Introduction
SWELL event

Terrain Description
Parkland with some mature woodland, grassland, young trees that are maturing and lakes (former gravel workings), with a well defined path network. In most of the open areas the grass and wild flowers have been left to grow with paths mown round the edges. We have done our best to map these paths. Courses have been planned to avoid the worst areas for thorn and brambles, but full leg cover is advised.

For more information about the country park see the Visit Parks website

The map is 1:10000, 5m contours at ISOM 2017 standard.

Parking
The simplest approach is via Upminster.

From M25 J29 take the A127 west towards Romford. After 1.25 miles turn onto the first slip road, signed Upminster and Cranham, then turn left at the T junction. Continue through Upminster on the B1421 and then to Corbets Tey. At the point where the road has a sharp left hand bend, turn right, signed Aveley. Turn left at the T junction/mini-roundabout. Follow this road for 1.5 miles then turn left into the Country Park.

You can approach from the south: M25 J30, A13 west, A1306 and B1335 to Aveley then take the Romford Road to Belhus Woods Country Park. Note there are speed humps through Aveley.

There are brown tourist signs to the Country Park from Corbets Tey and Aveley.

NOTE: There is a 2.4m/7'4" height restriction into the car park.

Essex County Council car park charges apply, pay and display. £3.50 for 2 hours; £4.60 for 3 hours; £5.80 all day. The machines take cash or card payments. For cashless payments register at MiPermit Essex County Council Country Parks Cashless Parking and Digital Permits.

The car park ticket machines are near the entrance to the main/hard-standing car park, close to the route to the toilets.

Public transport: 22 bus (www.ensignbus.com), hourly Sunday service from Grays bus station (10 minute walk from Grays railway station) to Usk Road, Aveley then 2.5K walk through Belhus Chase (please stay on paths as this is in the competition area). Or 370 bus (www.tfl.gov.uk) half-hourly Sunday service from Upminster railway station to Corbetts Tey then 2.5K walk.

Ockendon railway station is about 3K from the Country Park.

Times
Enquiries from 10:00 to 12noon

Starts from 10:30 to 12:30pm

Courses close at 2.30pm

Course Info
White, Yellow, Orange, Light Green, Short Green, Green and Blue.
A course suitable for all abilities. Help available for beginners.

Blue 7.0km 26 controls
Green 4.6km 19 controls
Short Green 3.8km 15 controls
Light Green 3.7km 12 controls
Orange 2.8km 12 controls
Yellow 2.2km 12 controls
White 1.4km 12 controls

No course has any significant climb.


There is 1 timed out road crossing on Green and Blue, which uses a traffic light pedestrian crossing.

The Start and other Finish for all courses, except Green and Blue, are adjacent to the Car park. There is a second Finish location for Green and Blue over the road in the western area (only 300m away).

SIAC will be enabled.

Entry Fees
Entry in advance via Racesignup.

No start blocks, first come/first served start procedure.

Seniors: £9 ( £11 for non- BOF members)

Juniors: £4
Chip hire: (non SIAC) £1.

Entries close midnight on Friday, 4 November.

There will be very limited EOD entries available at the event download tent, subject to map availability, add £1 to entry fees.

Facilities
Light refreshments, ice creams and snacks available at the visitor centre. A new toilet block has been built near the visitor centre, on the east/left side of the staff car park, as you approach from the main car park.

Lakes with plenty of waterfowl (duck food available from the visitor centre - please do not bring bread for the ducks). There is a new play area (marked as a rectangular OOB on the event maps) for the young and young at heart. Adjacent to the start there is a new doggy assault course.

Contacts
Organiser: Janet Biggs (organiser1@orienteering-havoc.co.uk)
Planner: Colin Jackson (chairman@orienteering-havoc.co.uk)
Controller: John Collyer