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Event Summary

Welcome to the second round of the Northern Night Cup for 2026/2027.  This event will take place at Loch Na Bo, which was last used for our regional event back in April 2026.    

Event registration/assembly will be from 'the back of a car' at the car park to Threaplands Garden Centre.

Night
Local
SI AIR
1745-1845 hours
1800-1900 hours
2000 hours
89565
On Leads
Online
SiEntries

Directions and Parking

Directions.  From the West, please head towards Elgin and Llanbryde on the A96. Having passed Llanbryde, please turn right into Threaplands Garden Centre (NJ284609; w3ws:\\\tenses.between.entitles; Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iRe8Xy3CLehXtTRA9).  There is plenty of parking available in the car park.  Look out for the Moravian Flag.  From the East, please head towards Elgin on the A96.  Just before Llanbryde, please turn left into the car park at Threaplands Garden Centre.  

Toilets.  The nearest public toilets would be at Llanbryde (approx. 5 miles). 

Start and Finish

Start and Finish.  The start and finish will be a short distance from the event assembly.  Details TBA.  All courses will have a punching start and a punching finish.

First Aid.   At registration

Courses

Two courses will be available:

  • Long xkm, xm climb (counting for NNC) - Estimated winning time of 30 minutes for M/W 21/35.
  • Short xkm, xm climb (counting for NNC) - Estimated winning time of 30 minutes for W50 and M60.

Shadowing and Juniors.  Please note that anyone under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied on the course by an adult, unless the parent/guardian can convince the organizer of the young orienteer's proven competence at night orienteering.  If you shadow a junior on the Short/Long course, you should declare yourself non-competitive to the organiser, if later running one of those courses.

Please note that NNC rules require a spare torch and whistle to be carried.

Terrain

Loch na Bo is a vast wooded area with a loch, two ponds and a very comprehensive path network.  

The forest makes for some great orienteering, though there are fallen trees to navigate, with some crossing the path network.  Some of these trees have been mapped.  The forest floor is a mixture of fallen tree branches, heather and bracken. This will slow your progress down slightly.  The visibility in the forest is very good.  The thickets are mostly rhododendrons, plus the odd gorse bush.

1:7500, 5m contours.

Entry Details

Entries are online via SI Entries only.  

  • Entries open online from Friday 6 November 2026 and will close at 23:59 pm on Sunday 29 November 2026 at normal prices.  Online entries can also be edited/changed/cancelled until this closure, subject to map availability. 
  • Sorry, but no Entry on the Day. 

Entry Fees: 

  • Senior (21 and older) BOF Member - £6.00.
  • Senior SOA-only Member - £7.00.
  • Senior Non-Member - £8.00 
  • Junior (20 and younger) and Student BOF/SOA Members - £2.00 
  • Junior/Student Non-Member - £3.00 
SiEntries

Final Details

Safety Information

  • General Hazards.
    • Competitors take part in this event at their own risk.
    • Competitors must wear full leg cover and shoes with grip are recommended.
  • Other People/Activities.  Competitors must be aware of other competitors on the courses and take care to avoid collisions.
  • Road Hazards.  Participants advised that the area has a single-tracked road of very-low traffic density leading to/from Loch Na Bo House.  'Caution runner' signs will be displayed on the road to warn road users of participants. 
  • Water Hazards.  Participants are advised that there are water hazards (Loch Na Bo Loch and two smaller ponds).  These must not be entered or crossed.
  • Trip Hazards.  Participants advised to be aware of trip hazards (including tree roots, stony and broken ground, kerbs, steps and fallen branches/logs), slopes and steps, slippery paths, uneven surfaces, litter and dog fouling, and low branches near control sites. 
    • Vehicle Hazard - Car Park.  Participants are advised to be mindful of vehicles moving in and around the car parking area.
    • Disorientation.  Participants advised that in the event of disorientation then they should head north-west until they meet either the main road/track that bisects the area, Loch Na Bo or a major forest path, and re-locate from their.
    • Inclement Weather.  Participants are advised that a waterproof may be made compulsory if inclement weather.  Please also dress appropriately for a night event in December in the North of Scotland.

    Event Officials

    Peter McLuckie

    Ticks and Covid

    Ticks

    Risk Awareness:   Please be aware that ticks are common across many of the areas we run in and can carry infections such as Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Encephalitis.  Ticks are active in the UK primarily from March to October, but year-round vigilance is recommended.

    Prevention Strategies:   

    • Wearing full leg and abdomen cover in the forest.  
    • Applying insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
    • Checking yourself for ticks after your run.  Common areas for ticks include behind the knees, underarms, hairline, and any pressure points.
    • Considering vaccination against TBE, if visiting high-risk areas in Europe or Asia.

    Tick Removal and Symptoms:   Consider using a tick removal tool to ensure the tick is removed quickly and completely.   If a tick has attached, it should be removed as soon as possible.

    Health Action:  If symptoms develop, such as a rash or flu-like symptoms, individuals should seek medical advice promptly and mention the tick bite, as not all doctors may be familiar with the conditions.

    Key Resources:

     

    COVID-19 Guidance (Updated March 2025)

    If you have symptoms of COVID or have tested positive to COVID, then do not attend the event or activity to help avoid spreading infection.