FernworthySun 25 Feb
Credit: Rosie Wych
Devon League 6
Regional level event
What does this mean?
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. Virtual events are where there are no physical controls being used. Your presence at a control is registered using an App on your mobile phone, normally the free MapRun6 App.
Terrain type: Forest
Results
Report
Planner's Comments
Planning for Fernworthy Reservoir presented numerous challenges - avoiding the scheduled monuments, the areas earmarked by FE for tree felling and thinning, and latterly a large goshawk nesting OOB area which resulted in some courses suffering late changes. Whilst there was less route choice than I would have liked, each course presented a good navigational challenge of the right length and technical difficulty, which was born out by the results. I was also heartened to hear the positive feedback from competitors - it really does make the effort worth it, though sadly I couldn’t plan the weather - sorry!
Tom McMurtrie OBE
Comment from controllers:
The Devon team did a sterling job in coping cheerfully with the conditions on the day. As controllers we got away lightly - Saturday was a glorious day and then final checking on Sunday morning preceded the deluge. It was good to hear that Tom’s courses were well received and our efforts to avoid the OOB area and some of the horrible terrain we had inspected were worthwhile.
Rosie Wych and Andy Rimes (QO)
General Comments:
Thanks to Tom for planning and for Tom Lillicrap for updating the map, Steve Perelle and his team for making sure the event organisation coped despite the rain, Martin Yeo for dealing with the Timing, and Rosie Wych and Andy Rimes of QO as our controllers.
Hope you all enjoyed the day!
Overview
Mainly Forest but with open land in and around the reservoir
Colour coded event with areas of steep sided Dartmoor forest that provide a challenge for longer courses but also contains a good path network for beginners closer to the reservoir.
Fernworthy Final Details v2 (updated 19 Feb)
Location Info
/-3.88195,50.63825,12/500x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGF1bGZyb3N0IiwiYSI6ImNsZTZ6cjhiaDAwcTczeXF4cm42c293cnIifQ.GaQX1WYv6yGRcz_eEwmevQ)
Near: Chagford Lat,Lng: 50.63825,-3.88195 OS Grid Ref: SX660836 Postcode: TQ13 8EA What3Words: ///fulfilled.intervals.elbowed
Open an interactive map in: GoogleMap - OpenStreetMap - AppleMaps - BingMap
Directions / Parking
The best way to approach the venue is through Chagford. Most will enter Chagford along the B3206 and when you arrive in the centre of the village turn right at the T Junction ( by the Spar). After about 200 metres where you bear left you will pick up the brown Fernworthy Reservoir signs which will lead you to the forest after about 5 km and then follow the O signs. If choosing any other of the minor routes take care of the deep potholes which tend to be filled with water, are less obvious, and as I have found out are numerous.
The car parking is in a grassy area 1 km on from where the road enters the forest. It is limited in space so if you can car share please do , and also save the world !
Pre-event Details
Map / Terrain
Designed for mixed running abilities. Longer courses will have steep slopes and quite physical terrain being a Dartmoor forest. Beginners will enjoy the network of paths closer to the reservoir. Map has been updated in the last few months.
Fernworthy is a working forest situated high up on Dartmoor but a good proportion is quite sheltered as it is crossed by numerous hills some of which are quite steep. As such it can be physically challenging and the climb will be noticed on most routes. The shortest routes stay close to the reservoir on the flatter ground which has a good path network. The map has been updated in 2024.
Storm Isha and Jocelyn caused a few small areas of windblow which have not been shown on the map. Forestry England are going to clear them but it is likely they may still be present on the day of the event. One could be encountered on Blue and Brown but it is small and can be worked around.
There is an area of forest marked OOB on the 1:10000 maps. Please do not enter it although the track going through the middle of it can be used
Course Information
The event is SIAC enabled. The Start and Finish must be punched by everyone.
Start is 700m from Assembly with the Finish close to the car park.
A road crossing on the longer courses will be manned.
| Course | Distance | Climb | Map Scale |
| Brown | 7.5 km | 355m | 1:10,000 |
| Blue | 5.6 km | 250m | 1:10,000 |
| Green | 3.7 km | 160m | 1:10,000 |
| Short Green | 3.0 km | 135m | 1:10,000 |
| Light Green | 2.7 km | 125m | 1:10,000 |
| Orange | 2.5 km | 105m | 1:10,000 |
| Yellow | 2.2 km | 45m | 1:5,000 |
| White | 1.4 km | 25m | 1:5,000 |
Control descriptions (loose) in Start lanes but also printed on the maps.
Courses close at 2:30pm. YOU MUST download/report to the Download team by this time.
Read more about Course lengths and Difficulty here
Entry Details
Pre-entry via
Entry closes on 18th February 2023 for map printing purposes. Cash Entry on the day (EOD) could be available (subject to availability of maps) but pre entry is very strongly recommended. Course changes and additional map (charge £1) if maps are available can be dealt with at registration by the car park.
Registration and Start times
Registration, SI card hire, Enquiries, Download and First Aid are all at the parking area.
Registration opens: 10.00-12.15
Start times : 10.30-12.30
Pre-entered competitors who have their own SI cards should go directly to the Start.
Course closes: 14.30
Facilities
The nearest toilets will be those in the SW Lakes Trust car park that you pass shortly after entering the forest and 1KM before parking / registration. These will be opened for our use on the day so you may choose to call in briefly before driving on to assembly. No toilets at assembly.
We hope to have our tea tent present but another option is the refreshment wagon in the S W lakes trust car park where the toilets are situated.
Dog restrictions
Dogs allowed on courses but on a lead.
Contacts / Officials
Organiser on the day: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Planner : Tom McMurtrie
Controller : Andy Rimes & Rosie Wych (QO)
Nearest A&E Hospital
Royal Devon and Exeter ( Wonford ) 18 miles, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW 01392 411 611
NHS Urgent care search
Safety Notes
Clothing should cover torso and legs.
No whistle no go. This will be checked.
In the event of poor weather, suitable protection e.g cagoules must be worn. It is winter time so be prepared.
Road crossings: There is a minor road through the area with little traffic so take care if crossing. A road marshal will be present.
Forestry work: There are log stacks. Stay off them.
Miscellaneous
Thank you to Forestry England and South West Lakes Trust for permission to use the land and toilets.