Geocaching is a thrilling treasure hunting game for the whole family. It’s a worldwide treasure hunt for the digital generation, where you can enjoy the freedom of being outside, discovering new places, as well as a bit of problem solving. All you need is a handheld GPS device and a sense of fun. A geocache or ‘cache’ is a small treasure box hidden in the outdoors. Geocachers attempt to find the hidden goodies guided by a GPS enabled device which uses coordinates, or ‘waypoints’ downloaded from the geocaching.com website. You can also download the app to an Apple and Android phone or tablet.
Getting started
- You will need a GPS device (or smart phone)
- Find a cache near you on geocaching.com
- Choose a cache and enter the co-ordinates into your GPS
- Follow your GPS towards the cache location
- Fill out the log book and return the cache to its hiding place
There are more than 3 million active geocache locations worldwide and over six million geocachers worldwide. Finding a geocache can be quite difficult, but to get you going, here are 3 YHAs very close to geocaching locations.
YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills
Set in 4,000 acres of woodland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills is a perfect rural retreat and a great base for geocaching. Near to the village, it’s not far from Holmbury Hill with its panoramic views of the North and South Downs. There are great routes for walking, cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding nearby as well as geocaching.
YHA Borrowdale
This large Lakeland hostel has a fabulous valley location with fine mountain scenery and a warm, informal atmosphere. There is high-level adventure for climbing holidays or hiking holidays, and family-friendly walking holidays await you and bustling Keswick is only seven miles away. Geocaching in the Lakes seems like a dream!
YHA Pwll Deri
A remote and idyllic cliff top setting with spectacular views and glorious sunsets, perfectly situated for geocaching. YHA Pwll Deri is the perfect rural retreat, a lovely self-catering cottage refurbished to a high standard, and opening onto the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Head north to Strumble Head, with its spectacular lighthouse, or go south for a choice of beaches. This location makes finding a geocache rather relaxing.
Discover more about YHA.
