Bringsty Common
A small but delightful area that has only been used twice, in 2012 on a very warm February day and again in August 2023 on an even warmer evening. It is remote from most HOC members (but just across the main road from Brockhampton.) And it has a good pub in the middle of the area. Our neighbouring club, North Gloucester OC has created a Smartphone course there – details here: https://www.ngoc.org.uk/course/bringsty-common/
Breakneck Bank
Gentle to steep stream valley sides with a flat plateau. Re-entrants and niches in valley sides. Mostly coniferous plantation – it may be dark but it is now nice and clear underfoot. The stream bank (20% of area) is an exceptional oak woodland with heather and bilberry ground cover. Very fast very pretty. Some large patches of brambles but the extensive path/forest road network means these can be avoided.
Brampton Bryan
Used for larger events; in recent years mainly the bi-annual Springtime in Shropshire, it is a private estate with no public access. Brampton Bryan Park lies on Pedwardine Hill, which at its highest point is over 300 metres above sea level. It provides an enjoyable mixture of open parkland and extremely mixed but generally runnable woodland on a network of steep sided valleys and rolling hilltops. The trees in the park are predominantly oaks, with some beech, ash and lime….
Bodenham Arboretum
University of Birmingham
Excellent venue for sprint style urban racing. Events held in earlier years:
Birmingham City Centre
Events held in earlier years:
Barr Beacon
A mile long sandy ridge with a Permanent Orienteering Course offering 6 maps with courses of varying length and difficulty. Used for Summer Series events.
Baggeridge Country Park
The park has been developed on the landscaped site of a former colliery and brickworks. The former spoil heaps are now hills with steep slopes, and a variety of well established wooded areas (mixed deciduous trees, mostly mature and runnable.) There are grassy open areas, several ponds, and an extensive path network. Connects with Himley Hall. The management team are very supportive of orienteering, and the Visitor Centre provides both toilets and a cafe. Plus a children’s play area and…
Arrow Valley
Country Park with 900 acres and a mixture of open land and dense woods. Permanent Orienteering course with 8 maps offering courses of varying length and difficulty; all are GPS enabled. The River Arrow flows through it. The lakeside Arrow Valley Visitor Centre has a café with views across the water and toilets. The park also offers a BMX facility, disc golf, sailing and fishing. Mainly used for Local events but does support a Regional one and is particularly good…