 10.30
Starts from 11.00 (10.30 for early run helpers) until 12.30
Courses close and controls will be collected from 14.30 due to limited daylight at this time of year. Please start as early as possible if you expect to be a long time on your chosen course.
North Hill and Bossington is a large and steep sided hill/ridge between Porlock Bay at its Western end and Minehead in its East. The open ridge top rises to the lofty Selworthy Beacon at 308m ASL and consists mostly of rough open moorland with some cultivated fields. The land slopes steeply north with high crags and cliffs dropping into the Bristol Channel. There are fine views across to South Wales in clear weather. Only the longest three courses will venture out of the woodland onto the open moorland for this event.
The steep Western and Southern slopes are covered in mixed plantation and natural woodlands with variable undergrowth ranging from small patches of bracken to large scale holly and rhododendron thickets which offer mixed runnability throughout. There is an extensive path and track network to aid progress although some smaller paths can easily get obscured by leaf litter. One or two paths have been created recently as MTB downhill tracks and are shown with a special red overprint symbol- their use by bikers is random and very seldom but we cannot guarantee that there will not be bikers using them on the day so please be extremely cautious when crossing and especially if running on them. The whole area is part of the large Holnicote Estate which is in the lengthy process of repairing the miles of 18th century drystone walling which features throughout the woods. The fully rebuilt main north perimeter wall is now a formidable obstacle and is marked as uncrossable except through the highlighted gated passing points which you must use- do not climb this wall anywhere please as it could be dangerous to you and if damaged could compromise our future use of the area from the Estate. Other unrepaired walls are in mixed conditions but where still ruined in places are easily negotiated as required.
Due to the steep nature of the terrain in places, course lengths are significantly shorter than you would normally expect but when combined with the associated climb will prove a worthy physical challenge for all. Good studded footwear is highly recommended for easing progress on the slopes.
Organiser: Karen Lewis karen@wondermail.co.uk
Mapper and planner: Andy Rimes 07866 686435 andyr.qo@gmail.com
Controller: Adrian Taylor (Devon OC) adrianhelentaylor@gmail.com
Insurance: Please note: Participants who are not members of British Orienteering are not covered by British Orienteering’s public liability insurance. By entering this event, you acknowledge that you are taking part at your own risk. For example, if you were to accidentally injure a member of the public or damage property during the event, you would not be covered.
Safety and Risk: A comprehensive risk assessment will have been carried out by the organiser, but participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event. All participants must report to download whether they finish their course or not.
Privacy: when participating in our events/activities your name may appear in the results section of this website or in newspaper reports. Read our data protection page to see how we look after your personal data.
Photography: QO has an agreed policy on the taking of photographs at events, based on national guidance. This provides a sensible balance between the benefits and risks associated with the taking and use of images. If you are unsure about acceptable practice, please speak to the event organiser. Photos taken may be retained beyond the 2 year window for legacy purposes.
Safeguarding: QO is aware of it's responsibilities in safeguarding and child protection. To comply with The Child Safeguarding Practice Review and Relevant Agency (England) Regulations 2018, we now provide an email address for individuals to report concerns to the Lead Safeguarding Officer. This address is safeguarding@britishorienteering.org.uk.