Yellow 2.5km
Controls (checkpoints) are very easy to find, mostly on paths, ideal for younger children and complete beginners.
Orange 3.0km
Controls are on or near paths with some route choice. Good for progressing juniors and adults who are reasonably confident reading a map.
Green 4.5km
Controls are away from paths giving more navigational challenge. Suitable for those with some experience.
Blue 6.5km
As technically as hard as we can make it; for experienced orienteers.
Score
24 controls. Visit as many controls as you can in an hour in any order. 8 easy controls numbered in the 50's, 8 moderate difficulty numbered in the 60's and 8 more difficult numbered in the 70's
All course lengths are as measured in straight lines. Actual distance travelled will be greater. .
You must adhere to the British Orienteering Participant Code of Conduct.
Parking
The entrance to the park is off the B255 south of the village of Bean. There are 2 small parking areas within the country park. A new system has been introduced for car parking using RingGo parking app. The RingGo site code is: 49402. Charges are £1 for up to 2 hours £1 and £2 for over 2 hours plus a RingGo charge of 20p.
When you go on the RingGo app it gives you the option to pay either 2 Hours or All day. As long as you pay for the duration of your visit (not the time slot) before the end of the same day it will accept your payment and you will not be issued with a PCN.
If the car park does become full, you will be directed to another location with a walk about 500m to and from the event centre.
Event centre
The event centre including Download is a blue tent just beyond the far end of the car park.
Look out for the tall dark blue DFOK sail banner close to the car park.
There are no toilets at Beacon Wood. The nearest toilets and refreshments are at Bluewater Shopping Centre, just over 1k from the car park.
Entry fees
There are two Senior and Junior fees noted above. The lower one is for members of British Orienteering. You do not have to be a member to participate and we welcome newcomers.
The woods
The area is used by walkers and dog walkers primarily. Please respect their right to be there and give everyone a wide a berth.
Start
The start is approx. 100m from the event centre/car park. Please follow the red and white tapes. You should be able to start very soon after you are ready to go.
Electronic punching
Electronic punching will be used and the controls will be activated for contactless punching. Hired dibbers will be available for collection at Enquiries. Everyone must punch at the start and finish as these are not set up for contactless recording.
Control descriptions
Control descriptions are printed on the map. For those who prefer to also have loose control descriptions to save opening and refolding the map, these will be available in the start lane for those on the Green, Blue or Score courses.
Finish and Download
The finish is approx. 100m from the event centre/car park. After finishing, please follow the red and white tapes directly to Download. Your splits print out will be handed to you. Hired SI dibbers should then be deposited in a pink container nearby.
Results will not be on display at the event but a QR code link to live results will be on your course map. They will also be on the DFOK website www.dfok.co.uk after the event.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Bean Parish Council for permission to use the area.