SOG A4Newtimber HillSat 16 October, 2021

Report

Thank you for coming along to a slightly drizzly and hilly event.

Planners comments: Newtimber is one of my favourite local areas and I tried to create courses that explored the variety of the landscape as much as possible, whilst being fun and sufficiently challenging. I had hoped that the blue course could make use of some small pockets of runnable beech at the foot of the north slope, but concluded that too few would appreciate the ancient woodland on the climb back up (blue 7 was moved to share a control with the yellow course). I hope you enjoyed the end result, whichever course you entered.

Many thanks to Tim Hulley whose help and guidance made this event possible, as well as Neil for the map updates. Also thanks to John, Garry, Jane, Jill, Linda, Anna and the SI team.

RouteGadget

Is a web app for sharing and comparing orienteering routes. You can draw your own route or upload a GPS track from your watch. It also allows you to watch an animated replay with a simulated mass start.

Pre event info

Before attending any orienteering activity, orienteers, including officials, volunteers and coaches, should self-assess for symptoms of COVID-19. These are:

• A high temperature.
• A new, continuous cough.
• A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

If you, or anyone you live with, have one or more of these symptoms you should not attend any sporting activity, even if your symptoms are mild.

If you have been informed that you need to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace (or are required to self-isolate in relation to travel), you

must do so. You should not leave your isolation location in order to participate in sport and physical activity.

Location Info

Nearest town: Pyecombe

• Postcode: BN45 7ED *
• Lat,Lng:50.90055,-0.17184
• Grid Ref: TQ285128
• Google Map
• Streetmap (OS 50k)
• Bing Map (OS 50k)
• OpenStreetMap

* Postcodes are not very precise in some areas, so don't rely on them for an exact location.

Directions / Parking

Arrive at Pyecombe from the A23 or A273. Park on the village road just north of the A23 between the A23 slip-road and Pyecombe village, BN45 7ED. Please be considerate to residents and do not park in or west of the turning area.

From the parking area, where download is situated, cross the A23 on the pedestrian bridge to the south. Climb the hill immediately beyond on the public footpath past Wayfield Farm to the SW. At a path junction, keep right between hedges to a gate. Continue SW along a field boundary to the start/finish area. It is approx. 1km and 100m climb.

Public Transport

Bus service to Pyecombe

Course Information

Blue 5.7km 190m; Green 4.2km 115m; Orange 2.5km 45m; Yellow 1.5km 15m

The yellow course requires competitors to follow vegetation boundaries.

Control descriptions can be downloaded here: Newtimber Oct2021 Controls

Entry Details

SO/BOF members: Seniors £5.00, Juniors £2.50, SO Juniors free (use discount code SOjuniors).

Non members: Seniors £7.00, Juniors £2.50

'Dibber' hire: Electronic punching (SI) chips are available to hire. SIAC (contactless): £2 (£1 Juniors), non-SIAC (not contactless) £1 (50p juniors)

Online entry only via racesignup

Registration

Online entry only via racesignup

Start Times

10:00 to 11:00. Courses close at 12:30.

Map Details

1:10000, contours 5m. Partial updates 2020 & 2021.

Terrain Description

A downland hill with open grassland, gorse and ancient woodland managed by the National Trust. It is a SSSI with extensive views of Sussex and to the sea. There are old trackways (the 'Devil's Stairs'), a disused chalk quarry, a restored dew pond and possibly Britain's tallest native tree (beech) at 44m, 200 years old.

Dog restrictions

Dogs allowed

Facilities

Cafes at Saddlescombe Farm, Wayfield Park Farm and a pub in Pyecombe. No facilities at the finish or the download/parking area.

Miscellaneous

Safety Bearing: Climb to the top of the hill and head to the NE corner where the finish is located.

Young children should be supervised by their Parents/Guardians when crossing the A23 pedestrian bridge.

The area is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders please give them space to pass safely.

Cattle may be out on the area.

Bramble bashers recommended.

Please:

• Allow others to social distance if they wish to do so
• Avoid touching the start, finish and control units
• Move away briskly from the start and all controls
• Take time to recover before making your way to download

Contacts / Officials

Planner: Rob Leathley

Organiser:

Controller: