Baddow Ridge EastSun 6 Sept

EA League

Regional 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 and 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.

Terrain type: Forest

Results

• Results now Final
• Routegadget and Splitsbrowser here

Report

Organiser’s Comments

We were blessed with fine (if quite warm) weather for a successful event with 136 participants who seemed to enjoy their runs. The EWT field offered plenty of firm parking which the team organised well and offers a good site after the summer cut for hay.

A big thank you to all our volunteers. As usual there was a preference to help early and then run, so I did not pre-organise enough support for packing down and taking in the courses. Other lessons learned by this first time organiser- charge the start clocks before the event (!) and buy extra loo roll and sanitiser for the portaloos.

One point raised at download was whether a competitor could return to the event area to punch a missing control. This is not permitted under BOF Rule 7.17. A competitor completes their course when they punch the finish control and must not reenter the competition area.

Lost property - one thumb compass and one pair of glasses

Alastair Houlding

Planner's Comments

It is always a pleasure to plan on the Baddow Ridge as it provides a wide variety of territory and it is hilly! Using the East Side simplifies permissions with only having one land manager, Essex Wildlife Trust, who were terrific with their support and providing such an excellent facility for parking and assembly. It also gave the opportunity to add the Heather Hills and Pheasanthouse Farm to the map. Hopefully, you all enjoyed your runs, though I think the weather and the hills led to some extended times.

When I discovered that there was a field with features in, that gave a clear route back to assembly, I couldn't resist introducing a sprint element at the end of the courses. I hope you appreciated it!

I would like to congratulate the members of the East Anglian Junior Squad who took part and did so well.

A big thank you to Sally for her encouragement, her patience and for keeping me in check! Also, to Alastair who has kept us all on our toes and put in a terrific effort to make sure the day went smoothly along with his team. Thanks to Colin and Clive for helping with putting out the controls close to home, and finally to Lyn for taking on all the entries and computer setup.

Thanks for coming!

Kevin Machin

Controller's Comments

It was a pleasure to control an event in such lovely woodland. The hot summer meant bracken and nettles were lower and less dense than they might usually be at this time of year. It is thanks to permission granted by Essex Wildlife Trust that the event could be held.

Kevin created some good courses which several orienteers confirmed required them to concentrate throughout their length. The sprint type ending for the more technical courses definitely required maintaining a focus right to the end.

Thanks to Kevin as planner and Alistair for his excellent organisation.

Sally Wilkinson SUFFOC

Last updated: Thu 10 September, 2026

Overview

The competition area extended to include Scrub Wood & The Warren (known locally as Heather Hills) & Pheasanthouse Farm.

Location Info

Near: Danbury
Lat,Lng: 51.7363,0.5864
OS Grid Ref: TL787069
Postcode: CM3 4SG
What3Words: ///guards.bonus.comply

Open an interactive map in:
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Directions / Parking

Parking in field at junction of Spring Elms Lane and access to Pheasanthouse Farm, O signposted from double roundabouts on A414 in centre of Danbury (Eves Cornerj. Turn north along Little Baddow Road/The Ridge. Pass General’s Arms on left and turn right into Spring Elms Lane.

Map / Terrain

Pheasanthouse Farm & Heather Hills are part of the Danbury Ridge Nature Reserves Complex, predominantly managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
The area is undulating mature deciduous woodland to the east of Baddow Ridge, one of the higher points in Essex – there are contours! Varied terrain with established path network.

Course Information

Full colour coded courses White to Brown

Courses suitable for all levels of ability and experience - ask for advice if you are unsure which is the right one for you.

This is an East Anglian League event. If you wish to be competitive within league, please ensure you enter the correct course.
EAL rules Here

Entry Details

Entry on Racesignup

Standard
        Senior: £10.00/£12.00
        Senior Chip hire: £1.00
        Junior/Student: £4.00
        Junior/Student Chip hire: £1.00
From 3rd September:
Late entries
        Senior: £12.00/£14.00
        Junior/Student: £5.00

Juniors are under 21 on race day.
Higher entry fee applies to unaffiliated entrants

Registration and Start times

Enquiries open from 10:00am.
Starts between 10:30 to 12.30
Start times will not be preallocated
Courses close 14:30 All participants must report to download even if they have not completed their course.

Facilities

Enquiries, dibber collection, download, toilets
Guidance for beginners available from the Enquiries point.
The start is located in the assembly field and the finish is located close-by.

Dog restrictions

Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up after your dog.

Contacts / Officials

Organiser: Alastair Houlding

Planner: Kevin Machin

Controller: Sally Wilkinson (SUFFOC)

Nearest A&E Hospital

Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford CM1 7ET
NHS Urgent care search

Safety Notes

Green, Blue and Brown courses accessing Heather Hills will need to cross Spring Elms Lane with light traffic twice – care should be taken in crossing.
The wood is open to the public and you may meet walkers, dogs, mountain bikers and horses. Please be aware and give them priority.
Please ensure that your clothing and footwear is appropriate for the time of year, terrain and anticipated weather conditions. Full leg cover is advised.
Check for ticks after running.
Entry into this event is at your own risk.

Miscellaneous

Insurance
Please Note: Participants who are not members of British Orienteering are not 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 accidently injure a member of the public or damage property during the event, you would not be covered.