Loop - Group's 4th Brithday - Orienteering Competition @ Settle

After Joanna's successful orienteering event in Todmorden I thought it would be nice to put one on myself for the group's birthday (6th June). I had a think and thought Settle makes for an excellent orienteering playground!

The event will cost the usual £1 - please send payment to https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - put reference as 'Settle'.

What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is about navigating to a checkpoint on a map (or no map in some cases!). It can be done a variety of different ways; navigating to checkpoints along a set route, or there will be numerous checkpoints scattered across the map and you need to reach as many of them as possible. There is a time limit to do it in, to not reach the finish in the allotted time can either mean deducted points or disqualification.

What we will be Doing
We will be doing the type where checkpoints are scattered across the map and points will be deducted. We will be using the iOrienteering app so ensure you have it downloaded. Be sure to bring a way to charge your phone during the event, the app uses your location constantly so can drain your battery quite a lot.

Teams
First I will split people into two groups; those that are competitive and want to power walk/jog/run to ensure they get as many points as possible and be the victor! Then those that are not as serious and rather do it more calmly and take their time (they may still win! Brains over brawn!). This is because there is nothing worse than people being on different wavelengths. It brings out the worst in people and then they won't enjoy themselves as much as they could.

Each group will be split into teams (number per team will depend on how many attend). If there is a team with less people than others then I might add a minor points deduction to that team. As having less people will likely be an advantage.

Each team will have one person using the iOrienteering app. May want to bring power banks just in case!

Time
You will have five hours to get to as many checkpoints as possible. Be sure to be back in time! There will be breakpoints at POI's (points of interest). Breakpoints will stop the clock until you reach another checkpoint. They are added to allow people to stop for lunch if they want.

Scoring
I have added a risk vs reward element. Every checkpoint you get to will give you more points the further away from the start you are. It is roughly an exta 10 points for every 100m (as the crow flies). With a maximum of 1000 points at 10km (6 1/4 miles)). Checkpoints at trig points, caves, waterfalls or other POI's have inflated points. For example, Pen-Y-Ghent is the biggest scorer with 2000 points! However, can you and your team get from Settle to the top of Pen-Y-Ghent and back in the allotted time? Are there enough checkpoints in between to make it worth trying?

Penalities

• Up to 15 minutes late. Lose 10 points per minute.

• 16-30 minutes late. Lose 20 points per minute.

• 31-40 minutes late. Lose 30 points per minute.

• 41+ minutes late. Lose 40 points per minute.

• Anyone using any mode of transport other than their legs will be disqualified.

• Team members must arrive back at the same time. Any team that has members arriving later than the first member will be disqualified.

Reward
£20 Go Outdoors giftcard (for each team member).

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.

Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.

All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.

Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.

We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.