DEE Raven Meols National UKOL

The DEE October Weekend, set to take place on October 11, 2026, offers runners an exhilarating challenge through the intricate sand dunes of Formby. This second day of the weekend event is designed for both experienced orienteers and newcomers alike, with a focus on navigating a complex landscape that features detailed contour lines and challenging terrain.
Participants will gather at Range High School in Stapleton Road, Formby L37 2YN, where parking arrangements are made based on whether attendees will be driving or camping. Public transport is also an option; the event center is approximately 1.5km from Formby Merseyrail station, making it accessible for those who prefer not to drive.
The map used for this event is ISOM 2017-2, produced by Graham Nilsen in 2024 and updated during summer 2026. It features a scale of 1:10,000 for Black and Short Brown courses, while other routes use a larger scale of 1:7500. The map includes detailed contour lines at intervals of 2.5 meters.
With an entry limit set by the National Trust and Natural England to ensure conservation efforts are maintained, participants must be aware that entries may close earlier than advertised if this cap is reached. Online late entries with a £2 surcharge for seniors are possible until October 10th at 6 PM, provided maps remain available.
The event offers several courses catering to varying skill levels: the Yellow course is ideal for beginners and newcomers, while those seeking more of a challenge can opt for the Orange route. For UK Orienteering League (UKOL) participants, it's important to note that scoring league points requires entering the designated age class course as outlined in the event details.
Start times range from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM with two-minute intervals between runners on Black and Short Green courses. Light Green, Orange, and Yellow route runners have more flexibility, able to start at any time during this window. All routes will close by 3:30 PM.
To assist participants in the event, SI cards can be borrowed free of charge while SIACs are available for hire at £4.25 each, covering both days of the weekend event.
This DEE October Weekend promises a day filled with adventure and scenic beauty, perfect for those looking to explore Formby's unique sand dune environment through the sport of orienteering.
Organised by Norman Hall and planned meticulously by Mike Smithard, under the guidance of Eddie Speak as MDOC, this event ensures an engaging experience for all participants.