SOL 5 and Junior InterAreaAlvieSun 27 October, 2024
National level event
Explanation of event levels
Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport and Training events are non competitive events used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Regional events attract participants from around the local Region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships.
Results
Report
Controller report Jon Musgrave (MAROC)
Getting outline courses early allowed time to think about comments on shapes etc rather than immediately checking control sites/tags.
Having a visit in September to check tags allowed enough time in case of bad weather (it wasn’t so I managed to get round all easily).
Allowing 2 days to hang controls with multiple helpers took the pressure off the planner and controller immediately before the event and reduced the chance of errors in placing control units.
We were lucky to get enough control collectors on the day to cover all the higher blocks. Possibly something to try to arrange before the event. For example, contact local elite runners, EUOC, other elites the planner knows.
Get lucky with the weather! It could have been fairly unpleasant up high if the weather had been windy and wet. Hilary had planned some bad weather options so we would have been covered in case of really poor conditions.
Organiser report Jo Cumming
SOL5 and the Junior Inter Area attracted 348 entries and was a great success. Congratulations to Area North for winning the weekend’s competition. We had 23 budding orienteers from age 3 on the String Course. Becs Morris planned a challenging course over rough ground, steep in places, a stream, ruins, boulders and wee crags. The kids loved it, one going round four times. Even the 14- year-olds who romped round had fun. The String is so important for enthusing the next generation of orienteers.
The day was largely dry but windy and chilly so we appreciated the hot beverages from KJs Bothy Bakery and sustenance from the ScotJOS famous home-baking. I personally really appreciate good coffee at an event and was not disappointed. The tomato soup to warm me up was a bonus.
Organising was a bit of a roller coaster. Our first idea was to use Inshriach Forest, one of our top areas. Then two tornadoes passed by in January, devastating the area. It was going to take the rest of 2024 and more for Forest and Land Scotland to clear the trees and debris. We approached Pitmain and Dunachton Estates but the October date was not suitable due to estate commitments.
Alvie & Dalraddy Estates came to the rescue with permission to use their land. Not used for a SOL since 2014, it gave us the opportunity to offer an area new to many orienteers. Jon Musgrave carried out extensive re-mapping, and Hilary Quick the complex planning, working round the forestry and shooting operations. Our first Controller pulled out because of injury so we are very grateful to Jon for taking on the role. His hands off approach, yet readiness to answer questions or discuss options suited me fine. Thanks to Hilary who, as usual, willingly shared her experience to keep me on track.
Alvie is a stunning location at any time of year and the autumn colours were magnificent. Many thanks to the people on the estate who went out of their way to be helpful, even relocating the cattle that were on the way to the Starts. When the parking field became unviable due to the wet weather, they offered us a range of different areas; round an old strawberry farm, by the estate office and Alvie House then an overflow by the estate entrance. This created an interesting challenge for the parking team, requiring more helpers than planned. In true orienteering spirit offers of help came in from other clubs and from 11.45 we put up a sign for self-parking at the over flow. Paul Brown, the estate member of staff keeping an eye on things was most impressed at how tidily our orienteers parked.
Team Leaders Clare Kemsley on the Starts and Jane Chisholm on Computing kept everything going smoothly. First Aid is always an issue. In the end we brought in professional first aiders to assembly and two BASOC volunteers, Lynne Walker and Emma Swann, sharing the Finish and First Aid shifts, who would go with a Planner out to an injured competitor.
Lastly, for the first time, I had the luxury of an Assistant Organiser, Janette Macleod, who is interested in gaining the experience to be the Organiser of a big event. Thank you, Janette, for being a support from the outset and taking responsibility for SiEntries, the website and liaising with the Computing team, all major roles. I hope all the lists and nitty gritty tasks have not put you off. I would like to see more younger orienteers taking on the organiser role, starting with small events. The project management skills required are very transferable to the workplace and look good on a CV.
Thank you BASOC members, helpers from other clubs, friends and family for making SOL5 and the Junior IA a success. Thanks also to Russwood in Newtonmore for providing sponsorship.
UPDATED: 22 October - we have lots of entries which is great. Please car share where you can. Remember £2 cash / car for parking. Start times are now on SI Entries. Clocks change this weekend! Full event details below
BASOC are delighted to welcome you to the 5th and final Scottish Orienteering League event on 27th October at Alvie Estate. This event incorporates the Junior Inter Area Individual competition.
Pre-event Information
The Junior Inter Area Competition is a weekend of competition between the North, East and West Areas. At the end of the weekend one of the areas will be crowned champions! The inter area weekend is a highlight in any junior orienteers calendar!
The Junior Inter Areas Competition relays are being hosted by INVOC on Saturday 26th, at Keppernach, near Nairn. This event will include a middle distance race open to all competitors providing a fantastic weekend of orienteering for all ages.
Alvie provides a varied area consisting of Scots pine plantation and older, mature Caledonian pine forest. There is some intricate juniper thickets in the west and a large area of open moor. The north west section of the map has a beautiful mature forest area with subtle contour detail. Not used since 2014 and with a fully updated map this area will provide a fantastic orienteering opportunity for all.
Location Info
/-3.91967,57.14513,11/500x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGF1bGZyb3N0IiwiYSI6ImNra2IwMTBmYjAycTMzMG9jd21vbHU5MTgifQ.rqFOKAS1eZHXRYlSb6G62g)
Near: Kincraig Lat,Lng: 57.14513,-3.91967 OS Grid Ref: NH825080 Postcode: PH21 1ND What3Words: ///saints.venue.firelight
Open an interactive map in: GoogleMap - OpenStreetMap - AppleMaps - BingMap
Directions / Parking
Access will be from the B9152 only.
£2 per car parking charge will be collected at the parking field, please have coins ready.
All entry by 1230. No departure before 1230.
Parking will be on several hard standing areas and tracks. Please be patient and follow the instructions of parking marshals. There will be people walking to assembly and starts on the road. Take care and respect speed limits.
Depending on your parking location it will be a 3-10 minute walk to the assembly field. (Times to the start are from assembly)
Map / Terrain
Alvie provides a varied area consisting of Scots pine plantation and older, mature Caledonian pine forest. There is some intricate juniper thickets in the west and a large area of open moor. The north west section of the map has a beautiful mature forest area with subtle contour detail.
The area is quite rough in parts with deep heather on the open moorland that some courses will visit. There is a small river that runs N-S in the northern part of the area has banks that are loose and steep. Take care when choosing your route down and back up the other side. There is a gorge at the eastern extremity of the area, which some courses go near, but none cross it.
Fences in the area are in variable conditions with some in a state of disrepair. Some broken down points are shown as crossing points. Any that are forbidden to cross will be marked as such. Competitors should use their own judgement deciding whether or where to climb any fence. Solid purple lines show uncrossable (by competition rules) fences or rivers.
Some gates will be taped open - please leave them as you find them. Also please mind your head on framework!
MAPS
- All course maps are 1:10,000. Except Short Green and Very Short Green which will be 1:7,500.
- Maps will be printed on waterproof paper with control descriptions on the front. Loose control descriptions will be available in the start lanes.
- Maps for yellow (12) and white (13) courses must be collected from enquiries before going to the start.
- Maps for Black, Brown, Short Brown and Blue courses will not have legend printed on the map. Loose copies of legends will be available at Registration and in start lanes.
- New mountain bike tracks have appeared in places; it has not been possible to map all of them.
Registration and Start times
Registration/Enquiries is in assembly and will be open from 1000-1230 in the BASOC tent. Look for our banner. Visit enquires to:
- Collect hired si-cards,
- Collect yellow and white course maps,
- Key drop - lone travellers should leave keys in a named envelope with the vehicle registration
- Medical form envelopes - see important event information panel
- Enter on the day - limited entry available for white and yellow courses. Numbers dependent on map availability. There is no guarantee of entry on the day.
- Ask any other questions.
Start times 1100-1300 - available on SI Entries.
Start times will be allocated for courses 1-11, please try to stick to your time. Yellow and white courses will have punching starts with no allocated time. Competitors who miss their allocated start time must wait until the starter finds an available slot in line with competition rules.
Start procedure is a -4 minute call up.
There will be two starts signed and taped from the assembly field.
- North start - 1.4km with 50m climb (approximately 30 minute walk) from the assembly field.
- South start - 1km 10m climb from the assembly field.
Routes to both starts is initially the same with people going to the North start passing close to the South start. SI clear and check is at the gate where the routes split.
Route to the starts is across farm land and through open forest. It is not suitable for buggies. Everyone must follow the taped routes to respect the access granted by the landowner.
There is no clothes drop at the starts. The route from the parking to the starts and from the finish to the parking passes the assembly field where you can drop bags at any club tents or at enquiries.
Courses close 1530.
Course Information
Courses are offered as per the 2024 SOL rules and guidelines which are available on the SOA website. You may enter any course. To be eligible for SOL league points you must enter the course associated with your age class. SOL points may be awarded to people "running up" in one of the age classes associated with the colour the run. By default, the oldest such age class is used for seniors.
Course details are given below. Course lengths and climb provisional, subject to final planning and controlling.
For Junior Inter Area Competition
- Athletes can compete at their age class A or B or 18S standard (which ever is their normal competition level).
- Athletes can run up on class, however their result will be scored under the age class that is associated with the course run (for example M/W12 competitor can run light green instead of orange; their result will count as an M/W14 competitor).
- Athletes can compete in pairs (please speak to your area team manager if wishing to compete in a pair). A pair has one map and one dibber, and competes in the highest age group of the pair. Mixed gender pairs compete in the M category.
- If athletes have any queries as to which course to enter, they should contact their area team manager.
| Course Number | Course Colour | Technical Difficulty (TD) | SOL Classes | Junior Inter Areas Courses | Start | Length | Height Gain | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black | 5 | M-E, M21 | S | 10km | 420m | 30 | |
| 2 | Brown | 5 | M20, M35, M40, W-E, W21 | S | 8.9km | 370m | 23 | |
| 3 | Short Brown | 5 | M18, M45, M50, M21S, W20, W35 | M18 and under | S | 8.4km | 350m | 20 |
4 | Blue | 5 | M16, M20S, M55, M60, M35S, M40S, W18, W21S, W40, W45 | M18S, M16 and under, W18 and under | S | 7.0km | 300m | 17 |
| 5 | Short Blue | 5 | M18S, M65, M45S, M50S, M55S, M70, W16, W20S, W35S, W50, W55 | W18S W16 and under | S | 5.1km | 230m | 15 |
| 6 | Green | 5 | M16S, M75, M60S, W16S, W18S, W60, W65, W40S, W45S | S | 4.6km | 220m | 14 | |
| 7 | Short Green | 5 | M80, M65S, W70, W50S, W55S | N | 3.5km | 90m | 14 | |
| 8 | Very Short Green | 5 | M85, M90, M70S, M75S, W75, W80, W85, W90, W60S, W65S, W70S | N | 3.2km | 85m | 13 | |
| 9 | Light Green | 4 | M14, M16B, W14, W16B | M/W16B M/W14 and under | S | 4.9km | 180m | 12 |
| 10 | Long Orange | 3 | M21N | N | 6.2km | 180m | 21 | |
| 11 | Orange | 3 | M12, M14B, W12, W14B, W21N | W/M14B W/M12 and under | N | 3.9km | 110m | 15 |
| 12 | Yellow | 2 | M10, M12B, W10, W12B | M/W12B
M/W10 and under | N | 2.4km | 60m | 10 |
| 13 | White | 1 | M10B, W10B | N | 1.6km | 35m | 10 |
The area was last used are part of the WOLF weekend in 2014, courses from that event are on RouteGadget. Note the map has been fully updated since that event.
Sportident (SI) electronic timing will be used. SIAC for contactless 'punching' will be enabled for controls. Start and finish must be punched manually. Competitors are responsible to make sure their SI-Card registers the control (beeps). We will do our utmost to "wake up" all the controls on the morning of the event but that is a significant task. Early starters might need to insert their SIAC card into the hole in the unit. If the control does not beep pin punches will be available for competitors to confirm it has been visited.
Finish is 250m from the assembly field.
You must report to Download even if you do not complete your course. Course closing time is 1530. if you run out of time please report to the Finish or Download ASAP to avoid us having to set up a search party.
'Wildcat' string course will be located 100m up the track from the assembly field. The string course is free - just turn up and register. Small children must be accompanied. Collect a map when you register. Area is quite rough and boots or wellies are recommended. Access to the start of the string course is suitable for buggies. Many thanks to the Newtonmore Wildcat Experience for their support.
Entry Details
All entries are via SiEntries. If you are new to SiEntries you will need to set-up an account to enter.
- Entries open 18th September
- Entries close 20th October at 23.59
There will be very limited entry on the day for white and yellow courses. Cash only for course entry.
If you have any questions about what course to entry please contact us. Questions relating to Junior Inter Areas competition should go to the relevant area captain.
Shadowing:
- Shadowing juniors on the white and yellow courses is allowed. 'Shadowers' must have completed their own race before undertaking any shadowing.
- Adults are reminded they must declare if they are actually helping a Junior competitor as opposed to following. Assisted juniors are competitive in their colour course (e.g. white) but not in age class (e.g. W10B).
Pairs:
- Entry from less experienced orienteers as pairs will be accepted on the easier technical courses (courses 9-13).
- Pairs must share one map and one si-card.
- They will not be eligible for SOL league points.
- To enter as a pair, provide the details of one person and then select the pairs option.
Entry fees are in the table below and on SiEntries.
| British Orienteering (BOF) Member | Scottish Orienteering (SOA) Member | Non Member | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courses 1-8, TD 5
(Black - Very Short Green) | |||
| Seniors (26yrs and over) | £16 | £17 | £18 |
| Juniors/Students/Young Adults (21-25yrs) | £8 | £9 | £10 |
Courses 9-13, TD 1-4 (Light Green - White) | |||
| Seniors (26yrs and over) | £8 | £9 | £10 |
| Juniors/Students/Young Adults (21-25yrs) | £6 | £7 | £8 |
Pairs: additional £1 to single person entry fee.
Dog restrictions
Dogs must be on a lead and can only be in the parking and assembly field. NO dogs on the route to the start, or courses. Please pick up and take away any poo.
Contacts / Officials
Organiser: Jo Cumming (BASOC); contact - jo.cumming@gmail.com Assistant Organiser: Janette Macleod (BASOC)
Planner: Hilary Quick (BASOC); Assistant Planner: Stephen Bingham (BASOC)
Controller: Jon Musgrave (MAROC)
Facilities
- There is room for club tents and banners in the assembly field.
- There will be a tent provided for juniors to shelter if waiting for parents/guardians.
- Scotjos cake stall will be there - please bring cash for a pre and/or post run cake. Note the fantastic KJ Bothy Bakery are donating some traybakes to Scotjos to sell at their stall.
- KJ Bothy Bakery from Grantown (formerly mountain-cafe Aviemore) will be there providing barista coffees, teas, and soup.
- Portable toilets will be available in the assembly field and there will be one portable toilets close to the two starts.
- First Aid will be available in the assembly field provided by Hebe Highland First Aid.
Overview of event layout:
Safety Notes
See the Important Event Information panel in purple to the right of the page.
Specific safety notes:
- See terrain section for information on the nature of the terrain.
- Ticks are present in the area.
- Movement from parking to assembly will be on estate road where there may be vehicles. Stick to the verges and be alert for traffic. All children should be accompanied by and adult.
- In the event of bad weather cagoules with taped seams may be made mandatory for all competitors. Check final details. If there is any chance of poor weather bring a cagoule with you to the event.
- In the event of heavy rain courses may be changed to avoid stream crossings.
- Whistles are mandatory for all competitors and will be spot checked.
- Alvie is a working estate. Avoid all equipment and machinery you may encounter in the area. There has been and may be on-going felling in the competition area. There will be no trees works on the day of the event.
- There are several timber stacks along tracks used by junior courses. Please make sure that your children understand that they absolutely must keep off these.
- The area is used by other users. Please be courteous to all users.
- All competitors who start course must report to download.
In the event of extreme bad weather the event may be cancelled. Competitors will be notified via email. Event information will be updated on the website.
Nearest A&E Hospitals
Raigmore Hospital, Inverness IV2 3UJ
Nairn Town & Country Hospital, IV12 5EE
Miscellaneous
Make a weekend of it:
Alvie Estate website provides information on the range of activities and accommodation available on the estate. You may want to consider booking something to make a weekend of your trip to the area.
There are plenty of bunkhouses, B&B's, hotels and self-catering options in the area; here are some links to start you off.
Dalraddy Holiday Park has chalets, caravans and tent pitches.
Visit Cairngorms accommodation finder.
Scottish Independent Hostels, Cairngorms area (not all are near the event location)
Want something to eat before heading home then try the Dalraddy Holiday Park - Takeaway Food Hub. Only 10 minutes away heading North on the B9152 . It is open until 8pm on Sunday.
With thanks to
Alvie Estate for permission to use the area and for assistance with the logistics and event layout, HEBE First Aid Scotland, and many thanks to our sponsors Russwood, who are a leading UK supplier of high-quality, sustainable timber flooring, cladding, decking and interior cladding products. Supplying timber to both the domestic and trade sectors for over 30 years from their headquarters in Newtonmore, Russwood pride themselves on their reputation for quality products and excellent technical expertise. Their timber experts are happy to advise on every step of your new build or renovation project.
