Derwent Valley Orienteers

Permanent Courses in Derbyshire.

These courses provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to orienteer at any time. They vary in technical difficulty as detailed below, some are more suitable for teaching children, others offer a challenge even to the experienced orienteer. In most cases map packs and bulk copies of the maps (with or without the controls marked) are available. For more information on any of the courses contact Mike Godfree on 01332 515862.

Hardwick Park.

Map reference SK453640. Starts from the Park Visitor Centre/toilet block. (not from Hardwick Hall). Follow signs to Hardwick Inn and turn left after going under M1. Course most suitable for junior school age group. Map 1:10000. Maps from National Trust (phone 01246 850430)

Holmebrook Valley Park, Chesterfield.

Map reference SK360730. Signed off the B6051 Newbold to Barlow road. Open area most suitable for schools and youth groups. Map 1:7500. Maps & packs from Peacock Tourist information Centre, Chesterfield.

Pools Brook Country Park, Staveley, Chesterfield.

The Country Park is signposted from the A632 at grid reference SK 435713 about ¾ mile west of the bridge over M1, and at SK 435748 in Staveley on the A619 just west of the bridge over the railway about 3 miles from the M1 at junction 30. Open area most suitable for schools and youth groups. Map 1:7500. Maps & packs from Peacock Tourist Information Centre, Chesterfield.

Black Rock, Cromford.

Map reference SK292557, at the picnic site off the B5036 between Wirksworth and Cromford. A steep wooded area, our most physically and technically challenging course. Not suitable for junior school children. Map 1:10000. Map packs from Middleton Top Visitor Centre, High Peak Junction Visitor Centre and Matlock Bath Tourist Information.

Shipley Country Park, Heanor.

Map reference SK431453. Mainly open reclaimed land. Maps obtainable from Visitor Centre where there is a master map showing about 40 control sites. A larger area than any of the others. Map 1:10000. Some parts of the course suitable for wheelchairs.

Allestree Park, Derby

Off A6 1 mile north of A6/A38 junction. Mixture of open and wooded land on fringe of city. Suitable for individuals and older school/youth groups. Map 1:10000. Map packs from the golf course professional's shop.

Darley Parks, Derby.

Map 1:7500. The course covers the formal park and the playing fields both sides of the River Derwent between the Darley Abbey toll bridge and the old railway bridge at Chester Green. Suitable for individuals and groups. Map packs from the Ranger's Office at Chester Green entrance.

Chaddesden Park, Derby.

Map 1:5000. Suitable for junior school groups. Enquiries to Derby City Leisure Services.

Sinfin Moor Park, Derby.

Map 1:3000. Suitable for junior school groups.

Catton Park

On the east side of the River Trent between Walton on Trent and Alrewas. Map reference SK 206153. Part of the National Forest. Course open to groups by prior arrangement only. (Phone Robin Neilson on 01283 716311). Parkland and woodland on scarp slope above river. Map 1:10000. Suitable for all ages of school/youth groups.

Elvaston Castle Country Park

Map reference SK407330. Level parkland, suitable for individuals and older school/youth groups. Map 1:7500. Map packs from the shop at the Castle. Most control sites can be reached by wheelchair when the ground is dry.

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