24-29 JULY

Programme www.croesomultiday.org.uk/2016 Competition Information for all days

ARENAS Every day in the arena there will be: -A marquee with Enquiries, where car keys may be left, on the day registration, download and shelter for individuals without their own club tents. -Caterers: O-nosh, Podium Caterers, Tom’s Burger Van and the Welsh Junior Squad Cake Stall. -Traders: Compasspoint and Ultrasport. -Space for club tents with a view of the run in and finish. -Toilets. -Results on display boards near to the main marquee. Please take all your rubbish away with you. CLUB TENTS May be left (at own risk) overnight at for Days 1 and 2. Also any Club Tents left at the Marquee at the end of the day, will be transported to the Arena for the next day.

COMPETITOR BIBS Bibs will be available for collection at the training day and by Enquiries on each competition day. Pins will be provided. Please fill in the medical and emergency contact details on the reverse of the bib. The bibs will show your start times and which course and start you are on. They must be worn each day and you will not be allowed to start without it. If required, please get a replacement bib from Enquiries before you go to the start.

WHISTLES For your own safety you are strongly recommended to carry a whistle while competing. These will be compulsory for juniors – M/W18 and below

CLOTHING The torso and legs must be covered unless the Day Organiser displays notices stating that the wearing of shorts is allowed. Vests are acceptable. Notices will be placed in the Assembly Area should the carrying or wearing of weather proof clothing (cagoules or similar) be made compulsory for any day’s competition. You will not be allowed to start without the required clothing.

START TIMES On day 1 starts are from 11:30 to 15:00 with courses closing at 17:00. All other days the start times are from 10:30 to 14:00 with courses closing at 15:30 on days 2 and 5, and at 16:00 on days 3 and 4. Start times have been allocated but it will be a punching start each day. Late arrivals will be started as soon as possible. but there may be a long wait for a free slot. Persistent deviation from allocated start times over the five days may be investigated by the organisers. Parents with split start times will have a free start time. To remain competitive, split starts must alternate early and late.

START PROCEDURE Pre-entered competitors will be called up 5 minutes in advance of their assigned start time. There will be a SI-card and whistle (for juniors) check at –4 minutes, loose control descriptions at -3, blank maps for inspection at -2 and final countdown from -1. There will be a punching start – remember to punch before picking up your map. Maps will be placed under marked boxes in front of the start lanes.

LATE STARTS Please make every effort to make your allocated start time. If you are late, report to the Late Start Official in the Start Area. You will be passed through the start procedure as swiftly as possible, starting at the next available 30 second slot, without interfering with other competitors.

FIRST AID This is being provided by Merlin First Aid and will be found in the Arena during each event.

1 CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS Control descriptions will be printed on the front of the map and loose descriptions printed on waterproof paper will be available in the start lanes. All age classes and colour coded courses will use IOF pictorial description sheets: a summary of IOF pictorial control descriptions and what they mean will be available at Enquiries.

MAPS The map scale for all competitors will be 1:10,000 with 2.5 metre contours on Days 1 and 2 and 5 metre contours for the remaining days. The maps will be printed on waterproof paper. Full legends will not be printed on maps but paper copies will be available at Enquiries.

ELECTRONIC PUNCHING The SPORTident electronic punching system will be used, and all versions of SI card are accepted. The SI boxes will be on the top of stakes with the control number. Pin punches will be available at every control and are to be used In the unlikely event of SI malfunction by punching in reserve boxes printed on the map.

WALLS & FENCES Some walls and fences are shown with an overprinted purple line. These MUST NOT be crossed except at marked crossing points.

WATER There are no drinks stations on the courses and there will be no water at the finish. Competitors should hydrate before their run. Rubbish sacks will be available at the Pre-starts for your empty water bottles.

FINISH & DOWNLOAD The finish each day is in the Arena. You MUST always report to Download even if you do not complete your course. Maps will not be collected at the finish: please do not show your map to those still to run

COMPLAINTS, PROTESTS & APPEALS Complaints should be made to the Day Organiser either orally or in writing. The Organiser is the adjudicator. A protest can be made against the Organiser’s decision, in writing to the Controller .

ENTRY ON THE DAY There will be entry on the day colour coded courses: White, Yellow, Orange and Light Green course. Registration will be at Enquires. Cost £5.00 for juniors, £7.00 for adults (British Orienteering members) and £9.00 for adults (non-British Orienteering members). There will also be limited EOD for the age class courses if maps are available: £17.00 for adults (British Orienteering members) and £19.00 for adults (non British Orienteering members).

STRING COURSE There will be a string course every day. These courses will be in or close to the arena. There will be a small prize each day for completing the course.

JUNIOR COURSES 14, 15, YELLOW AND WHITE Help may be provided to younger competitors but we must ensure that the competition is fair to everyone. If juniors require shadowing, they must enter the colour coded courses. No shadowing will be allowed before your own run. Juniors may also run in pairs. Pairs and shadowed competitors must be noted at Enquiries so that they can be designated ‘non-competitive’. Courses 14/yellow & 15/white will be able to view a map of their course in the pre-start area. On certain days, because of the absence of distinct paths these courses may follow banks, streams and fences. Where these features are indistinct competitors will be assisted by a Smiley Face if they have taken a correct route and a Sad Face if they need to return to a control and choose an alternative direction. Courses may also contain taped routes marked with red and white tape.

2 DOGS Well behaved dogs on leads will be welcome in the arenas on Days 1, 2, 3 and 5 but cannot be out on the courses on any day. On Day 4, dogs are allowed on the buses and at the Arena but must be kept on a lead at all times.

UK ORIENTEERING LEAGUE Days 1 and 2 count towards the UK Orienteering League 2016.

SCORING SYSTEM A par time is determined for each day’s event calculated as the average time of the top 50% of the number starting each course. Each competitor will be allocated points for the days they complete calculated by comparing their time for that day against that day’s par time. The sum of the best four point scores (out of a maximum of five) for each runner give their total for the event.

PRIZE GIVING This will be held straight after Day 5’s competition and will be held in the Arena. Also there will be prizes for the top 3 in the A and L courses and for the winner in the S, V and B classes. The top 3 in M/ W21A will receive vouchers from Howies, a small active clothing company based in West .

PHOTOGRAPHY In accordance with British Orienteering’s Child and Welfare Policy and Procedures, we ask that any person wishing to engage in any video, zoom or close range photography makes themselves aware of this policy. Day Organisers reserve the right to challenge anyone who is giving cause for concern on their day. Anyone with concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography should speak to the Day Organiser. Any competitor who does not consent to their photograph being used in printed publications and websites should email the Organiser directly with their name and bib number to allow the removal of the photographs.

HEAD CAMS Due to issues including safeguarding and land access, British Orienteering have instructed all event organisers to require participants to remove head cams prior to the start in all events registered with British Orienteering.

SAFETY

You MUST always report to Download, even if you do not complete your course. There will be sheep, cows and horses on most of the competition areas – they are best avoided, ignored and not approached. MEDICAL INFORMATION

24 hr Accident and Emergency: For days 1,2,3 & 5 service is available at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Minor Injuries Unit, Baglan Way, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX Tel 01639 862000, and for day 4, at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 9DT. Contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 if you require urgent medical care that is not life threatening, urgent dental treatment of pharmacy services. E. coli: This may be present where farm animals have been in fields for car parking, assembly and competition areas. Wash your hands before eating. Antiseptic gels may also be useful.

Ticks may be present on the competition areas. Check yourself carefully after each run and remove them. Ticks can transfer Lyme Disease in the UK: if you develop a rash at the site of a tick bite you are advised to seek medical advice. Do not run if you do not feel well. It is your responsibility to be able to compete safely. If you are travelling alone and have significant health problems you are recommended to inform the Event Safety Office, Andy Creber, in confidence. He can be contacted through Enquiries.

3 TRAINING DAY Saturday July 23 Warren

Organising Club: Welsh Junior Orienteering Squad Planner: Jasmine Silk (SWOC) Organiser: Nick Silk (SWOC) Controller: Annemieke Silk (SWOC)

We will be offering an informal training day on Saturday. There will be controls out on the area from 11.30 to 17.30 for you to make up your own course. You can buy a map (£3.00 for adults and £1.00 for juniors) at the car park. TRAVEL & PARKING

Parking at Grid Ref. SS837769 51.480318 - 3.675842 CF36 5NH

-From the M4 J35 take the A473, A48 and A4106 towards . -From the M4 J37 take the A4229 towards Porthcawl then turn left onto the A4106 following signs to Trecco Bay. From both directions, at the roundabout with Road follow the signs to Trecco Bay:

then take the 2nd left onto Clevis Crescent, (ignoring the signs to Trecco Bay) At the second junction, fork left across the green in front of the church onto Beach Road. The parking is on the left at the end of Beach Road. The landowner is making a charge for parking - £2.00 START & FINISH The start and finish will be close to the car-parking. There will be no official timing but please sign yourself out and back in.

TERRAIN Technical sand dunes – perfect area to get your eye in for days 1 and 2. The map is 1:10,000 with 2.5m contours

SAFETY The safety bearing is South to the sea, then West back to the car park OTHER INFORMATION You will be able to pick up your race bibs and programmes at this event.

4 What are my course numbers?

Long Middle Long Middle Class Days 1, 3 and 4 Days 2 and 5 Class Days 1, 3 and 4 Days 2 and 5 W10A 14 14 M10A 14 14 W10B 15 15 M10B 15 15 W12A 13 13 M12A 13 13 W12B 14 14 M12B 14 14 W14A 12 12 M14A 11 12 W14B 13 13 M14B 13 13 W16A 5 6 M16A 4 3 W16B 12 12 M16B 11 12 W18L 5 4 M18L 3 2 W18S 8 8 M18S 5 6 W20L 4 4 M20L 2 2 W20S 7 8 M20S 5 6 W21L 3 3 M21L 1 1 W21S 5 7 M21S 4 5 W21V 9 10 M21V 7 9 W35L 4 4 M35L 2 2 W35S 8 8 M35S 5 6 W40L 5 5 M40L 2 2 W40S 8 8 M40S 5 6 W45L 5 5 M45L 3 3 W45S 8 9 M45S 6 6 W50L 5 6 M50L 3 3 W50S 9 9 M50S 7 7 W55L 6 6 M55L 4 4 W55S 9 9 M55S 7 8 W60L 7 7 M60L 4 4 W60S 10 10 M60S 8 8 W65L 8 8 M65L 6 5 W65S 10 11 M65S 9 9 W70L 9 9 M70L 7 7 W70S 10 11 M70S 9 10 W75L 9 10 M75L 8 8 W75S 10 11 M75S 10 10 W80 10 11 M80L 9 9 M80S 10 11

Light Green 11 12 Yellow 14 14 Orange 13 13 White 15 15

5 Course lengths and climb

DAY 1 Long DAY 3 Long DAY 4 Long Course Length (km) Climb (m) Length (km) Climb (m) Start Length (km) Climb (m) 1 9.3 275 8.5 375 FAR 9.2 195 2 8.5 215 7.9 345 FAR 8.0 140 3 7 185 6.6 295 FAR 7.0 120 4 5.8 135 6.3 170 FAR 5.7 145 5 5 125 4.9 140 FAR 5.2 120 6 4.7 120 4.6 160 FAR 4.6 100 7 3.9 110 4.1 110 FAR 4.0 90 8 3.7 90 3.1 145 NEAR 3.5 65 9 2.8 85 2.7 115 NEAR 3.0 60 10 2.1 60 1.9 80 NEAR 2.2 35 11 4.0 115 3.6 140 NEAR 3.8 75 12 3.2 55 2.9 115 NEAR 3.1 55 13 2.8 60 2.7 145 NEAR 3.0 55 14 2.4 50 2.6 125 NEAR 2.6 55 15 1.8 30 1.7 70 NEAR 1.7 40

DAY 2 Middle DAY 5 Middle Course Length (km) Climb (m) Start Length (km) Climb (m) Start 1 5.9 105 FAR 6.1 320 FAR 2 5.4 105 FAR 5.6 260 FAR 3 5.0 85 FAR 5.3 270 FAR 4 4.3 80 FAR 4.7 185 FAR 5 4.1 70 FAR 4.2 205 FAR 6 3.7 70 FAR 3.9 165 FAR 7 3.5 50 FAR 3.6 105 FAR 8 2.8 60 NEAR 3.4 85 FAR 9 2.5 55 NEAR 2.9 75 NEAR 10 2.1 35 NEAR 2.5 40 NEAR 11 1.7 40 NEAR 2.2 25 NEAR 12 3.2 65 NEAR 3.2 120 NEAR 13 3.0 50 NEAR 3.1 95 NEAR 14 2.2 30 NEAR 2.7 45 NEAR 15 1.5 15 NEAR 1.6 15 NEAR

Please note which start (FAR or NEAR) your course starts from on days 2, 3 & 5. Days 1 & 4 only have 1 start .

6 DAY 1 Kenfig Long Distance Race

Organising Club: Bristol Orienteering Klub (BOK) Planner: Alan Honey (BOK) Organiser: Mathew Owen (BOK) Controller: David May (SLOW)

ARENA START

0 km 900m TRAVEL & PARKING Access at: Grid Ref. SS804834 51.537424 -3.7245932 SA13 2PD

(a) Vehicles less than 9’6” (2.9 m) high: access is via Kenfig Industrial Estate. From M4 J38 take the A48 towards and then after 750metres turn right onto the B4283 towards Kenfig Industrial Estate, turning off the B4283 at the rail depot signs.

Proceed directly through the industrial estate, past ‘Lasers Are Us’ on the left, under two bridges (height limit), left at T-junction then fork right down slope to parking area. Route is tarmacked and will be signed only from within the industrial estate.

(b) For vehicles over 9’6”, must contact Enquiries for alternative access route.

No entry before 09:00 please. No exit before 13:30 to avoid traffic clash.

ARENA The arena is adjacent to parking on a large grassy field near the ruins of Kenfig Castle. The spectator area overlooks the run-in and finish. Suitable for strong push-chairs.

START One start for all courses. Allow 15 minutes from Assembly, over a stile, up a steep bank and along gravel disused railway sidings Not suitable for push-chairs. There will be no clothes drop at the Start.

FINISH The Finish is adjacent to the Arena and will be unmanned. The same stile used en-route to the Starts must be crossed to get back to the main tent for download.

7 Sunday July 24

MAP The map has been produced by Peel Surveys in 2016. It is at 1:10,000 with 2.5 m contours. Main tracks are shown, but many animal tracks are not. The northern area has not previously been mapped for orienteering. Only the largest knolls and small depressions have been mapped owing to their profusion in the terrain. For example, knolls are generally at least 2m high and small depressions are generally at least 2m deep and 10m across! SPECIAL SYMBOL The green circle o (ISOM 420) is used to show either an isolated tree or a small copse.

TERRAIN The sand dunes of Kenfig Nature Reserve provide a wonderful technical challenge. The area is divided across the middle by an east-west fence with numerous stiles and gates. The northern area has been more heavily grazed leading to short vegetation and therefore fast running across its complex contours. There are areas of exposed sand, particularly near the coast, and a few areas of scrubby woodland. South of the fence there is more woodland, more undergrowth and more man-made paths. Throughout the area, marshes and ponds form as the water table rises and disappear again as it sinks, leaving large flat patches up to several hundred metres across. This has proved a challenge for mapping and planning as we try to forecast which will be visible and which will be crossable during the event. Only the longest courses visit the southernmost areas. Taped routes have had to be used extensively for White and Yellow courses. STRING COURSE String course opens from 11:30 -15:30 adjacent to Kenfig Castle. 5 mins walk from NE corner of arena field (signed). SAFETY INFORMATION Safety bearing is North or South to the fence running across the centre of the area, and then east towards the motorway, from where the Start and Arena will be visible. Areas mapped as uncrossable ponds or marshes must not be crossed. Kenfig Castle is protected monument and is out of bounds Parts are also unstable and there are several deep holes within the ruins. The central part of the ruin will be taped off and on no account should competitors enter. Please report any damage observed to fences so the reserve managers can be made aware. Do not get between cows and young. The area is exposed to coastal weather, which can change quickly. Be prepared for conditions ranging from cold, wet and windy to hot, dry and sunny!

8 DAY 2 Kenfig Middle Distance Race

Organising Club: North Gloucestershire Orienteering Club (NGOC) Planner: Richard Cronin (NGOC) Organiser: Pat Macleod (NGOC) Controller: David May (SLOW)

350m

NEAR START ARENA

0 km FAR START

2.2km

TRAVEL & PARKING

Access at: Grid Ref. SS804834 51.537424 -3.7245932 SA13 2PD

As for Day 1. See page 7. No entry before 08:00 please. No exit before 12:30 to avoid traffic clash TERRAIN, MAP, AND FINISH As for Day 1. See page 7 & 8

STARTS Near Start (courses 8 - 15): 350m, level, not suitable for pushchairs. The route passes through the ruins of Kenfig castle. Do not stray off the taped route, and do not allow children to climb on the castle ruins.

Far start (courses 1 - 7): is a 2.2km walk from the arena. Going is flat but sandy in places, not suitable for pushchairs. Do not stray off the marked route.

There may be a clothing dump at the far start if the weather requires it. Notices will be posted in the arena if clothing transfer is in operation. If the weather is hot, take your own drinks, and bottle disposal will be provided.

9 Monday July 25

STRING COURSE String course opens from 10:30 -14:00 adjacent to the arena field. SAFETY INFORMATION

See day 1 (page 8) GENERAL INFORMATION Kenfig Pool National Nature Reserve is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve has a visitor and interpretation centre, and a car park. The dunes are home to a variety of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including a high concentration of fen orchid (or Liparis loeselii). It makes up part of the largest active sand dune system in Europe. The current village, built further inland, is a continuation of the mediaeval one. Landmarks include ruins of Kenfig Castle, and a natural pool which attracts birdwatchers.

The original Bronze Age settlement was situated around Kenfig Castle, but the encroaching sand became difficult for inhabitants around the 13th century, at which time the village was relocated further inland, forming the current village of Kenfig and Marlas. The church was moved from the original village stone by stone and currently stands in the village of Pyle, where the relocation is evident by smaller stones at the bottom of the church, with larger ones above. All that remains now of Kenfig Castle is covered by the sand dunes, except for the top of its 50-foot keep which was uncovered in the early 20th century. The earlier settlement was the subject of an episode of the archaeological television programme Time Team, screened on 18 March 2012.

Map Sample 10 DAY 3 Margam Forest North Long Distance Race

Organising Club: South Wales Orienteering Club (SWOC) Planner: Claire Dalimore & Annemieke Silk (SWOC) Organiser: Niel Grant (SWOC) Controller: Alice Bedwell (BOK)

5mins

NEAR START ARENA

200-2200m FAR START

15mins

TRAVEL & PARKING All vehicles must approach from . You will not be able to turn right into the forest at Bryn and there are no turning places nearby. Please follow instructions not SatNav!

For most people they should go to J36 on the M4 (Sarn Services) and then follow the A4063 to Maesteg. Continue to the crossroads with traffic lights in the centre of Maesteg (King Alfred pub and Bowrington Arcade) and turn uphill on the B4282. Follow this to Bryn and fork left at the Royal Oak.

Parking is on forest roads and is very limited so please share cars wherever possible. Follow the directions of the marshals so that you are parked as quickly and closely as possible. Cars will be turned before parking. Do not park before you are directed to do so. Club tents may be dropped by the turning point marked T1, (Look out for the sign) for collection after parking, as long as this can be done without unduly holding up others. Please take care when passing people walking to the assembly area.

No exit before 12:30 - please turn left onto the B4282 to exit. This is to prevent queuing through Bryn and for most people will be your quickest route back.

ARENA The walk to the arena is along forest tracks. Toilets, kit suppliers, catering and enquiries etc. are on the forest tracks adjacent to the Finish: this is accessible for push chairs. There is space for spectators to view the run in and space for club tents in the forest above the Finish. Insect repellent may be necessary.

11 Tuesday July 26

STARTS Near Start (courses 8 - 15): is close, a leisurely 5 minute walk (300 m) from the arena

Far Start (courses 1 - 7): is an equally leisurely 15 minutes walk (1 km) from the arena or 10 minutes from T1. All walking on forest roads.

MAP The map is brand new at 1:10000 scale with 5 metre contours, produced by Peel Surveys and based on a LIDAR survey.

TERRAIN This is a varied forest with some dense coniferous as well as spaced deciduous woods. Underfoot running is generally better than you may expect at this time of year but there are many steep slopes. There are many earthwalls/ruined walls in the area: depending on direction of approach a feature mapped as a wall could appear to be an earthwall and vice versa, but these line features are very distinct. TIMED OUT ROAD CROSSING The area is crossed by a construction road for a wind farm. Whilst this road is generally very quiet it is used by heavy vehicles. In order to be allowed to use the forest at all we have had to agree to timed out crossing of this road. Courses 1 - 5 will cross the road twice by timed out and manned crossings: please comply with all instructions. There will be up to 2 minutes allowed for each crossing. The time for the crossing legs will be removed from your race time.. STRING COURSE This will be available by the finish. SAFETY As stated above, there is a construction road through the forest used by heavy vehicles. This road is strictly out of bounds (marked by purple crosses) except at the crossing points The parking is on forest roads. Some of the roads will be used by competitors and people walking to the start. Some areas of coniferous forest have short, low branches: consider eye protection.

Map Sample 12

Local things to see and do

SOCIAL PROGRAMME We are still working on the social programme—look out for details at the events and on the Croeso website.

The Valleys of South Wales are famous the world over for their wealth of outdoor pursuits, stunning scenery and cultural and historical attractions. The Valleys website (www.thevalleys.co.uk) gives more information.

Swansea is Wales' second-largest city, and sits on the five-mile sweep of Swansea Bay. An ideal base for exploring south-west Wales, there's also much on offer for visitors in Swansea itself. The Visit Swansea Bay website (www.visitswanseabay.com) gives more detail on what to do in the region.

Two world famous coastlines lie either side of Swansea. To the west is The Gower and Rhossili Beach (voted by TripAdviser as the best beach in the UK and number 10 in the world) and to the east lies The Glamorgan Heritage Coast - 35 miles of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, pretty villages and traditional resorts, stretching all the way to Cardiff.

Cardiff, Wales's capital, hosts unique attractions, top class entertainment and quality shopping with a difference- all within walking distance. The City centre is mix of new and old. The part Roman, part Norman, part Victorian Castle stands next to the modern Millennium Stadium and modern high street shops and malls are interlaced with old Victorian and Edwardian arcades. The Visit Cardiff website (www.visitcardiff.com) gives many more details.

Cardiff Bayis described as "Europe's most exciting waterfront development" and is home to some astonishing architecture, the Millennium Centre being perhaps the jewel in the crown.

Merthyr Tydfil, one of the most historically fascinating and beautiful regions of Wales is ideally placed between Brecon Beacons National Park and Cardiff the Welsh capital. Find out more from the Visit Merthyr Tydfil site (www.visitmerthyr.co.uk) and view the promotional video too. You may be surprised by what you see there! Cyfartha Park is worth a visit and there is a permanent orienteering course in the grounds too.

The Brecon Beacons National Park, an upland area rising to Pen y Fan (886m), is home to the highest British mountains south of the Snowdonia National Park. Its relative remoteness has recently earned it International Dark Sky Reserve status. (www.breconbeacons.org)

Mountain Biking: as well as a huge variety of off road trails, the area contains two of the UK's top ten mountain biking centres in Afan Forest (often rated the best in Britain) and Cwm Carn. In addition, Gethin Woods has opened recently as a "MTB bike park" and is highly rated.

Margam Country Park: Steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone at Margam Country Park. The magnificent Margam Castle, Orangery with ornamental gardens and Deer Park, are set within 1000 acres of breathtaking countryside and voted Britain's favourite green space in 2013..

Attractions include a narrow gauge railway, adventure playgrounds, Go Ape (high wire adventure), Fairytale Land (children’s area with a nursery rhyme theme) and rare breeds farm trail.

Dan yr Ogof Show Caves: The centre gives you a glimpse of the most accessible sections of a cave system which extends for over ten miles underground. It’s one of the most significant natural networks of subterranean passages and caverns in Britain.

14 REST DAY Wednesday July 27 Llandaff Fields, Cardiff

Informal Evening Park Race

If 5 days of orienteering is not enough for you, SWOC is holding the 6th and final race in its Cardiff Park Series on the Croeso Rest Day, Wednesday 27 July, in one of the large parks in the centre of Cardiff—Llandaff Fields and Pontcanna Fields. The series comprises very low key, friendly, enjoyable events organised, planned and controlled by one man and a dog. . ENTRIES AND START TIMES Starts will be between 16.30 and 19.00.

The novice/junior course is free.

Medium and long courses are £3 for BOF members and £5 for others

To give us an idea of numbers and ensure you get a map, you will be able to enter via Fabian4 until a few days before the event. However, there will be some maps available for entry on the day.

COURSES Novice/Junior about 1.5km Medium about 3.5km Long about 6km

TRAVEL & PARKING Parking at Grid Ref. ST167776 51.491186 –3.201213 CF11 9JU Suggested car park is at the Pontcanna Fields changing rooms just off Fields Park Road accessed from Cathedral Road, at the grid reference above. The car park is free for 2 hours but you will have to go to the ticket machine and put in your registration details. There plenty of other car parks in the area.

ARENA! The SWOC banner and the registration tent will be in the park to the east of the car park MAP A new ISSOM map has been prepared at a scale of 1:5,000. Courses will be on waterproof paper TERRAIN All the courses stay within the park so there are no restrictions on which courses under 16s can run.

13 DAY 4 Mynydd Llangynidr Long Distance Race

Organising Club: Mid Wales Orienteering Club (MWOC) Planner: Marcus Pinker (FVO) Organiser: Mike Kay (MWOC) Controller: Roger Stein (SBOC)

ARENA

START 10 mins 5 mins 1 km Up to 25 mins (4.5km) walk and wait

TRAVEL & PARKING Access to the park Grid Ref. SO123103 51.784 -3.273 NP22 3AP The arena is remote from the parking so there is a shuttle bus There are extensive roadworks on the A465 West of Abergavenny so allow plenty of time. Approach from either direction on the A465 Heads of the Valleys road to the A4048 Tredegar junction. From there turn South and follow the Brown (tourist information) road signs to Parc Bryn Bach.

Turn left into the entrance to the Parc. Immediately inside turn right and follow the orienteering signs to the parking area (200m). There may be some queuing because the bus shuttle turn round / pick up space is at the beginning of the parking area. Please follow marshalling directions onwards to the parking. From the parking, please queue as directed for the bus shuttle to the Arena. At Trefil, from the drop off point, there is a short walk to the Arena, keeping to the left side of the road. NB Please follow marshalling helpers’ guidance at all times. There should be at least 8 buses per hour and the shuttle will continue throughout the day for the return journey to Parc Bryn Bach. The first Bus leaves Parc Bryn Bach at 08:30 and The last bus will leave the arena at 17:00. DOGS Dogs are allowed on the shuttle buses.

ARENA The Arena is on a slightly sloping, rough, very exposed field with space for club tents, and suitable for good push-chairs.

15 Thursday July 28

START There is one start: 1 km from the Arena, allow 15 to 20 minutes, not suitable for buggies (marshy and with a ditch) MAP 1:10,000 with 5m contours. 2013/14 produced by Peel Land Surveys for JK2014. The Croeso courses will be using some areas not visited by the JK courses. TERRAIN Mynydd Llangynidr consists of open limestone uplands lying between 420 m and 550 m above sea level. There are numerous depressions, sink holes and pits. The smallest mapped pits are about 2 metres across. In addition there are:  areas of stony ground that are slow and difficult to cross and are best to be avoided;  two quarries on the map, one active and one old) that are outside of the area being used– the only fence on the area is around the active quarry (so there is no need to cross it);  numerous small, indistinct sheep / animal tracks, not shown on the map, that can offer better running.  indistinct paths that are on the map are from quad bikes.  some trees but these are not shown on the map.

SPECIAL SYMBOL A black circle o indicating a small sheepfold (stone walled enclosure), several of which are used for controls sites. STRING COURSE The string course will be open from 10.30 to 14.30. It is close to assembly SAFETY INFORMATION Mynydd Llangynidr is an exposed mountain area. Waterproof tops may be compulsory: if so there will be a notice at the bus stop. Safety Bearing to the West, until you either hit the quarry fence, old quarry or the quarry road, from there it is South to get to the arena. Because of the possible presence of horses, string course entrants are to be chaperoned at all times. Several rubbish filled depressions to the south of the arena will be taped off. SPECIAL INFORMATION A short walk away from the parking, there is a cafe and facilities by the lake. Go 200m the other way from the entrance of the Parc to get there.

Map Sample 16 DAY 5 Margam Country Park Middle Distance Race

Organising Club: Swansea Bay Orienteering Club (SBOC) Planner: Peter Ribbans (SWOC) Organiser: Niall Reynolds (SBOC) Controller: Charles Daniel (BOK)

300m

NEAR START ARENA

200m FAR START

2.5km

Access at Grid Ref. SS814850 51.5516,-3.7122 SA13 2TH TRAVEL & PARKING From the East take Jn 38 on M4 signposted A48 to Port Talbot. From West this junction is signposted A48 Margam and Port Talbot. From both directions at the motorway junction roundabout follow A48 toward Pyle, passing the main entrance to Margam Park after approximately 2 miles. Filter left at sign to Margam Discovery Centre.

Follow this road till you enter Margam Park East Lodge entrance. From here follow the car parking team directions. Cars will be parked in the main car parking field approximately 200m from the arena. Campervans, motorhomes, minibuses and coaches will be parked on a large area of hard standing. This is a similar distance from the arena. No exit before 13.00.

ARENA The arena and finish are on a flat grassy area (200m from the main parking), with space for club tents, and suitable for good push-chairs. Catering and equipment traders will be located here. The toilets are between car parking and the arena.

17 Friday July 29

STARTS Near Start (courses 9-15): approximately 300m from the arena. Follow tapes on stakes from the arena. Far Start (courses 1-8): approximately 2.5km level walk from the arena. Follow a taped (tapes on stakes) route to the Graig Fawr woods where the start is located. The route will initially head south west and will cross the minor road at a marshalled crossing behind the Margam Castle.

MAP 1:10000 with 5m contours, produced by Peel Land Surveys in 2016 using LIDAR TERRAIN Graig Fawr is a beautiful wooded slope, steep in places with scattered rock and contour detail. Margam Park is a fast open area with mixed vegetation detail including scattered rhododendron clumps. The bracken will be high at this time of year. SAFETY INFORMATION Graig Fawr is a steep sided wood, so take care on the rocks and steeper slopes. Check for ticks after your run as both areas of the map are frequented by deer. SPECIAL INFORMATION Margam Park is a very busy visitor attraction. Please respect other visitors and stay away from the mini railway. You will be able to enjoy the rest of the park after your run. STRING COURSE Is adjacent to the arena PRIZE GIVING Will be at as soon as possible after15:30 in the arena.

Map Sample

18 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many thanks to the following landowners and other interested parties

Day 1 and 2: the Kenfig Corporation Trust for allowing orienteering within the Kenfig National Nature Reserve, and the Reserve Manager Dave Carrington and his team for their support and cooperation; the owners of Kenfig Castle Meadows, Mark Davies and Karen Mclennan, who had no hesitation in allowing us to use this ideally-situated area of land for event parking and assembly, and who have provided the organising team with a variety of practical assistance during the planning stages.

Day 3: Natural Resources Wales

Day 4: the Duke of Beaufort Estate and the Commoners’ Association allowed us use of the area; Robert and Gail Thomas of Pentwyn Farm who own the assembly field; Parc Bryn Bach for the parking.

Day 5: Neath Port Talbot Council for the use of Margam Park; the Woodland Trust for the use of Graig Fawr Woods.

Thanks to the volunteers from the Welsh Clubs and our neighbours Bristol Orienteering Klub and North Gloucester Orienteering Club for putting so much effort into Croeso 2016.

Also thanks to all the officials: the planners, controllers and organisers as listed each day; Nigel Ferrand (SWOC)- Treasurer; David May (SLOW) Web Site; Anne May (SLOW) Enquiries; Andy Creber (NGOC) Safety Officer; Ben Mitchell (SBOC) artwork for Maps and Programme; Gabriella Walsh (MWOC) Prizes; Clive Thomas (MWOC) volunteers T-shirts and Mark Saunders co-ordinator and permissions

We would especially like to thank the many individual volunteer helpers. We were overwhelmed with offers of help as soon as we put out our request. Without this help, Wales, a very small orienteering region, would not be able to put on a multi-day event like Croeso. Diolch yn fawr. SPONSERS

Thanks to Howies (howies.co.uk) for providing the prizes for the W/M21s.