Parke Estate
Permanent Orienteering Course
Info updated: 06th Mar
Leave the A38 at Drumbridges (Trago Mills turnoff) and take the A382 to Bovey Tracey. At the fire station roundabout turn left on the B3387 towards Haytor. Entrance on right in 200m.
Parke is a National Trust property on the Western outskirts of Bovey Tracey. The house is leased to the Dartmoor National Park Authority and is their Head Office. The house is not open to the general public for viewing. The NT Office is in a small courtyard to the rear of the property. The Start/Finish for the orienteering courses is beside the NT office.
Contact
Tel: 01626 834748
Email:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/parke
Entry Charges & Facilities
There is adequate parking in the joint NT/DNPA car park. There is a £2 charge for parking, except for NT members, who can park without charge. There are toilet facilities to the rear of the main house, and adjacent to the NT office. The house and its immediate environs are part of the DNPA lease and as such are Out of Bounds for orienteering purposes. The NT land extends along the River Bovey valley and is free to public access.
Safety and Risk
Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety whilst using the course. Please see additional safety considerations for individuals and groups using permanent courses: https://www.devonorienteering.co.uk/permanent-orienteering-courses
The River Bovey can be fast flowing and deep. Only cross the river at the bridges and take care on riverbank footpaths.
Please note that in wet weather the paths can be very muddy and in places are steep. Appropriate footwear and clothing is recommended.
If you intend to take a group orienteering, you are requested to contact the NT office prior to your visit to ensure there is not a clash with other planned activities.
Map Availability
Maps for this Permanent Course (and for others in Devon) may be downloaded from:
http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/pocs
There is a small charge of £1.00 for each map you wish to download.
National Trust (Parke) do not sell Map Packs as there is not a shop on site. Maps may be available from the Van in the car park and the Office (when open) for a donation towards printing.
Courses
| Course | Controls | Length (km) |
Difficulty | Estimated Time (mins) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 9 | 1.2 | Easy Access | 30 |
| Yellow | 11 | 2.4 | Introductory | 45 |
| Orange | 11 | 3.2 | Moderate | 60 |
| Red | 16 | 4.0 | Harder | 75 |
| Score | 29 | 60 |
Lengths of courses shown are in straight lines between controls, and the estimate of time is for a group walking around. Both will vary depending on your route choice and ability.
Latest information
The map and courses have been updated November 2019.
The permanent course is generally in very good condition but three plaques are faded, one of which is unreadable (June 3rd 2020).
Downloads
Control card
Group leaders information
Key to control codes
Advice for beginners
Location
Nearest town: Bovey Tracey
- Grid Ref: SX806786
- Postcode: TQ13 9JQ
- Latitude: 50.59485
- Longitude: -3.68915
- Google Map (aerial) - Bing Map (OS)
Image Gallery
Click the image for a larger version.
Parke POC map
Safety and Risk
Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety whilst using the course.