Local Permanent Courses

There are several permanent courses in the local area.

Whippendell Wood, Watford.
Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City.
Verulamium Park, St. Albans.
Rothamsted Park, Harpenden.

Whippendell Wood, Watford, TQ 078 978.

A wood near Watford, comprising mainly of deciduous woodland on gentle slopes. A description of this area from an orienteering perspective.

Maps and information are available on the Watford Borough Council website : A description of the area. Download the orienteering map. Download the instructions and results sheet.

Directions by Car : From junction of A411, M25 spur and the A41 at the Hunton Bridge Roundabout, TQ 086 996, head towards Watford on the A411. After 800 metres turn right into Grove Mill Lane, TQ 090 987. Follow the road for 1.25km to the car park on the left, TQ 080 982.

On Foot / By Public Transport : On foot the Grove Mill car park, TQ 080 982, is 4km from Watford Town Hall, TQ 105 968.

Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City, TL 228 111.

Stanborough Park comprises of parkland surrounding the River Lea and two lakes, separated by the A6129 and connected by an underpass. Read a description of this area.

Buy Map Pack From : The kiosk in Stanborough Park, just to the east of the A6129 and adjacent to the yachting (southern) lake TL 228 111 (01707 327655). Cost £1.00

Directions by Car : From roundabout at A1(M) junction 4, follow sign to Stanborough. Parking is at Stanborough Park.

On Foot / By Public Transport : Bus No. 300, 330 or 340 from Welwyn Garden City Bus Station (near WGC Railway Station) or walk S along Parkway, bearing right at Gosling Sports Centre (2.5km in total).

Verulamium Park, St. Albans, TL 138 070.

Verulamium Park is an area of grass parkland with wooded areas and roman remains to the SW of St. Albans city centre. Read a description of this area.

Buy Map Pack From : Westminster Lodge Sports Centre. TL 142 065.

Directions by Car : Follow signs for Westminster Lodge Car Park TL 142 065, turning west off Holywell Hill (A5183, previously A5) at TL 145 065 SW of city centre.

On Foot / By Public Transport : Walk 750m down Holywell Hill from St. Albans city centre. St. Albans Thameslink Railway Station is 1km east of the city centre. The St. Albans Abbey-Flyer Station (local line from Watford) is adjacent to Westminster Lodge Sports Centre and Verulamium Park.

Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, TL 131 137.

Rothamsted Park is an area of grass parkland to the SW of Harpenden town centre. Read a description of this area.

Buy Map Pack From : Harpenden Sports Centre, TL 134 139.

Directions by Car : Follow signs for Harpenden town centre and park in Amenbury Lane Car Park TL 132 140 (public pay & display) SW of town center. Follow footpath out from the SE corner of the car park, SE for 100m to the sports centre. Alternatively use on-street parking in town centre and follow directions for Sports Centre below.

On Foot / By Public Transport : From Harpenden Railway Station head west for 300 metres down Station Road to the High Street (A1081, previously A6) and town centre. From town centre head south for 100 - 400m along Leyton Road (50m to the west of, and parallel to the High Street) to the park gates, TL 135 139. Turn west through gates to the Sports Centre, 100m on right.