Delamere Forest (F.C.)
Delamere Forest is Cheshire's largest area of woodland and is a place for families and people of all ages to escape the crowds, let off steam or find some peace in the heart of the forest. It is a haven for wildlife including birds, butterflies and some rare dragonflies. You might see the insects at the Black Lake in the middle of the forest - a floating bog. There are plenty of birds to see around Blakemere Lake.
There are several car parks. Go to the Linmere Car Park for access to the Visitor Centre, toilets, cafe and the start and finish of the orienteering courses.
Car park opening times are:
Summer time: 8 am-8 pm weekdays and weekends
Winter time: 8 am-5 pm weekdays and weekends
Parking charges at the Linmere Visitor Centre car park are £3.80 (up to 1 hour), £7.30 (up to 2 hours),£10.50 (up to 3 hours), £12 (all day)
Please note that the postcode is the nearest to the Linmere Visitor Centre car park. It is not accurate.
You can find a detailed map showing the location of the Linmere Visitor Centre car park and Delamere Station here.
The Permanent Orienteering Courses
Start
Walk east along the road from the Visitor Centre & cafe car park. Turn left over the railway bridge. The start for all courses is at a track junction on the right after 40m, marked by a red triangle on the map.
Finish
There are two finishes, labelled F1 and F2 on the map. F1 is the finish for the white course. F2 is the finish for the yellow, orange & red courses.
| Course | Controls | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 4 | 1.1 km | Control posts at path junctions |
| Yellow | 7 | 2.8 km | Controls at path junctions or at obvious features next to the paths |
| Orange | 8 | 3.3 km | Controls up to 20 metres from paths on obvious features |
| Red | 10 | 4.4 km | Controls up to 20 metres from paths on obvious features |
Controls: The controls you are looking for are 4"x4" wooden posts with red and white coded tops and with the same number as on the map. mark down the letter codes in the correct numbered squares on your control card.
Maps: These courses have been planned by Deeside Orienteering Club in accordance with normal orienteering practice. However, as it is not possible to keep a constant eye on the area, users must accept that neither the Club nor the Forestry Commission can be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, loss or damage.
What to Wear? Normal outdoor walking clothes and footwear are fine for the White to Red courses. You will encounter some undergrowth on the green and blue courses so full leg cover is essential and, as it can get quite muddy, running shoes with some grip are recommended.
Map packs are available at Tracs Delamere Bike Shop & Hire at Linmere Visitor Centre, Delamere Forest at a cost of £1.50 (open 10:00-17:30 every day). They are also available from John Padget (01928 733 772).
There is lots to do in Delamere before or after you have been orienteering.
Signed walking trails (between 3 and 10.5km)
Bike Trails - bike hire and maps from Tracs
Go Ape Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Junior
Go Ape Segway
parkrun every Saturday morning at 9 am
and after all that, you can visit the Linmere cafe for drinks, snacks and hot food.
Delamere is a popular place for events throughout the year (from summer concerts to adventure races) and is a working forest with thinning and felling programmes. These activities can sometimes restrict access to car parks or sections of the forest so it is a good idea to check the Delamere Forest website before you come.