What Is The Greatest Unmapped Orienteering Area in Britain?

[Steve O]

The poll about the greatest orienteering area got me thinking, what is the greatest unmapped area
I remember The Duncan took us on a jog through some very fine Scots pine woods just west of Balmoral but this area isn't used as they want to protect the small trees.
I also remember driving through a gorgeous piece of wood on the Morven peninsula just before you reach the village where you get the ferry to Mull, but have no idea how suitable it is.

I've always thought that a lot of the small Scottish islands would be good as they have intricate contous, but aren't too hilly. Althought obviolusly they would be an absolute bitch to get to.

So lets hear your proposals

[Pinches]

I like it Wo-Wo, SUSF 2004/5 super special stage to be held on the moors of North Uist! Pack the punters in! A Sleazyjet charter to Benbecula International could be the order of the day...

[Supersaint]

Margam Burrows, just off the M4 to the SE of Swansea. I've frequently driven past on the way to Pembrey and though "why go another 30 miles when we can just stop here". Though rumour had it that it was actually getting mapped.

[rob f]

How about some of the london parks like hyde or regents - would be good but controls would get nicked - or maybe a few local areas - dymock woods and newent woods - they're big enough for nationals and better than some of the areas we once used (Haugh 2000 british)

[mharky]

Russels inclosure would be a great area if it was mapped

[i-pod]

How about some of the london parks like hyde or regents

Don't know about Regent's Park, but Hyde Park is mapped. Parking is OK, as nice Mr Livingstone doesn't collect his five pounds of flesh at the weekend. The Albert Hall as event centre?

[Migsy]

Have there been any events on any of Britains mazes? Surely an ideal place for an O event. Atherstone is proclaiming to have the largest maze in Europe according to Midlands Today, though it's not mature yet. I think that could provide quality navigational fun.

[Guest]

Wouldn't it be an idea to do some biggish(?) park races in the london parks - it would definitely invite lots of people to see orienteering - and dispell the "getting lost in the woods/ walking" ideas that people gather from school.

Something like the york park race but in london - or a series of them?

[mharky]

you mean like they did on battersey park....

definetly dispelled the "getting lost in the woods?walking ideas that the 6 million people in london have

[rob f]

yep and the sprint final for the world champs is at battersea so...

[rocky]

yep and the sprint final for the world champs is at battersea so...

world **CUPS**

next years world champs are in Japan. learn this.

and i could be wrong but i think some forest as part of balmoral is being mapped for roya deeside '05

[distracted]

Looks like you could be right, Rocky. From the 6-days website:

Orienteering in Allt Cailleach by kind permission of Balmoral Estate (approx 25 mils/40 km west of Event Centre)

Covers two old map areas - Allt Cailleach and Dalliefour with a new section joining the two and an extension to the east side of Glen Muick. Mostly superbly runnable pine forest with good rock and contour detail. Some large clear felled areas which courses will avoid!

The area around the drive to Birkhall is wonderful mature forest with a profusion of large and small features.

There are map samples for all the areas apart from this one.

[Guest]

What about Lee Valley Country Park.
If they fail to have the Olympics there are some good parkland areas at Cheshunt or Waltham Abbey