Looking for a new way to explore, unwind and add a touch of adventure to your days out? Then geocaching might be right up your street.
A sort of real-world treasure hunt, it’s an activity that combines technology, nature and curiosity in a surprisingly addictive way. Here are ten reasons to try geocaching.
1. It turns any walk into an adventure
With the geocaching app on your phone, a simple stroll through a park or along a countryside footpath suddenly has purpose. You could have walked past numerous geocaches in the last week without even realising, and that sense of anticipation can transform even the most familiar routes into something far more exciting.
2. You discover hidden gems
Geocaches are often placed in locations you’d otherwise walk straight past: incredible viewpoints, historic corners or quirky places to visit. Some users on the geocaching app have created cache trails to follow: we’ve discovered local villages and countryside by following some of these trails, taking routes that we may never have considered before.
3. It’s perfect for all ages
Geocaching is one of those rare activities that genuinely works for everyone. Our eight-year-old loves the treasure hunt element, following the map and the hints on the app to find where the cache has been hidden. Me? I love the opportunity to discover new places and to solve problems – especially when there are puzzle caches involved, where you need to solve clues to find the right coordinates!
4. It gets you moving
We’re a family that loves a good walk, but if you’re not so keen, build geocaching into your daily activity and you’ll easily rack up steps without even noticing. When you’re so focused on finding the next cache, you’ll edge closer to your 10k a day naturally!
5. It helps you travel with purpose
If you’re exploring a new town, city, countryside spot or coastline, geocaching adds structure to your wandering. Instead of aimlessly exploring, you’ll find mini goals dotted all over your map, helping you explore even the most hidden of corners in an unfamiliar place.
6. It’s budget-friendly
There’s a free version of the geocaching app, which features a number of caches all over the world. You can also pay for the premium version (which I’ve done), which gives you access to LOADS more caches – including some seriously impressive ones! Premium is only £5.99 a month, which is well worth it for the amount we use the app and the enjoyment we get from it.
Aside from that, all you need is a smartphone, a pen or pencil (to sign the log once you’ve found a cache) and a pair of tweezers – as you’ll see from the photo below, they’re often needed to retrieve the paper log from the cache container! All of this makes it an ideal activity for low-cost days out.
7. There’s a thrill in the find
The moment when you finally spot a cleverly hidden cache never gets old! It’s a seriously satisfying victory – particularly when you discover a unique cache design or, in my son’s case, a larger cache that’s filled with small items to swap. Another part of the excitement is avoiding “muggles” – people that aren’t part of the caching community. Trying to retrieve a cache, sign the log and replace it without anyone else noticing is part of the excitement!
8. It encourages mindfulness
Geocaching makes you slow down and really take the time to observe your surroundings. You’ll start noticing details like views, sounds, hiding spots and more that you’d possibly normally overlook. It’s now got to the stage where whenever we’re out, my son will point out places that he thinks would be great for us to hide our own cache!
9. It’s an activity that you can do both alone and socially
You can go geocaching with friends or family – and there are even events that are organised through the app, giving you the chance to meet other people who love geocaching. I’ve joined a Facebook group for local geocachers, where people recommend great local caches and cache trails, which has helped with weekend planning!
It’s just as enjoyable an activity to do solo too, though, if you’re after a bit of quiet time alone.
10. There’s always another cache!
Once you start geocaching, you’ll realise that there’s no shortage of caches to explore! We’ve still got hundreds to find in our local area alone, and more are being added all the time. In fact, we had a day out at Lynford Arboretum at the weekend and realised that a cache had been placed in the grounds just a few days before…we had the honour of being the first geocachers ever to find it!
Geocaching is one of those activities that can be as simple or as involved as you want it to be. It can be a quick addition to a trip out or the main focus of a full-day adventure – and either way, it brings a sense of curiosity and playfulness to every trip out of the house. Download the app, and you may be surprised at how many caches you’ve passed without even realising…
