Venue Whitespots Country Park
Date Sat, 11th Nov 23
Starts 11:00 to 16:00
iCal file iCal
Event Description
Venue
This is the last Colour Series Event of 2023 and is being run on 11th November at Whitespots on a newly mapped area, previously known as the Leadmines.
It was first mapped by Harold White and Alan Gartside in 1980 and used for the Irish Junior Championships in that year.
Location
The parking will be in the Whitespots Country Park which is signposted from the Newtownards / Bangor dual carriageway – A21
This park is beside the Somme Centre BT23 7PH and there will be an O flag at the junction with the main road. Please park responsibly.
Entries
Entries are open at SiEntries
Entries close Wednesday 8th November at 10pm
There will be limited entry-on-day; so to ensure you get a map please enter on-line.
Starts will be from 11 – 1pm
Courses close at 3.30pm
Map scale is 1:7500 for all courses
Entry Fees
For those who haven’t pre-entered registration will be available (at non-member prices) from 10.30am at the LVO van – the MOO!! Those pre-entered can go directly to the start. The MOO will be located at the southern end of the parking areas.
Senior (Age class 21 and over) Members £10, Non-members £12.
Junior/Student Members £5, Non-members £6.
Maximum charge for a family Members £25, Non-members £30.
Course Lengths
Brown 8km
Blue 6.1km
Green 5km
Short Green 3.4km
Light Green 3.4km
Orange 2.7km
Yellow 1.6km
White 0.9km
Terrain
Whitespots is a former lead mining area on the edge of the Clandeboye Estate. Mining ended around 1910 but reminders of the industry can still be seen today in the form of chimneys , mine shafts – which are all fenced off – and spoil heaps.
The area consists of forest and open areas with a lot of gorse. The area has an extensive path network due to bike trials being held here. Speed will not be your friend! This area was previously a dumping site so be aware of any pieces of metal / scrap material in the forested area. Further to the north is the Clandeboye Estate which is mostly forested with varying levels of runnability.
The area was newly mapped in March 2023. Please note that large areas of ferns have been marked as “open area with scattered trees”. Crags are not large features but have been mapped and are consistent throughout the area. It is very muddy underfoot and, even if there is a dry spell before the event, wear appropriate footwear for slippery conditions.
Autumn leaf fall means that some paths may not be so easy to follow in the wooded areas
Watch out for other park users, including dog walkers, bikers and golfers.
Facilities
Unfortunately there will be no toilets at the park. There are public toilets in Mill St Newtownards and Abbey St in Bangor.
Dogs are permitted in the area
Start / Finish
The start is about 300m from the car park up a stony path and the finish is close to the parking.
Do not forget to Download at the MOO!!
Planner Mark Stephens
Controller Stephen Gilmore
Organiser Ann Savage
Location
Whitespots Country Park
Bangor Road
Newtownards
BT23 7PH
Volunteers
To volunteer at this event please email volunteer@lvo.org.uk. You can find information on each role here as well as the current list of volunteers.