BROWN 9.0km 220m climb
Suitable for experienced orienteers only
BLUE 6.9km 155m climb
Suitable for experienced orienteers only
GREEN 5.2km 125m climb
Suitable for experienced orienteers only
SHORT GREEN 3.8km 100m climb
Suitable for experienced orienteers only
LIGHT GREEN 3.4km 95m climb
Suitable for orienteers with some experience
ORANGE 3.1km 75m climb
Suitable for all orienteers
YELLOW 2.2km 55m climb
Suitable for beginners
WHITE 1.8km 45m climb
Suitable for beginners
COURSE LENGTHS AND CLIMB ARE PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO FINAL CONTROLLING
Location
West Woods is about 2.5 miles (4km) southwest of Marlborough. The wood contains a Neolithic long barrow surrounded by a ditch on all sides and is bisected by an ancient earthwork known as the Wansdyke dating back to the 5th or 6th century BC. In 2020 it was announced that West Woods was the most likely origin of most of the sarsen stones used to create Stonehenge.
Travel Directions
West Woods is located between Marlborough and Pewsey and will be signed off the A4 at Clatford west of Marlborough at GR SU159690 (What3Words link: nightlife.frogs.rinse) and off the A345 near Clench Common at GR SU169650 (What3Words link: appetite.path.replying). Assembly will be in the public parking area (What3Words link: cake.cackling.sediment).
Parking
Parking will be along the main forest track.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE FROM THE MARSHALS
Cars will be parked along the main forest track up to the public car park and just beyond.
Start Times
Start times: 10:30 - 12:30
Courses close: 14:30
Facilities
Entry
Online entry only - entry closes at 23:59 on 08-01-2026.
Standard entry fees will apply until 23:59 on 04-01-2026.
All late entries will attract a £2 supplement.
If the car limit is reached before either of these dates we may have to close entries early.
THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY ON DAY
Refund policy
You may withdraw from the event up until 23:59 on 04-01-2026. Your entry fee will be held as a credit to be redeemed when you next enter an NWO event.
Timing System
The timing system being used is SportIdent (SI).
Controls will be SIAC enabled for those with compatible dibbers (unless otherwise notified on the day of the event). Hire dibbers will be SI-Card 8 (non-SIAC).
Map
Scale 1:10,000, 5m contours, A3 format.
The map has recently been fully updated by The MapWorks for this event.
Overprinted with course on waterproof paper with control descriptions on the front. White, Yellow and Orange courses will have written descriptions; all other courses have pictorial descriptions. Loose control descriptions for all courses will be available at the start.
Terrain
Mainly mature woodland. Areas of significant undergrowth are marked on the map. Mostly the undergrowth is bramble. Courses have been designed to avoid the worst. Please note that this is a public woodland with wide ranging access including some private vehicles.
Results
Results, Splits and Routegadget will be available on the North Wiltshire Orienteers website as soon as practicable after the event
Conduct
Please make yourself aware of and abide by the British Orienteering Participant Code of Conduct.
Clothing and equipment
Bio-security
Please come to the event with clean and dry shoes and clothing. Before leaving the event check your clothing and equipment and remove any mud, soil or leaf litter. Once home thoroughly clean your footwear and clothing and leave it to dry for as long as possible. Please take home any litter with you.
Dogs
Although this area is a very popular dog walking area, there have been several reported incidents of Alabama Rot which has killed at least one dog. As a result we advise that participants do not bring dogs to this event and to make sure that kit and footwear is washed and disinfected afterwards.
Hazards
Please be aware of the risk of ticks and Lyme disease. Dog walkers and horse riders also use the area, so please be respectful and cautious around their animals.
Safety
Insurance
PLEASE NOTE: From January 2026 participants who are not members of British Orienteering will not be 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. Please make sure that you renew your membership by then or consider joining if you are not already a member. Non-members will still be charged a supplement to cover increased levies payable by NWO.
Photography
Photography is not allowed in the toilets or any "changing area" including where cars are parked. Any concerns with photography or the behaviour of anyone toward any child or young adult must be reported to the event organiser or other official. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, play your part, report any concerns and follow good practice.
Medical Conditions
If you have a high risk medical condition you want the organisers to be aware of please download and complete this form and place it in a sealed envelope with your name on it. This can be left at registration. Envelopes will only be opened if required for a medical emergency. Unopened envelopes should be collected after the event. Any unclaimed envelopes will be destroyed after the event.
Event Officials
Organisers: Carol & Ian Prosser (NWO) (07971 962037)
Planner: Roger Bryan (NWO)
Controller: Tom Cochrane (NGOC)
Personal information
The personal data you give when you enter will be used by the event organisers and their agents, but only for the purpose of processing/publishing entries/results, conducting safety checks and as required by our insurers to validate our cover and managed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Cancellation Policy
NWO will make every effort to ensure the event goes ahead as planned. However, should the event be cancelled, NWO reserves the right to retain part of the advance entry fees to meet costs already incurred or committed.