Geocaching

Do you like a challenge and a breath of fresh air? We have the perfect settings for a high-tech treasure hunt.

Returning the cache to its hidden location © National Trust

© National Trust

Looking to turn your walk into a real adventure? Try a high-tech treasure hunt.

We’ve teamed up with experts Garmin, to introduce more people to the fun of geocaching. Many of our places have Garmin GPS devices available for you to try geocaching for free. 

What is geocaching?
Geocaching is an exciting outdoor adventure for the whole family. It’s a treasure hunt for the digital generation, where you can enjoy the freedom of being outside and discovering new places. All you need is a handheld GPS and a sense of fun.

A geocache or ‘cache’ is a small waterproof treasure box hidden outdoors. Geocachers seek out these hidden goodies guided by a GPS enabled device which uses coordinates, or ‘waypoints’ downloaded from www.opencaching.com or www.geocaching.com

Or you can download a free geocaching app for Android  or iPhone.

So once you’ve found the treasure box – what will you discover inside? Most caches have a log book for you to leave a message in and the satisfaction of finding the box is a reward in itself. But often you will also find a strange array of trinkets that people have left to swap. If you take a treasure out of the box, you should leave another trinket in its place, so come prepared.

Whether on the side of a windswept mountain or on an expanse of beach, there are geocaches hidden across the UK including hundreds on our land.

Getting started

  • You will need a GPS device (or smart phone) - don't forget batteries
  • Find a cache near you on www.geocaching.com (you will need to sign up)
  • Choose a cache and enter the co-ordinates into your GPS
  • Follow your GPS towards the spot - then use your wits to find it
  • Fill out the log book and return the cache to its hiding place
  • Log your find on www.opencaching.com, and pick your next one!

Try a Trust trail

Garmin logo © Garmin

Garmin have provided GPS devices which are available for you to borrow to try geocaching for free at many of our places.

Five great geocaches

Looking out towards civilization, from the peace of the Clent Hills © NTPL/David Noton

Geocaching is a great way to combine technology with a good old fashioned treasure hunt. With hundreds of acres of countryside, we have some great places to hunt for prizes.

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Geocaching is number 49 on our list of the best possible things to do before you're 11 3/4. Find out more about our campaign to get sofa bound kids outdoors.

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