Morpeth Urban + Safety Workshop

    • Date:
    • Registration opens: 10:30 am closes: 12:00 pm
    • Starts from: 11:00 am

    Updated: 3/2/25
    Morpeth is an attractive old town on the banks of the river Wansbeck. It offers varied orienteering, including Carlisle Park, woodland areas and the ginnels of the old town centre. Start and finish will be in Carlisle Park with the Pavilion Café nearby.

    Travel: All road routes to Morpeth town centre – see parking map.
    Bus 2 from/to Blyth & Bedlington to Castle Square.
    Bus 43 from/to Newcastle via Gosforth, Cramlington, Bedlington to Castle Square.
    Bus X18 from/to Newcastle & Regent Centre (for Metro) to Castle Square.
    From Castle Square pass rightwards alongside Waterford Arms and follow the lane round into the park. Follow the riverside path.
    Bus 35 from/to Newbiggin, Ashington & Pegswood to the bus station. Walk down Sanderson Arcade, cross and go alongside the side of the Town Hall and cross the river footbridge into the park.
    Rail to Morpeth station. Turn right in the underpass to follow the footpath. At the roundabout keep to the right pavement as far as the pelican crossing and follow from Castle Square as above.

    Parking:
    There are a number of car parks in the centre of Morpeth. Parking is free on Sundays (i.e. disc not needed). Map of Car Parks. Those numbered 11 and 12 (Newmarket NE61 1LW) are closest to assembly. Cross the Elliot footbridge over the river.

    Assembly: Carlisle Park. A club tent signed from the park end of the Elliot Footbridge above.

    Entry via SIEntries in advance. Entries are now open and close 9th February (midnight).
    Entry on the day also available for courses 6 & 7 subject to map availability.
    Juniors under the age of 16 should enter course 6 or 7.   These courses avoid busy roads.’

    CourseClassDistance ClimbMap
    1Men Open (M18-35)8.9 km.140m.1:4000 A3
    2 sided
    2Women Open (W18-35)
    Veteran Men (M40+)
    7.0 km.140m.1:4000 A3
    2 sided
    3Veteran Women (W40+)
    Super Veteran Men (M55+)
    5.6 km.85m.1:4000 A3
    2 sided
    4Ultra Veteran Men (M65+)
    Super Veteran Women (W55+)
    4.9 km.80m.1:4000 A3
    5Ultra Veteran Women (W65+)
    Hyper Veteran Men (M75+)
    Hyper Veteran Women (W75+)
    3.2 km.35m.1:4000 A4
    6Junior Men (M16-)
    Junior Women (W16-)
    3.9 km.
    50m.1:4000 A3
    7Young Junior Men (M12-)
    Young Junior Women (W12-)
    2.1 km.45m.1:4000 A4
    Courses subject to final controlling.
    Course notes:
    Course 7 visits Carlisle Park and riverside paths. The only road should be crossed via two pedestrian underpasses.
    Course 6 also includes quiet estate roads.
    Courses 1 – 5 all include the old centre of Morpeth. Please be aware that much of this area is residential.
    Courses 1 – 4 offer the option to take woodland paths which may be muddy.
    Courses 1 – 3: Beware of traffic exiting the school.

    Starts between 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Start and finish located in Carlisle Park.
    Courses close 2:30 p.m.

    Safety Workshop for Planners and Organisers  2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
    Tricia Davies (BL) will be running a Safety Workshop at the Pavilion Cafe in Carlisle Park after this event.  Any NATO members who expect to plan or organise an event (including Local Series Events/LOPs) must take part in one of these workshops.  Any who think they may be interested in planning or organising, including members of other clubs, are warmly welcome.  There will be no charge.  If you plan to come please contact Gwenda Cavill on Gwenda352@gmail.com

    Facilities:
    The toilets in Pavilion Café in Carlise Park will be available for use from 10:30 a.m. Toilets for customers are available in Morrisons. Toilets at Bus Station.

    Map: 1:4,000 updated 2025 by Fred Miller & George Hare for all courses – for format see course table.

    Officials:
    Organiser: Willard Wright 0771 54 22551
    Planner: Mary Rack
    Controller: Julian Warren (NN)

    Safety:
    Morpeth can be busy on both footpaths and the main road. It is essential that courtesy is afforded to townspeople and care taken in narrow spaces, at blind corners and generally.

    Dogs may be present in the park area where the Start and Finish are located.

    Orienteering is an adventure sport. A comprehensive risk assessment for the event will be prepared and identified risks mitigated. However, please be aware that participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event.

    Please upload your route to RouteGadget.
    Guidance available: “How to upload a route”

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