Many thanks to Angela and Dick for hosting such an excellent club night yesterday (Tuesday 18th March). Twenty or so club members came along to enjoy some informal orienteering round the Lowry Hill estate in North Carlisle, followed by a (infrequent) chance to sit around and chat to fellow BLers.
Angela had cleverly devised a course with cut-offs so that there was a choice of four different lengths from 3km to 6km. There was also a special junior course which involved no road crossings meaning that under 16s could do it on their own. And for at extra option, you could do your course either in daylight or dark depending when you started. All the control sites were lamp posts so instead of control codes, the description gave you the lamp post number and so there was no need for control flags.
Lowry Hill has lots of alleyways which combined with good course planning meant that there was plenty of route choice (and scope for confusion). But unlike some recent urban events, the alleyways were clearly defined and you didn’t find yourself wondering whether you were really supposed to be in a backyard negotiating you way round dustbins. You can see the map and courses here.
Just one query about the event, why is it called Lowry Hill when it’s flat?
Next Tuesday (25th March) there is another informal event/social evening, this time based at the Agricultural Inn in Penrith. This will use MapRun rather than lamp posts to identify control sites, but don’t worry of you have not used MapRun before – just bring a phone and someone will be available to set it up for you. Full details and how to (informally) enter here.
Border Liners Orienteering Club 