October Odyssey: a weekend of orienteering (Level B) in the North East of England.
Day 1: Chopwell Woods – Saturday 3rd October 2026 (incorporating the selection race for the England Junior Team for Interland 2027). Chopwell is a mixed woodland on the fringes of Gateshead, 18 miles from Durham, 12 miles from Newcastle. Details here
Day 2: Edges Green – Sunday 4th October 2026 (incorporating the North East Championships). Edges Green is 2 miles north of Hadrian’s Wall, about 3 miles from the infamous Sycamore Gap and 5 miles from Haltwhistle. The YHA (3 miles away) offer accommodation at The Sill for anyone wishing to make a weekend of it.

Venue: Edges Green. Satnav Postcode NE49 9PP

Travel: The event will be signed from B6318, signposted Cawburn https://what3words.com/testy.holds.humble. Travel for approximately 2 miles along a narrow road which will take you directly to the parking.

Parking and Assembly: adjacent to the competition area https://what3words.com/rushed.audit.newspaper

Start: Punching start for all courses, -4 minute call up in operation at the senior start.

There are 2 starts. The junior start for Yellow, Orange and Light Green courses leaves north from the parking field allowing juniors immediate access to the open moor.

The main start is a short walk following the road leading north from the parking and is adjacent to the road. Competitors should take care as farm vehicles frequently use this road.

Fees: Senior BO members – £12, Senior non BO members – £14, Juniors/Students – £5.
Enter both days at the reduced rate of £20

BO Non-Members: Important notice – non-members are not insured under British Orienteering’s public liability policy. By entering this event, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk.

Dibber hire: dibbers are available for hire at a cost of £1. There is a charge of £30 for lost or damaged dibbers. Make sure you collect your dibber from registration/download before leaving for the start.

Entries: Online entry will be open from 23/08/2026

Entry on the Day: tbc

Registration/Download: located in the parking area. Open from 10.00 for collection of hired dibbers, Yellow maps, EOD and general enquiries.

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 start and finish control. All control sites will have a backup system in the event of control failure. This involves a tag with a unique 3 letter word instead of the traditional punch. Remember the word and report it to the download team to prove you have visited the control.

Map:

Terrain: All courses use the moor which is open (exposed) moorland, predominantly rough open pasture with varied runability.

Control descriptions: descriptions will be on the map and loose descriptions will be available in the start box

Safety Information: Due to the exposed nature of the moor, competitors must carry a whistle and cagoules may be compulsory. Competitors are free to carry a mobile phone and the signal is good. The planner has encountered cattle on the area which move away when approached. A comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out by the organiser but please remember that orienteering is an adventure sport and competitors take part at their own risk. You must report to download even if you do not finish or retire from your course.

Facilities: Toilets will be in the parking area.
Basic First Aid facilities will be available at registration/enquiries.
Sorry, there will be no water at the finish, please bring your own supply.

Dogs: Dogs will not be allowed on the area and must remain tied up or on a lead in the parking field only.

Thanks: Many thanks to 

Officials:

• Organiser -Boris Spence (NN)
• Planner – Allen Banister (NN), Debby Warren (Junior courses)
• Controller – Andy Lewsley (BL)