South Burdon Wood Virtual Running Route

Follow this link for an introduction to Virtual Running Routes.

Location

The Start is south-west of the old railway line (now a bridleway) between Middleton St. George and Darlington.

Click on the link to see a map.  You can zoom in (and, optionally, switch to Satellite mode) to see the details of the final approach to the event.  You can also get directions if you put in your starting location.

You should be able to park at either end of the lane that leads from Sadberge Road to where the old railway line passes under the A67.  See this satellite image.

• P1 – There is space for one or two cars at the end of the lane where the old railway line passes under the A67.
• P2 – There is rather more space at the other end of the lane, beside Sadberge Road.
• P3 – If you can't park at either end of the lane, you should be able to park at the side of Sadberge Road near where the old railway line crosses it.

There are riding stables at the end of the lane, so if you're parking on the lane please make sure that you leave plenty of space for horse boxes to get past.

From the underpass where the old railway line passes under the A67, walk (or jog) north-west along the old railway line.  After 700m you'll go under some pipelines.  Under the pipelines, turn left off the old railway line and follow a small path up the bank.
Note: The MapRunF app will show you a 'red beetle trail' leading to the Start.

The Route

In the MapRunF app, Select Event and navigate to UK / County Durham / Darlington / South Burdon VTC Medium.

You can also view a printable image of the route map.

Terrain

South Burdon Wood is a new forest plantation with blocks of semi-mature trees. There is a complex path network, and the area is bisected by an old railway line.

Please note that:-

• The area has been used for cattle grazing, and the rough open areas are covered in hoof prints and wheel ruts.
• The routes through the hedge/stream combinations are steep and deep.
• The vegetation on either side of the old railway line is passable in places but these are not mapped.  The more obvious crossings are shown on the map.  The one under the pipelines is difficult to see but it is there!

Measured along straight lines between the checkpoints, the route is 5.7 km.  However, you'll actually run about 40% - 50% further than that.

Results

You can access the results via the MapRun Console.  Open the menu (three horizontal lines at the top left hand corner of the window), select Leader Board and then filter by South Burdon.

Facilities

There are no public toilets in this area, so please make your own arrangements beforehand.  There are customer toilets in the Morton Park Morrisons.

Safety

Please:-

• Use a "buddy system" so that someone knows where you've gone and when you should return.
• Be courteous to other people in the area.
• Comply with Government guidance on social distancing.

Any questions?

Contact Caroline Mackenzie via 07973-870529.

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