The Melton Hunt Club Ride sponsored by 8 Outdoor, will be held in Cottesmore country at Abbey Farm, Launde Road, Oakham LE7 9XN on Sunday 19th November 2017, starting at 12 noon.
All the fence and marker numbers refer to the course plan which can be downloaded from here: Melton Hunt Club Ride, November 2017.
The start is in the field immediately North-East of Withcote Hall where the word "start" is (!).
The direct line to the first marker takes you towards the left end of each of fences 1, 2 and 3. The arrow below indicates the direction of running.
[x_alert heading="Disclaimer" type="warning"] I have photographed the course as I saw it at the end of October.
There were no markers in place and the course had stock on most of it.
Areas of the course may look very different in three weeks time. There may not be gaps in fences and whole fences may have gone for the race too.[/x_alert]
Competitors approach Fence 1 heading almost due South but those seeking the more direct line to the first marker with head more South-East.
The top end of fence three is closest to marker A (white) which is behind this hedge close to the middle of the image below.
After fence 3 the course bears left. The image below are of the hedge where the course crosses this hedgerow on the map.
At the top end of this hedgerow, nearest the marker itself, is another cut hedge:
Another left-hand turn and uphill to fence 4:
Due North up the hill brings Fence 5:
And on to Fence 6 where the white marker must be left to the left:
Then slightly left to Fence 7 where the white marker must be left to the left:
The course then turns downhill, back towards the start field:
The course now leaves the start on the left and heads downhill towards the farm:
A few strides only, before Fence 10:
Now we turn right-handed:
I don't know if this gateway in Fence 12 will be closed or left as is.
Then pick your way through the trees to Fence 13:
Head South-West, across some uneven ground to Fence 14:
Which is then followed by a red marker (D) somewhere here:
Turn round the marker and up the hill:
Then onwards, and upwards, over the hill:
and down towards fence 16:
Then Fence 17 (sorry about my friends here):
There is a white marker at Fence 18, which must be left to the left:
and straight, parallel to the road to Fence 19:
Then Fence 20:
Then sharp left and downhill to Fence 21:
At the bottom of the hill is an unnumbered fence. The tiger trap, right, covers the brook. The fence to the left does not so you might land in it.
Straight uphill over some uneven ground:
Brings us to Fence 22:
Followed by a gallop to this point. I'm told the fence and gate will not be there for the race.
After this, another uphill stretch to Fence 23, and on to Fence 24, which will have a marker to push you uphill:
Fence 25 is a hedge with a hunt jump at the far (left) end:
This brings to Fence 26, the last fence:
I hope this was useful. It is not intended to replace a proper course walk but hopefully gives an idea of the options available and the areas around the markers.
Feel free to comment but I can’t promise I will know the answers to any questions!nt but I can’t promise I will know the answers to any questions!
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living in South Africa and having a son riding this has been a great encouragement to jump on a plane just for the week-end. well done on superb photos and what the army calls Field Craft! Brilliant stuff..
I very much enjoyed a Ride in 1978.
Thanks Reggie. I hope I will be able to document the race itself as well!