Course Information
NWNL standard courses: (Subject to final controlling.)
| Course | Length | Climb | Controls | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 4.4km | 230m | 18 | A4,1:7,500 |
| Green | 3.3km | 190m | 15 | A4,1:7,500 |
| Orange | 2.4km | 80m | 12 | A4,1:7,500 |
Green and Blue courses have been reduced in length due to the runnability of the terrain. Straight line distances do not represent the possible distance you may cover due to route choice.
The Orange course will dip into the glorious tussocks , but for the most part logical options will preclude straight lines across the moor…unless you really want to.
Mapping & Terrain
Map notes:
The area was mapped for the 2019 NWNL event and has been updated over recent months. All maps will be 1:7500 printed on A4.
The green screen for tussocks/slow run that is shown on previous maps has been REMOVED from all courses maps for clarity. The rough open ground colour really does imply rough open ground.
Terrain notes:
Darwen Moor is a wild area of upland vegetation with a gently undulating top, but with steep escarpments to the west, north and east. There has been historic quarrying and mining which has left behind many landform features. Since 2023 a peatland restoration and rewetting project has been underway. This work increases the biodiversity of the area and reduces the wildfire and flood risk. The area that is currently being worked on will be marked as out of bounds.
Registration and start times
The registration/download will be in the Scout hut on Manor Rd at the southern end of Bold Venture Park.
Registration/dibber collection from 17:30 to 18:45
Starts from 18:00 to 19:00
Course close 20:30
The Start is 630 m from the Scout Hut with 70 m of climb on a good path. Allow 10 minutes. Please stick to the taped route so as to avoid competitors who may be finishing their run.
The Finish is near the Scout Hut.
You must report to download even if you do not finish your course. This is essential so we know you are safely off the moor and do not start search procedures.
Directions and parking
On street parking near the Scout Hut in either Manor Road or Belgrave Road that surround Bold Venture Park in Darwen. Please park on one side of the road only, with consideration for local residents, to allow easy flow of local traffic.
Entry details
On-line pre-entry only via SIEntries. No EOD.
When entering please choose a start block (15 minute window). Consider choosing an early start if you expect to take a long time.
Standard pricing will apply up to midnight Wednesday 18th November. Entry will remain open after this, subject to map availability, until midnight Friday 20th November, with a late entry surcharge of £2.00 Adults / £1.00 Young Adults & Juniors.
Entry fees for BOF-members:
| Senior (26+) | Young Adult (21-25) | Junior (U21) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 18/11/2026 | £7.00 | £5.00 | £3.00 |
| From 19/11/2026 | £9.00 | £6.00 | £4.00 |
Entry fees for non-members:
| Senior (26+) | Young Adult (21-25) | Junior (U21) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 18/11/2026 | £8.00 | £5.50 | £3.00 |
| From 19/11/2026 | £10.00 | £6.50 | £4.00 |
Dibber hire £1.00 (£40 if lost/broken). Hired dibbers must be collected from Download before heading to the Start.
£1.00 Discount per person if entering both the day and nights events.
Facilities
Toilets and hot drinks will be available in the Scout Hut.
Please leave muddy footwear at the entrance.
Pre-existing medical conditions: What you should do.
Insurance: From 1st January 2026, participants who are not members of British Orienteering will no longer be covered by British Orienteering's public liability insurance. By entering any event from 1st January 2026, you acknowledge that you are taking part at your own risk. For example, if you were to accidentally injure a member of the public or damage property during the event, you would not be covered. British Orienteering's public liability insurance used to cover non-members at events before this date.