Rannoch Forest
Middle — Saturday 4th April • Long — Sunday 5th April
After 26 years I'm really looking forward to being back for the JK in one of Scotland's best forests. Rannoch provides classic Scottish orienteering. With its wealth of contour detail and extensive forest running, whoever wins here across the two days of racing will have truly earned their title as JK Champion
— Andy Kitchin, M21E champion at JK 2000
For the Middle and Long, the competition moves into Highland Perthshire to the mature Scottish pine forest of Rannoch Forest, venue for a day of JK 2000 and for the 2010 Scottish Championships. Close to the picturesque village of Kinloch Rannoch at the east end of Loch Rannoch, these two days share the same finish arena adjacent to the forestry campsite at Kilvrecht.
Travel
Residents of Kinloch Rannoch had a very bad experience with event traffic in October (not orienteering), and we have worked extremely hard to build good relations and put in place a system which we hope will leave a much better impression. This relies on all of us being well-informed and courteous drivers, so please read carefully!
Driving in rural Scotland
Many roads are single track with passing places. If you are not familiar with how to use these, please read the Scottish Government guidelines
You MUST NOT PARK, even briefly, IN PASSING PLACES. This will make driving hazardous for other users and will cause havoc with traffic flow in the area as well as our event.
Along the south loch road, our shuttle buses must have priority so if you see one coming towards you, please pull over into the nearest passing place.
Traffic Management
In the middle of the village of Kinloch Rannoch, there will be a temporary traffic light system in operation all day on Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday till 1200. This is at either end of the single-lane bridge. We expect a heavy flow of traffic to approach Kinloch Rannoch from the north side, coming from the A9 via Calvine. Operatives will be on hand to adjust the sequence of these at peak times.
Approaching the village from the North, there is another small bridge by the Cornerstone Café. It is narrow, so if traffic is queueing back from the main bridge and traffic lights, please stop well back from this small bridge to allow north-bound traffic to cross.
On arrival in the village, follow signs to CP1 or CP2 – see details below about Car Parks. To keep traffic flowing as much as possible in the village and to respect residents and local accommodation guests, please DO NOT park anywhere in the village except in the event car park.
Approaching Kinloch Rannoch from the south-east on the Schiehallion Road, you must follow signs into the village, even if you have a permit for CP2. It is FORBIDDEN to use the small, very narrow short-cut road which misses out the village and goes straight to the loch, irrespective of what your Satnav tells you. Signs will be in place to remind you.
This route takes you to the entrance to CP1, just as you enter the village. Even if you have a permit for CP2, you can drive easily through CP1 and pick up additional passengers, or you can follow signs to head straight for CP2.
Please remember this is Easter weekend. There is a Church in CP1 which will be visited by Rannoch parishioners, and those arriving by car will be directed to a designated parking area for ease of access. There will also be services at the Church on the Square in the north part of the village.
Parking
Parking for the Middle and Long (the same parking solution for both days) is split over two locations.
Car Park 1 (CP1) is in the village of Kinloch Rannoch and competitors will use shuttle buses to reach the arena (3.5 miles along the lochside from the village).
Car Park 2 (CP2) is within 500m of the arena (the arena is the same both days).
All competitors will park in CP1 unless issued with a permit for CP2.
CP1 is large, one way ‘drive through’ recreation park. It is easy to pass through here even if you have a permit for CP2. Reasons why you might do this are listed below:
- Collection of permits for CP2, if these have not been collected on Day 1 (Sprint) Available from 0730.
- Parking for any village amenities – shop, cafés, etc. ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING in the village.
- Picking up additional passengers from the bus queue if you have a permit for CP2 and can take one or two more people. Please consider doing this!
- Picking up pre-arranged additional passengers (from your club, etc.) to take to CP2.
- All campervans and motorhomes longer than 5m MUST park in CP1 (other than those with campsite overnight pitches booked). We are sorry but this is the case even if you otherwise qualify for a permit for parking at CP2.
- There are 4 toilets in CP1, but there is no cover whilst waiting for buses so please ensure you have adequate clothing, umbrellas, etc. in case of cold or wet weather.
- Dogs are allowed on leads in this Car Park and are allowed on the buses.
Car Park 1
- https://w3w.co/joyously.mini.pampered
- GR NN663 584
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/JLCankZsCCe2GYFHA
- Postcode - PH16 5QA
Car Park 2
- https://w3w.co/trackers.torched.acid
- GR NN626 573
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/MWKcpUSbf5cfT9SD8
- Postcode - PH17 2QJ
Shuttle Buses
We have booked 5 minibuses and small coaches with a total capacity of around 100 passengers. This service will begin at 0830 on both mornings and the last departures from the Arena will be at approx. 1630. Journey time from CP1 to the drop-off point is around 15 minutes but is dependent on other traffic on the single lane road along the loch.
On Day 2 (Middle) only an additional early bus service will depart at 0800 for competitors who have been allocated start times BEFORE 1000 – this only affects people running M21E. If this affects you, please arrive at CP1 in good time to get this bus!
It is 800m easy walk to the Arena from the drop-off point.
On Day 2 (Middle) it is possible to go straight to all starts from the bus drop-off point, without visiting the Arena, assuming you have your Bib.
On Day 3 (Long) this is again possible for competitors at the Red and White starts, but not for others.
Distances to the Starts are provided below. Please use all the information available to ensure you arrive at your start in good time.
Car Park 2
Car Park 2 is signposted off the South Loch Road, along the forest road to Kilvrecht Campsite (1km after turn-off). Please drive very slowly at all times and follow instructions from marshals.
Please display your permit very clearly for marshals to see.
CP2 opens at 0800 and all competitors must arrive by 1200. No exit before 1230.
Timings
Start times are from 1000 until 1400, except for M21E on Day 2 (Saturday) when starts will be from 0940 – 1420.
Entrants to M/W18E/20E/21E are reminded that start times for these courses are seeded with start lists on Saturday based upon rankings (highest ranked starting last. Start times for M/W18E/20E/21E on Sunday are in reverse order from finish positions on the Saturday (i.e. with the winner from Saturday starting last).
Please make sure you (and those you are travelling with) take this into account when making travel plans.
Terrain
Rannoch is a classic mature Scottish pine forest. In places, the terrain has the typical hazards of undergrowth, bracken, steep slopes, crags, dense forest, and the occasional fallen tree. But much of it is glorious!
Maps
Map scales used vary by class and all of the following are used: 1:5,000 (for Middle only), 1:7,500, 1:10,000, 1:15,000 (for Long only). All maps have 5m contours.
Survey and cartography for JK26 by Peel Land Surveys and Deeside Orienteering and Leisure Maps.
Rannoch was last used at an event to celebrate FVO’s 40th birthday in 2013. Maps from previous events can be found on Routegadget:
- www.fvo.routegadget.co.uk/rg2/#33
- www.fvo.routegadget.co.uk/rg2/#34
- www.soa.routegadget.co.uk/rg2/#11
- www.soa.routegadget.co.uk/rg2/#12
Mapping Notes
Vegetation boundaries are marked with the green dashed line symbol (not the black dotted line symbol). This can appear somewhat similar to the blue dotted linear marsh symbol in some areas. See picture for illustration.
Course Information
All M21E entrants will be placed on the same middle distance course on Day 2 (Saturday).
The highest finishing 81 competitors in the M21E Day 2 results who are also entered for Day 3 (Sunday) will qualify to run M21E1 on Day 3. Anyone finishing in positions 82 and below will qualify to run M21E2 on Day 3 (including anyone not entered, not starting, not finishing or disqualified on day 2).
Middle
| Course | Length (km) | Climb (m) | Map Scale | Classes | No. of Controls | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.3 | 175 | 1:10000 | M21E | 21 | Red |
| 2 | 4.4 | 140 | 1:10000 | M35L | 17 | Red |
| 3 | 4.4 | 155 | 1:10000 | W21E | 17 | Red |
| 4A | 4.3 | 140 | 1:10000 | M21L | 20 | Blue |
| 4B | 4.3 | 140 | 1:7500 | M50L | 20 | Blue |
| 5 | 4.0 | 135 | 1:10000 | M18E, M20E | 19 | Red |
| 6 | 3.2 | 115 | 1:10000 | W18E, W20E | 16 | Red |
| 7A | 4.6 | 140 | 1:10000 | M40L | 18 | Blue |
| 7B | 4.6 | 140 | 1:7500 | M45L | 18 | Blue |
| 8 | 3.9 | 145 | 1:7500 | M55L | 18 | Blue |
| 9A | 3.8 | 120 | 1:10000 | W35L | 17 | Blue |
| 9B | 3.8 | 120 | 1:7500 | M60L | 17 | Blue |
| 10A | 3.5 | 115 | 1:10000 | W21L, W40L | 17 | Blue |
| 10B | 3.5 | 115 | 1:7500 | W45L | 17 | Blue |
| 11 | 3.4 | 110 | 1:7500 | M65L, W50L | 15 | Blue |
| 12 | 3.1 | 105 | 1:7500 | M16A, M35S, M40S, M45S, W55L | 15 | Blue |
| 13 | 3.0 | 90 | 1:7500 | M18L, M20L, M21S, M50S, M70L | 13 | Blue |
| 14 | 2.8 | 85 | 1:7500 | M55S, M75L, W35S, W60L | 13 | Blue |
| 15 | 2.7 | 75 | 1:7500 | M60S, W16A, W40S, W45S, W65L | 12 | Blue |
| 16 | 2.3 | 60 | 1:7500 | M65S, M80L, W18L, W20L, W21S, W50S, W70L | 13 | Blue |
| 17 | 1.8 | 65 | 1:5000 | M18S, M20S, M70S, M75S, W55S, W60S, W65S, W75L | 12 | White |
| 18 | 1.5 | 50 | 1:5000 | M80S, M85, W18S, W20S, W70S, W80L | 11 | White |
| 19 | 1.0 | 30 | 1:5000 | M90, M95, W75S, W80S, W85, W90, W95 | 7 | White |
| 20 | 2.9 | 100 | 1:7500 | M14A, M16B | 13 | Blue |
| 21 | 2.6 | 70 | 1:7500 | Light Green, W14A, W16B | 10 | Blue |
| 22 | 2.3 | 85 | 1:7500 | M12A, M14B, Orange, W12A, W14B | 14 | White |
| 23 | 1.5 | 60 | 1:5000 | M10A, M12B, W10A, W12B, Yellow | 11 | White |
| 24 | 1.7 | 57 | 1:5000 | M10B, W10B, White | 13 | White |
Long
| Course | Length (km) | Climb (m) | Map Scale | Classes | Start | No. of Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14.4 | 545 | 15000 | M21E1 | Red | 24 |
| 2 | 12.2 | 435 | 15000 | M21E2 | Red | 18 |
| 3 | 11.8 | 450 | 15000 | W21E | Red | 18 |
| 5 | 10.3 | 380 | 15000 | M18E, M20E | Red | 18 |
| 6 | 9.9 | 355 | 15000 | M21L, M35L, M40L | Red | 17 |
| 7 | 8.4 | 335 | 10000 | M45L | Green | 15 |
| 8 | 7.9 | 265 | 15000 | W18E, W20E | Red | 14 |
| 9 | 7.7 | 285 | 10000 | M50L, M20L, W21L, W35L, W40L | Green | 13 |
| 10 | 6.9 | 240 | 10000 | M16A, M55L, M18L, M21S, M35S, W45L | Green | 14 |
| 11 | 6.1 | 210 | 10000 | M60L, M40S, M45S, W20L, W50L | Green | 11 |
| 12 | 5.5 | 205 | 7500 | M65L, M20S, M50S, W16A, W18L, W21S, W35S, W40S | Green | 10 |
| 13 | 5.1 | 155 | 7500 | M70L, W55L | Blue | 13 |
| 14 | 4.4 | 160 | 7500 | M75L, M18S, M55S, W60L, W45S | Blue | 12 |
| 15 | 4.1 | 155 | 7500 | M60S, M65S, W65L, W20S, W50S | Blue | 11 |
| 16 | 3.2 | 80 | 7500 | M80L, M70S, W70L, W18S, W55S, W60S | Blue | 12 |
| 17 | 2.6 | 65 | 7500 | M85, M75S, M80S, W75L, W80L, W65S, W70S | Blue | 9 |
| 18 | 1.8 | 20 | 7500 | M90, M95, W85, W90, W95, W75S, W80S | Blue | 7 |
| 19 | 4.9 | 160 | 10000 | M14A, M16B | Blue | 13 |
| 20 | 4.3 | 140 | 10000 | W14A, W16B, Light Green | Blue | 11 |
| 21 | 3.0 | 120 | 7500 | M12A, M14B, W12A, W14B, Orange | White | 13 |
| 22 | 2.3 | 75 | 7500 | M10A, M12B, W10A, W12B, Yellow | White | 10 |
| 23 | 1.5 | 50 | 7500 | M10B, W10B, White | White | 10 |
Control Descriptions
Loose descriptions will be available in the start lanes for both the Middle and the Long. Lengths (in mm) for the elite courses are:
Middle:
- Course 1 (M21E) - 180; Course 3 (W21E) - 161;
- Course 5 (M18E/M20E) - 171; Course 6 (W18E/W20E) - 156
Long
- Course 1 (M21E1) - 180; Course 2 (M21E2) - 150; Course 3 (W21E) - 150
- Course 5 (M18E/M20E) - 155; Course 6 (W18E/W20E) - 175
Starts
All competitors have been allocated a start time. It is your responsibility to arrive in time for your start. The JK will use a timed start system, so no need to punch. British Orienteering rules on Late Starts will apply if required.
Middle
There is no clothing transfer on Day 2.| Walking time approx | Distance | |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | 20 minutes | 1.0km 45m |
| Red | 25 minutes | 1.7km 50m |
| White | 7 minutes | 700m 5m |
Long
There will be a clothing transfer service for competitors using the Green Start on Day 3 (Long). Clothes may be left in a named or recognisable bag and collected later from Enquiries. Bags will be returned at around 1230 and again at around 1430.
| Walking time approx | Distance | |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 30 minutes | 2.1km 135m |
| Blue | 25 minutes | 1.4km 90m |
| Red | 20 minutes | 1.5km 50m |
| White | 7 minutes | 400m No climb |
Warm-Up Maps
There is a warm-up map for Red Start competitors on both days, including two sample controls in the terrain each day. In both cases, follow tapes from the arena as normal. On Day 2 (Middle) the map can be collected halfway to the start, where the routes to Red/Blue starts split. On Day 3 (Long) the map can be collected shortly after the White Start. In both cases the warm-up map extends to the pre-start.
Arena
The Arena is the same for Days 2 and 3. Toilets are provided in the Arena. On Day 2 (Middle) there will also be 2 toilets near the Red Start. On Day 3 (Long) there will be 4 toilets en route to the Blue and Green starts.
We are delighted that the much-loved orienteering caterer – Podium - will be joining us in Highland Perthshire. We also have some exciting new local caterers for you to enjoy: The Cornerstone will be serving delicious pizza AND BEER to refuel you for the next day! And Oakliés are bringing a great big burger van, and a lovely coffee truck. Meanwhile, Compass Point and Pete Bland Sports will be on hand to make sure you are smartly dressed for the forest and to handle all your ‘packing oversight’ issues.
There are 3 areas for club tents, and you can leave these up overnight from Saturday into Sunday.
The Arena has a large Shelter tent for anyone to use, especially those who may be here without a club tent. Consider this a friendly place to leave bags, chat and relax, pre or post run!
Finish
The Finish will be in the Arena, and we hope you will enjoy cheering on all the competitors as they make their way to the finish line. Our excellent commentators, Katherine Bett and Holly Stodgell will keep you informed of all the exciting results as they unfold.
O Zone
We are also delighted to offer the O Zone – a drop-in tent for younger orienteers (and their parents). Activities (with orienteering and Easter themes) include colouring sheets, puzzles, craft activities, games and hopefully some outdoor fun too!
No Smoking
Smoking and lighting of fires are not permitted anywhere on Forestry Land Scotland land – this includes the Arena, campsite, Car Park 2 and competition area.
Finish
There are two last controls each day. Make sure you visit and punch the correct one.
The Finish is touch free enabled.
String Course
There will be a String Course on Days 2 & 3. Day 2 is a Middle distance course, whilst Day 3 is classic Long. Both have been planned by former GB Elite Orienteer Alasdair McLeod, who is keen to impress in his debut in the world of String Course planning. Athletes and their coaches should turn up well-rested and nourished.
Drinks Points
There will be no water at the starts. Competitors may bring a plastic bottle to the start, but this must be crushed and placed into rubbish bags for disposal.
Water will be provided for those on the following courses:
Day 2 middle - Courses 1, 2, 3, 7A, 7B at about 50% of course.
Day 3 long - 2-3 drinks points at approximate distances as follows:
- Course 1 at 20%, 30% and 60%
- Courses 2 & 3 at 23%, 37% and 70%
- Course 5 & 6 at 32% and 50%
- Course 8 at 38% and 58%
There will be no water at the starts.
Prizegiving
The overall JK Prizegiving (Middle and Long combined) and WRE Flower Ceremony (Long) will take place at around 1545, or as soon as possible thereafter.
WRE Flower Ceremony for Middle Distance Races
This will take place in the Arena at around 1500 on Saturday, or as soon as possible thereafter. Please join us in celebrating the achievements of our podium athletes.
Safety
It is compulsory to carry a whistle on Days 2 & 3, and it may be necessary to make waterproof tops with hoods mandatory, depending on the weather.
Whistle & Bib checks will be applied as you exit the Arena on both days. Please be prepared for this and be polite to marshals carrying out these checks. They are for your safety and form part of our detailed risk assessment.
Due to the range of competitor physical and technical abilities, it is not possible to easily track overdue runners until after the last start. We encourage anyone who is concerned about a clubmate or family member who has been out for longer than expected to alert the Safety Officer as soon as you become concerned. If you are not running as part of a club or family group and wish the organisers to be conscious of this, please advise the Safety Officer of your expected finish time before you go to the start.
There is some slow run with low visibility terrain with lots of low branches. Competitors should consider eye protection.
Vehicles - those arriving by bus from CP1 will walk through a small public car park on the way to the arena. Any traffic will be moving very slowly, but please exercise caution and follow instructions from marshals if necessary.
Competitors should be aware that they may very occasionally encounter a slow-moving event vehicle during their race on both days, and also when walking to the Blue and Green starts on Day 3. Please be aware of this when approaching a track and exercise caution.
River Crossings
Day 2 (Middle) At times during the course planning process, the rivers near the Finish have been raging torrents. For safety reasons, courses have been planned for the optimum route on all courses to use the existing bridges. The crossing point symbol has been used to highlight these.
On Day 3 (Long), courses 1, 2, 3 cross a wide river two-thirds of the way round (just after the third drinks point). This has been visited by the planners and controller in a variety of conditions, and has always been crossable with appropriate care, even after heavy rainfall. If it has been wet prior to the event, you are advised to cross carefully.
Environmental Constraints
There are a large number of anthills in the forest – please avoid running through these.
Taped Routes
Course 22 on Day 3 (Long) has one taped route between controls, and Course 23 has two taped routes between controls. They are indicated in the control descriptions.
Officials
| Long | Middle | |
|---|---|---|
| Planners | David Godfree (FVO), Ben Stansfield (FVO) | Brian Bullen (FVO), Alastair Duguid (TAY) |
| Organisers | Rona & Jonathan Molloy (FVO) | Rona & Jonathan Molloy (FVO) |
| Controller | Duncan Archer (LOC) | Derek Allison (LOC) |
| IOF Advisor | Duncan Archer (LOC) | Duncan Archer (LOC) |
| Helpers | CLYDE, FVO, INVOC, MOR, RR, STUOC, and individual volunteers | CLYDE, FVO, INVOC, MOR, RR, STUOC, and individual volunteers |
| Jury (including for WRE) |
Graeme Ackland (INT/MA), David Esson (GRAMP), Simon Thompson (HOC) |
Graeme Ackland (INT/MA), David Esson (GRAMP), Simon Thompson (HOC) |