Geocaching is the equivalent of a modern day treasure hunt that gets you out and about in the pursuit of hidden treasure or ‘caches’ using a GPS receiver.

It’s a great motivator to get you exploring areas that you wouldn’t normally. It’s great fun for all the family or groups of friends. In the UK there are over 70,000 geocaches so you are close to one wherever you are!

A cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook (that you sign to show you found the cache) and depending on the size, small toys or trinkets that cachers are encouraged to swap with something else.

Geocaching is a relatively inexpensive hobby and if you have a smartphone or GPS device and an internet connection you are pretty much good to go. After downloading the coordinates to your device (these can be obtained with a free account on geocaching.com) you are free to start hunting.

You can find local caches on geocaching.com. Your phone or GPS will guide you to the area you need to search and will get your to within a few feet. Sometimes the geocache will be in plain view and other times it may be hidden or camouflaged and will require a bit more searching for.

The rules are simple –

If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
Write about your find in the cache logbook.
Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.

But most of all have fun!