Orienteering
Orienteering is an outdoor adventure activity that exercises both the mind and the body.
The aim of Orienteering is to navigate in sequence around a course of control points marked on a unique orienteering map. The challenge is to use the map to decide the best route to each control point and then to navigate the course. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace for the challenge undertaken.
Orienteering can take place anywhere from remote forest and countryside to urban parks and school grounds. It is a great recreational activity and sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills, develop physical fitness or for anyone who wants to explore the outdoors.
Orienteering in Archallagan Plantation
An Orienteering map of the Plantation has been created with the location of all the permanent orienteering control makers recorded on the map. In addition to this a range of orienteering courses, visiting different permanent control markers, have also been developed to help people explore different route possibilities in the Plantation. These vary in distance, the number of markers to visit and navigation challenge.
You will find the permanently fixed orienteering control markers placed on posts at different locations around Archallagan Plantation. The orienteering control marker is a red and white square, with a location number in the top left-hand corner and an answer for the marker on the bottom right-hand corner either marked as 2 numbers, 2 letters or a combination of letter and number.
The positions of the permanent control markers are circled in red on an orienteering map of the Plantation. A number beside the circle on the map indicates the permanent control maker number.
A brief description of the location of each control marker is also included on a recording sheet for answers to help locate them.
A master map showing the locations of all permanent control markers is available for download or printing along with different maps of various courses that have been created to provide a range of navigation challenges.
Description sheets for recording answers on are also available for download or printing for each permanent course and map. Once a control marker has been found the answer is written in the corresponding box for the control marker found.
Answers can then be checked, once a course has been completed, by downloading or printing the answer sheet for the corresponding course and map.
People can use the master map to plan their own route to visit different orienteering control markers around the Plantation, setting their own navigation challenge for themselves, their family or group.
The permanent control markers and suggested courses marked on the orienteering maps of Archallagan Plantation are a great way to experience orienteering, improve navigation skills or to make a walk more interesting.
Important information
Users of the orienteering maps, courses and permanent control markers within Archallagan Plantation do so entirely at their own risk. They accept that Orienteering is an adventurous activity and that it may involve travelling over uneven surfaces.
Suitable footwear and clothing should be worn and all reasonable care must be taken when using various areas of the Plantation.
Be aware that Archallagan Plantation is a working environment where forestry operations take place. Please beware of vehicles on forestry roads and machinery involved in tree felling activities.
Please respect other users of the Plantation -walkers, horse riders, cyclists, etc.
Note that public access to the Plantation may be restricted due to forestry work or sporting events, etc. Please pay attention to public notices and follow all safety signage.
Any groups planning to use the Plantation need to contact DEFA - telephone +44 1624 801263 for details.
Be advised that not all paths and features are marked on this map due to the changing nature of the Plantation.
Further information
If you want to find out more about Orienteering in the Isle of Man contact:
William Higgins
Telephone: 827620
Email: w.higgins@manxbroadband.com
Sandor Talas
Telephone: 226072
Email: sandor.talas@gmail.com
For more information about orienteering in the British Isles you can contact:
