HAVOC GLOSS event - Hornchurch Country Park

Introduction
HAVOC round of the GLOSS (Greater London Orienteering Summer Series)

Terrain Description
On the site of the former RAF Hornchurch, this country park has a mixture of ecological interest as well as heritage. The area has been landscaped with blocks of woodland, lakes, open and rough-open areas. A mountain biking trail has been created along with a horse-ride in the south-western part of the area, known as Ingrebourne Hill. There are surfaced and unsurfaced paths throughout the park. Some structures from the RAF days can still be seen including pillboxes and Tett turrets. To the east is the Ingrebourne River and its flood plain which is a haven for birdlife. Further east are the Berwick Glades and Woods. The former is a relatively newly planted woodland and the later the site of old gravel workings much of which is overgrown by woodland.

Map at 1:10,000 with 2.5m contours at ISOM 2017 standard originally surveyed and drawn by Tom Edelsten. Last updated in 2024, and spring 2025. The mountain bike trail is indicated by a smaller than standard footpath symbol. A black X indicates gym or play equipment and a wide H a seat. A green dot indicates a small isolated tree or thicket. There are many mown paths which are indicated by narrow yellow strips.

Parking
What3Words: arts.grand.guides

Car parking for competitors will be in a dedicated grass field, close to the visitor centre, and is FREE OF CHARGE. The event will be signed from the junction of Suttons Lane and Squadrons Approach. The car park has a 6'6" height restriction. Some limited space should be available for larger vehicles in the adjoining streets. Car park grass area may be locked soon after the end of the event; use the hard-standing area if you intend to stay on after the event.

DIRECTIONS: From M25 J30 take the A13 westward towards London. At the next interchange take the A1306 towards Rainham: 3rd exit at first roundabout and 1st exit at the second. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit towards Rainham then, at the "Dovers Corner" roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A125 towards Romford. At the cross-roads/traffic lights turn right onto South End Road, signed Hornchurch. Continue for about 1.4 miles then turn right at the traffic lights onto Airfield Way, signed to Hornchurch Country Park. Continue past Tesco then, at the sharp left hand bend, turn right onto Squadrons Approach then left into the country park.

From M25 J29 take the A127 west towards Romford. After 1.25 miles and just before the overbridge, turn onto the slip road, signed Upminster and Cranham, then turn left at the T junction. Continue to Upminster. At the crossroads/traffic lights turn right onto the A124 towards Hornchurch. Continue to the Hornchurch one-way system keeping left onto Station Lane. Continue past Hornchurch Station and the new St Georges Park development, then, at the sharp right hand bend, turn left onto Squadrons Approach & left into the country park.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: the nearest railway station is Hornchurch on the District Line - 1.4K. The 252 bus (15 min Sunday service) runs from outside of the station, just over the Pelican crossing. Take the bus to the Hornchurch Country Park stop. Continue in the same direction, there should be a path on the left leading into the country park car park. Event parking and registration will be in the grass area beyond. (Note from Hornchurch station, the 256 bus goes only as far as the St Georges stop.)

Times
Starts 10:30 am to 12:00 noon

Courses close 2.00 pm

Course Info
Yellow 2km 10m

GLOSS 4km 20m

GLOSS + Extension 6km 40m

subject to final planning

SIAC will be enabled, although competitors will need to punch the Check, Start, and Finish controls.

Entry Fees
Entry in advance via RaceSignUp

Senior members £9.00

Senior non-members £11.00

Juniors £4.00

Electronic punching (SI) will be used at this event – SI ‘dibber’ hire fee £1.

Senior fee applies to groups and families competing together.



Note, member means an individual holding a current subscription to British Orienteering. Non-members are allowed to compete in up to three British Orienteering registered events before being recommended to join. See https://www.orienteering-havoc.co.uk/membership for information on how to join.

Facilities
Toilets and refreshments are available at the Visitor Centre close to the car park. Please avoid taking any mud into the Visitor Centre. (From the entrance door, the toilets are past the reception counter then second door on the left and then on the left).

Contacts
Organiser: Colin Jackson (chairman@orienteering-havoc.co.uk)

Planner: Chris Prince