DNC Night Event: Birsemore

Birsemore, Aboyne

Wed 21st Jan 2026

Type of event: Local Race, Night
Type of terrain: Forest
Info updated: 22nd Jan

Results

The seventh MAROC event of this winter's Deeside Night Cup (DNC) series. Two courses, Long and Short suitable for technically confident orienteers who run 'Green' or above during the day. A head torch with back-up and suitable full-body clothing are essential. 

A comprehensive risk assessment will have been carried out by the organiser, this includes dressing appropriately for the weather conditions, and carrying a whistle.

The DNC Series comprises 16 night events throughout the winter in and around Deeside, organised by MAROC and Grampian Orienteers. The best 9 results count towards lavish prizes that are awarded at a gathering after the last event in February.

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Location

map

Nearest town: Aboyne

Pre Event Info

Common Guide for DNC runners is here.

Directions / Parking

Registration and parking will be on the Aboyne bridge at https://w3w.co/plus.contrived.pets Please remember that the bridge is closed to traffic. It is possible to park on the street on the North side of the bridge and walk or cycle over the bridge. There is ample parking on the South side of the bridge.

The snow has mostly gone from the area, with just a little remaining in the open parts of the forest. There are occasional patches of ice on the tracks.

There is currently a Yellow weather warning for rain covering the duration of the event, with fairly strong winds as well, so you MUST carry or wear an additional outer warm/waterproof layer over and above what you would wear for running. This is part of the compulsory kit for the DNC series.

The route to the Start from registration is around 1310m and will be marked by reflectors. The return route from the Finish to download is around 1390m and will also be marked with reflectors. Both directions involve crossing the B976.

Registration & Start Times

Registration open from 17:45.

Starts from 18:00 to 19:00

Course closes at 20:30

Course Information

Long course: 5.0km 205m climb

Short course: 3.0km 180m climb

Explanation of colour courses

  • White are very easy with all controls on paths. They are mainly used by 6-10 year olds and family groups.
  • Yellow use simple linear features like paths, walls and streams. They are mainly used by under 12’s and family groups.
  • Orange progress to basic use of the compass and route choice. They are ideal for novice adults or experienced youngsters.
  • Light Green are ideal for improvers as the navigational difficulty begins to increase and uses simple contours and point features.
  • Green are used mostly by experienced under 18’s and adults wanting a short but challenging course with a very hard navigational difficulty.
  • Blue are a longer, more physically demanding course in comparison to the green. The distances are more varied between controls and the course attracts experienced orienteers.
  • Brown & Black are very physically demanding and have a very hard navigational difficulty. They are for experienced orienteers only.
  • Score means visiting as many controls as possible in any order in a specific time, like 45mins.

Entry Details

Entry on the day only.

Seniors £7, Students/Juniors £3. Dibber hire £1 Cash or Card.

Facilities

There is a public toilet in Aboyne adjacent to the Memorial Hall, about a 10 minute walk from registration.

Contacts / Officials

Organiser/Planner: Alan Bennett

Info about the area

Birsemore was used for Day 3 of the Scottish 6 Days event in 2017.  The terrain is classic Deeside Forest with lots of lovely, runnable sections but with some steep boulder strewn northerly slopes.

More details about Birsemore

Safety and Risk

A comprehensive risk assessment will have been carried out by the organiser, but participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event.
This includes dressing appropriately for the weather conditions, and carrying a whistle.
Participants in orienteering should be aware of the risk of tick bites - more information here.

SPORTident timing will be used

Please note that a lost hire SI-Card will be charged for at a rate of £30, unless the Club Commitee agrees that there are special circumstances.

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