Blackford Hill and The HermitageSat 22 Nov

The event will be based in the Observatory car park. The Google-map shows the route up Observatory Road, off West Mains Road.

Please try to walk, use public transport or bike to the event if you possibly can.

Car share: Edinburgh based orienteers are welcome to join the newly expanded Edinburgh Orienteers - Car sharing WhatsApp group. Please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required for the joining link.

By Bus: Blackford Hill (Royal Observatory end) is easily reached by Lothian Buses, service 9 from the city centre and 38 from west Edinburgh serve a stop called Royal Observatory, from where it is 400 m walk uphill to the Observatory buildings.

By Bike: A variety of quiet cycle route maps throughout the city are available on the Edinburgh City Council Quiet Routes web pages. There is a marked cycle route to the Edinburgh University Kings Buildings – save some energy for the final climb up to the Observatory!

It will be possible to lock your bike close by Registration while you run and there will be a tent to leave bags.

Terrain: Large areas of open ground, with a mixture of short and rougher vegetation. There are many gorse bushes, some making large impassable blocks. Some woodland, especially in the glen and gorge around the Braid Burn, which has steep sides with many crags and some contour detail. (White and Yellow courses do not visit this glen.) There are many paths throughout.

Map: 1:5000 map by Peel Land Surveys 2019, minor updates 2022 and 2023. The maps will be printed on waterproof paper, the control descriptions will be printed on the map (no loose control descriptions).

General notes - please also read the Course specific notes below

• Other Users: The Blackford Hill and Hermitages areas are very well used by the general public, including dog walkers, runners and bikers. Please respect their right to be there at the same time as you are orienteering.
• Dogs: Competitor’s dogs are allowed and should be kept under very close control at all times.
• SAFETY NOTE RE DOGS: Please give any dog walkers you encounter whilst running on your course extra space ie don’t run too close, especially if their dog/dogs are off lead. This applies to all competitors, not just those running with a dog. We always need to respect other people's right to be there.
• Course Closure Time: All courses have a closure time of 3pm after which controls will start to be brought in (before it gets dark). All competitors should be back at Download by 3pm.
• You must report to Download even if you do not complete your course, so we know you are back safely, and we don’t have to mount a search for you.
• Please check the weather forecast on the day and dress appropriately. The area can be exposed especially when windy and the grassy slopes slippery of wet, , so please wear the most appropriate clothing and footwear for the course you are entering.

This event has been designated a Junior and Family fun day, there will be courses for beginners  and juniors (White and Yellow), for more experienced juniors, seniors and runners (Orange and Long Orange) and a more technical course (Light Green)

Course details to follow

• An emergency phone number will be printed on the course maps
• There are some steep crags along the sides of the Braid Burn gorge. Optimal routes avoid these, but take care when descending.
• Even away from the crags, the sides of the gorge are mostly very steep and slippery. It is usually best to use the mapped paths.
• The Braid Burn must only be crossed at the mapped bridges.

Course Closure Time: Please note that courses have a closure time of 3pm after which controls will start to be brought in, so please return to download by 3pm.

Read more about Course lengths and Difficulty here

Pre-entry using RaceSignUp will be required for this event. (direct link will be added nearer the time). Entries will open at 10:00 on Monday 10th November and will close at 18:00 on Friday 21st November.

However to be guaranteed a course map on waterproof paper for your chosen course you MUST pre-enter by 20:00 on Monday 17th November

On the RaceSignUp page (first time users will need to create an account) you can view an entry list for all competitors and their chosen start blocks (scroll down to the Start List section). Please note that you can arrive at the start any time within your block.

Entry Fees:

As well as individuals the entry system also allows pairs, groups or families who wish to go round a course together (sharing one map and dibber) to enter using a sliding scale of fees. Full details of how to enter pairs and groups (or as a Student) are on the RaceSignUp entry page. NB The RaceSignUp entry process for these categories has also changed for 2024

SportIdent (SI) electronic timing will be used.

We have SI dibbers for hire free of charge via the pre-entry system but there is a £30 charge if lost.

If you would like to buy your own SI-Card then a variety are available directly from SportIdent UK. The choice may be confusing and it may help you to know that the SI-Cards which ESOC hires out are very similar to the most basic model shown on the linked page - the SI-Card 8.

Registration: Will be open from 12:45am -2.15pm for

• Entry on the Day (EOD) if maps are still available. Payment by cash or by card/contactless. Please try to have the correct money if at all possible.
• Collection of hired dibbers, White and Yellow maps:
• Advice and help for beginners

Start and Finish: The Start and Finish will be close to Registration. (TBC)

Start Times: From 12:00 to 13.30pm with course closure at 3pm. You should be back at Download by 3pm as controls will start to be brought in by 4pm so if you think you'll take a long time to complete your course please enter early so you can choose an early start time.

• There are no toilets available but there are numerous options for calling in at a supermarket or shopping centre on your way to the event.
• Pre-Event Junior Coaching - we hope to have a tent near Registration with puzzles, games and hints and tips for new juniors.