Adventure lovers have been learning the art of orienteering at Knockaloe Beg Farm as part of a new series of events being launched by the Isle of Man Orienteering Klubb (IOMOK).

The training event, entitled ’learn to orienteer’, was held on Thursday in preparation for the launch of the farm’s new map and permanent orienteering course which will take place on Saturday, May 13.

Orienteering is a sport that derived from Scandinavia - hence the spelling of club with a ’k’ and two ’b’s, the way club is spelt in Scandinavia.

It is a sport in which participants find their way to various checkpoints across countryside with the aid of a map and compass; and is described as a healthy way to explore the outdoors with friends and/or family.

At the Knockaloe training event participants of all ages learnt to read a detailed map, navigate their way around different checkpoints on the farm and learn how fun orienteering can be.

A spokesman for the IOMOK said: ’None of this would be possible without the dedicated time of William Higgins who has devoted a great deal of time and effort to establish yet another permanent course on the island.’

Monday, May 29 will see the launch of an additional course that William has created on Peel Hill.

IOMOK member Steve Parry said: ’What’s so great about orienteering is that it can be enjoyed by all the family. There are different length and difficulty of courses that cater to the level of challenge you seek.’

Everyone is welcome at these events and to keep up with orienteering on the island visit the Isle of Man Orienteering Facebook page.