Imagine a pastime which can be enjoyed by the whole family and :

• gets you out into the fresh air.
• gets you walking either a long or a little way.
• introduces you to unusual/interesting/beautiful locations.
• often the kids will ask, "Can we go for a walk today?".
• is so much fun, you will want to go out for a walk too.

That is Geocaching !

Geocaching (pronounced geo-khash-ing) is a
fairly new pastime which is all of those and more.

Here is how it works:
A Geocacher will go to a location which has usually some special interest or beauty. This is often one of their favorite places to visit.  At the location, they will hide a small waterproof box containg a few varied bits and pieces (usually of little value) a logbook and a pen or pencil.

Using their GPS receiver, the cacher records the coordinates of their cache and returns home to log it's existence on a website.

Another cacher will see the listing about the cache, enter the coordinates into their GPS receiver and go in search of it.

When they find it, the finder may take something from the cache and leave something in return, and for posterity, enter a log in the logbook.

When the seeker returns home, he/she should log on the website that they have found the cache and pass any comments they wish. These logs are important to the cache hider, it is part of their "reward" for hiding the cache.

Of course, in order to keep the game going, the seekers must also hide some caches too.

What do you need to play the game ?
A sense of fun and adventure, a GPS receiver and some method of transport.

A GPS receiver (often referred to as simply a GPS) is a device which 'listens' to the signals broadcast from satellites orbiting the Earh. From those signals, a GPS is able to calculate it's location on the planet to typically within about 5 metres. Once a GPS knows where it is, and where you want to go, it can point you to your destination. GPS receivers are available from around £110 in the UK up to several hundred. A simple base model is sufficient for geocaching, but the more expensive models offer many varied facilities.

Access to the Internet. Geocaches (often abbrieviated to 'caches') are listed on websites, the most prominent being www.geocaching.com. This is where you find information about, and the coordinates for, the caches you will go hunting for.

A sense of adventure to go out and find places you might never have otherwise known about and see things which would have passed you by. Imagine sitting on a small hill watching two young foxes 'playing' together in the field below you while a Red Kite wheels and performs aerobatics over your head.

A form of transport. Most caches are hidden in the countryside and away from public transport routes so a method of getting to the locality is helpful. It is also true that many cachers do use public transport/cycles and hiking.

A few bits and pieces to use as swaps in the caches you visit. There is no compulsion to swap anything, but often you will find an item of interest in a cache, it is only fair play that if you take something, you should leave something in exchange.

Interested ?    That's not surprising!
The Geocaching Association of Great Britain was set up to forward caching in the UK and to help new cachers learn about the game. There are many sources of information about caching on the Internet, but when it comes to actually going out and finding the first cache, nothing can replace the actual experience.

If you are genuinely interested in geocaching and would like some help, the GAGB will try to find a cacher in your area who is willing to meet you and escort you on your first geocaching trip.

If you want some help, send an email to GuidePlease@gagb.org.uk.