Travel: Access Durham University from South Road (signposted Botanic Gardens) postcode DH1 3LE. Approaching from A177 (Shincliffe), go past the main university entrance (Science site) and turn left at the traffic lights onto South Road. Traffic from the North, approach Durham on the A690, turn South onto New Elvet from the Leazes road intersection, continue along Church Street to the traffic lights, then straight on (South Road) – event parking will be accessed on the left. Approaching from A167, turn onto South Road, then turn right where you see the sign for the Botanic Gardens.

Parking: Parking at Upper Mountjoy (W3W: ///view.loser.asset)
The parking will be signed from South Road (signposted Botanic Gardens) W3W:///amused.hype.roofs

Registration: adjacent to parking and open from 10.15 till 10.50. Start :  Mass start at 11.00.

Entries: Pre-entry is preferred so that we can print enough maps. This involves registering your interest and providing certain contact details required for safety at the event. Entries on the day and pre entries both require this information but if you choose to do it online the whole process is speeded up. There will be 2 queues; one for those entering on the day and one for dibber collection only where the competitor has pre-entered. Rest assured any contact details are destroyed once the event is over. Donations in lieu of entry fee to go to Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue and will be collected at registration. Festive treats available afterwards.

Fees: There are no set fees for this event, but suggested donations of seniors £5, juniors £1 would be welcome – or whatever you can afford.

Format: 60 minute score course including an interesting scoring system tbc. Click on the “Courses” tab above for more information when it becomes available.

Start / finish: There will be a Mass start at 11.00 outside the Mountjoy Centre following a briefing ( what3words /// view.loser.asset). The finish will be adjacent to registration. Maps will be issued just before the start.

EPS: This event will use the SportIdent electronic system. Control stations will be enabled for touch free punching (SIAC) but competitors will need to punch the finish control. Dibbers (not SIAC) will be available free of charge on the day but competitors will be charged for any loss. Report to enquiries to collect your dibber, please pre-enter to speed up the process. There will be a sample control near registration for you to see SI in action and instruction in the use of the system will be available on the day. All dibbers must be cleared before you start. Lost, non-returned or damaged dibbers will be charged at £30.

Map: The event will use the Durham University Estates map. Drawn at 1:5000 with 5m contours (RA4) by Rob McKenna in 2021 using LIDAR data and based on previous maps by Dave Caudwell. The map has been updated to ISSprOM 2019 (sprint standard) and the woods have been re-mapped to show most recent vegetation and windblown in November 2025. Maps will be overprinted with course on waterproof paper. A sample map will be on display at registration

Terrain: Quite a mixture of terrain from urban, around the University grounds, to the mature deciduous woodland of Houghall Woods. The woods can be fairly demanding both technically and physically, with some steep slopes which at this time of the year can be very slippery, please take care. There is also a significant amount of windblown on the slopes. Houghall Woods are well used by local residents, please be courteous.

Control descriptions: Control descriptions will be in IOF pictorial format on the map. There will be NO loose descriptions available on the day.
Click here for a copy of the IOF control descriptions.

Safety: All competitors that have registered to start must report to download before they leave the area, even if they have not finished. Lone competitors should leave their details at registration.

Facilities: Unfortunately there are no public facilities near the parking area, please try to go before you come to the event.
There will be no water available at the finish – please bring your own supply.

Dogs: Dogs will be allowed but under close control – please clean up after your dog especially in the parking area.

Officials:

• Organiser – Kate Hampshire
• Planner – Maya, Yokub, Jed Hampshire-Wright
• Controller – Nigel Wright