Geocaching in a phenomena taking over the world, one cache at a time! Just in time for International Geocaching Day 2018, we’re here to tell you all about this great activity, and the best of geocaching in the UK, locations and destinations! So read on and then pull on your hiking boots, it is going to be a long trek.
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity involving a treasure hunt across the most beautiful and varied locations. It is a worldwide phenomena, and geocaches can be found in every country - except North Korea! It involves using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device to hide and seek containers, which are called “geocaches”. These geocaches consist of a small waterproof container, containing a logbook and sometimes a pen or pencil. The geocacher finds it using the geocaching GPS, and then signs the log with their established code name and dates it, as proof that they found the cache. After signing the log, the cache must be placed exactly back where the traveller found it. Sometimes the caches are larger containers, such as tupperware, and contain items for trading - such as toys or trinkets. Now on to the top geocaching UK locations!
#1 Cathedral Caven, Little Langdale
This beauty is located in an abandoned slate mine near the small hamlet of Little Langdale, and is a favourite amongst geocachers. It can be reached through parking in Little Langdale. ad then walking uphill into the village and taking a first left to go downhill. After about half a mile you reach a beautiful river, with easy access via the footbridge. This point has its own cache, so be sure to stop and take a look. Then less than a kilometre away is the cave entrance, so enter if you dare! This quarry also offers abseiling, so moment this catch with an adrenaline rush, or with a simple pint back in the village!
#2 Llanerchaeron, Aeron Valley
This Site of Special Specific Interest is the perfect spot for a round of geocaching. Using your geocaching GPS you’ll be exploring this beautiful site. At the heart of this estate in an elegant Georgian villa and working farm, so you’ll spot traditional breeds including Welsh Black cattle, Llanwenog sheep and Welsh pigs. There are six caches to find here, so you’ll be exploring the rolling hills and wildflower meadows to your heart's content. On the way you might spot some of the diverse community of wildlife, including bats and butterflies in the woods and otters in the river!
#3 Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
There are over 20 caches around Clumber, bringing this game of hide and seek to new levels. They are spread across this beautiful 3,800 acre park, so you’ll be taken to many highs and lows, crawling through bushes and reaching up into the trees. Once you’ve caught a good amount, treat yourself to picnic. If you find them all quickly, try another activity, such as the range of cycling paths, the sports fields or the numerous exhibitions at Clumber House
#4 Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland
Pack a lunch, slather on sunscreen and charge that geocaching GPS, for Mount Stewart is the absolute haven for geocaching fans. At Mount Stewart, you’ll be busy for days searching for over 40 different caches! Explore the trails, and take in the sites as you participate in this fun outdoor activity. This 19th century house and garden is owned by the National Trust, who are working closely with the local geocache creator to make even more caches available in this superb location.
#5 Newark Park, Gloucestershire
Standing proudly on top of the Cotswold escarpment, gazing down at the Ozleworth valley and to the Mendips beyond. This unspoilt location has nine geocaches waiting to be discovered. From hunting lodge to intriguing historic home, this spectacular estate will keep the entire family entertained. Whilst searching for geocaches, you can follow the numerous walking and cycling trails, and notice the wildlife around. Newark Park is also renowned for its peacock population, and if you’re lucky they’ll spread their tails for you! It's also the perfect place to bring your dog for the day!
Now that you’ve got some tips for locations, it is time to get a GPS and get ready! There are dozens of other locations scattered around the UK. Celebrate International Geocaching Day 2018 the right way and enjoy the fresh air while you do.
