Hillend Park

ESOC local event in Edinburgh and the Lothians

Wed 14th May 2014

Info updated: 18th Feb
Type of event: Local
Type of terrain: Moorland

Results

Results are now available here.

Planners’ comments
It’s difficult to avoid climb at Hillend, especially on the longer courses – but hope you enjoyed the splendid views over the city. The recent ski centre development has restricted the western part of the area, and there have been many changes to paths as a result – the map was updated to take account of these, but much of the vegetation is out of date and will be reviewed.
Thanks to everyone for coming, and apologies for the delay to the publication of the results, which was due to a small technical issue.

- Sally & Andrew Lindsay
 

General Information

Dress: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.  

Terrain:  Exposed, steep, open hillside with some paths and vegetation (gorse). 

Other Users: Hillend Park includes an artificial ski slope which is out of bounds to orienteers.  The map has undergone substantial change since last used so please take particular note of the new out of bounds areas.  The recent changes are not shown on the thumbnail map in this item.

Dogs: This is a popular dog walking area so dogs are welcome.  

Location

Nearest town: Edinburgh

• Grid Ref: NT243667
• Postcode: EH10 7DU
• Latitude: 55.89242
• Longitude: -3.20187
• Google Map (aerial) - Bing Map (OS)

Directions

Head for Midlothian Ski Centre at Hillend on the outskirts of Edinburgh (A702).  This is very close to the Lothianburn junction of the city bypass (A720) Parking as for the Midlothian Ski Centre (upper car park and we'll be using the small car park on the left as you arrive).   

You can reach Hillend easily by bus.  Check Lothian Buses website for timetable information.  Service 4 terminates at the lower ski slope car park and it is an easy uphill walk from there to Registration.  Service 15 also stops nearby but check times as this service does not run frequently (if at all) later in the evening.  

Registration & Start Times

REGISTRATION: within the car park and open from 6pm to 7pm. It is not necessary - or possible – to pre-enter for this event.  Everyone is very welcome, just to turn up.  Please try to come early if you think you might take a long time over your course.

START AND FINISH will be only a very short walk from the car park. Start times will be from 6pm to 7pm.

COURSES CLOSE at 8pm and controls will be brought in from that time, so it is essential that you report to the Finish by 8pm, even if you have not completed your course.  

Course Information

There will be White, Yellow and Orange courses and a course for more experienced orienteers.  Hillend is ideal for beginners. 

Excellent training for hill running.  

NOTE the Hillend Park map has been updated to take account of the development work recently completed at Hillend Ski Slope.  

Explanation of colour courses

• White are very easy with all controls on paths. They are mainly used by 6-10 year olds and family groups.
• Yellow use simple linear features like paths, walls and streams. They are mainly used by under 12’s and family groups.
• Orange progress to basic use of the compass and route choice. They are ideal for novice adults or experienced youngsters.
• Light Green are ideal for improvers as the navigational difficulty begins to increase and uses simple contours and point features.
• Green are used mostly by experienced under 18’s and adults wanting a short but challenging course with a very hard navigational difficulty.
• Blue are a longer, more physically demanding course in comparison to the green. The distances are more varied between controls and the course attracts experienced orienteers.
• Brown & Black are very physically demanding and have a very hard navigational difficulty. They are for experienced orienteers only.
• Score means visiting as many controls as possible in any order in a specific time, like 45mins.

Entry Details

Seniors (born 1993 or earlier)
British Orienteering members - £3
Non-members - £5

Juniors (born 1994 or later)
British Orienteering members - £2
Non-members - £2.50

Students
British Orienteering members - £2
Non-members - £2.50

Groups (Adults + children)
British Orienteering members - £4
Non- members - £5

SportIdent (SI) electronic timing will be used.  If you have your own SI please bring it with you. We will have SIs for hire free of charge but there is a £30 charge if lost.

Contacts / Officials

Organiser: Janet Clark

Email:

Phone: 0131 225 7771

Safety and Risk

A comprehensive risk assessment will have been carried out by the organiser, but participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event.

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