Despite the December timing, this event was well attended. We were very pleased to welcome several newcomers and some who hadn't competed since the days of old style punches! Our White course, which was contained within the campsite boundary, on a larger scale 1:3,000 map was enjoyed by some families. As well as making use of the arboretum, our longer courses had some people venturing to the area by the Buckstone playpark, and others going for an excursion around the Alnwickhill estate. There was plenty of discussion afterwards!

Club members put on a good show with their club tops and bottoms. The organiser and planner were very appreciative of all the help offered and received to make this event happen. A huge thank you to all (and well done Ann - plenty compliments about the courses!!)

Special thanks also to the folks at Mortonhall who have been welcoming and supportive to our event and Joseph for providing much needed sustenance that raised funds for Junior Orienteering 

Some comments from Planner Ann Haley

Every area has its challenges, but the proximity to home meant I could look at different areas and control sites while on a local run (often with Stephen).  On this occasion I took the opportunity to use the campsite, but as it hadn’t been used for some time, and there had been some windblown elsewhere, the map required updating.  I am very grateful to Robin Galloway for finding the time to come on a brief recce of the areas in most need of an update and for correcting the map as required (as well as being the Organiser).

For this venue there are various areas that need to be avoided, such as fields with livestock or crops. I had planned a Red course but replanned it to make it available to under 16s.  In the end some children were shadowed around the Light Green and Green courses instead, but the Red still provided that slightly longer off-road option which was appreciated by some.

I hope that participants enjoyed the mixture of terrain: the arboretum, the paths leading to and from Buckstone, the streets of Alnwickhill and finally a quick dash around the campsite.  There was plenty of discussion at the end, with many positive comments, for which I am grateful.

I am extremely appreciative of all the volunteers who contributed towards making the event a success, and to the participants who came and made the time taken to organise and plan an event worthwhile!

Forthcoming Events

ESOA Championships, Dechmont Law - Saturday 5th December 2026

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