Could this be your new favourite outdoor activity?
If you have a smartphone with a GPS signal and a sturdy pair of shoes, you are ready to join the world’s largest treasure hunt, otherwise known as geocaching. It’s an activity that involves finding collections of items (or caches) hidden by a dedicated worldwide community. Think Pokémon GO, but instead of catching a wild Squirtle, you can find real-life objects and leave your mark.
These caches can range in size and difficulty, meaning there is something for everyone. You might have to look for a cache hidden in the trunk of a tree, a brick in a wall, or even in a blade of plastic grass. Some caches are so small that you can only fit a roll of paper to write your name on, but larger ones give you the opportunity to trade items – taking an object and leaving another for future geocachers. Each cache is marked with a GPS, which is then tracked on the app (conveniently called Geocaching) so users can locate it.
Geocaching is accessible to all, regardless of whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet village. All you need to do is download the app and allow it to see your location. The app will then show you where you can find the nearest geocaches. Follow the map towards the geocache you are aiming for – and if you are stuck on where to look, there is the option to view a hint that others have left behind.
How to get started
Getting stuck into geocaching is extremely easy, you just need to download the app and start walking. Consider downloading What3Words to get a more precise location on your cache. You should also bring a pen so you can mark your territory and sign your name when you find a cache. Apart from that, you are good to go!
Gervase Scullion has been geocaching for more than ten years, and shared his words of wisdom. “Start small. Look for the easy ones to start with,”he says.
Gervase also adds that it’s useful to take a look at the kind of terrain you will be exploring, as you can plan what clothes and shoes to wear before you set off. For your first geocaching session, keep it steady; there’s no need to go straight in at the deep end.
He says: “If you are going somewhere you don’t know, bring a pair of gloves with you.” This will come in very handy if you find yourself rummaging in a bush with some prickly needles.
We were challenged to go geocaching on episode 3 of our podcast The Great Out There. Have a listen to hear us struggle to find a tube behind a metal box, and get way too excited about His Dark Materials.