Geocaching in North Wales

Geocaching is a fast growing international sport. It is based around the idea of a treasure hunt but with high tech assistance. Participants use a GPS unit to find small containers, or caches which have been hidden in out-of-the-way places of interest by other enthusiasts of the sport. A Geocache is usually a waterproof plastic box containing a log book and other trinkets or gifts with which to welcome the visitor. Cache hunters are encouraged to take items from these caches as long as they leave behind another item of equal value. Visitors will normally learn about the cache from one of a number of websites and then post details of their own visits on this website. These websites will describe the cache, say something about the person who created it, and also give an exact grid reference and clues as to how the cache can be found. This sport is very popular in the USA and increasingly so in the UK, particularly with the under 30s and with families. It's a great family activity and involves learning internet skills, navigational skills, social networking and does get children out into the countryside. It may surprise you to know that there are 88 separate caches within 10 miles of Conwy and 89 within 10 miles of Llangollen. North Wales is particularly popular with Geocachers because of the ease of using its road system and because there are so many interesting places to visit. Have a look at some of these on www.geocaching.com and try this sport out for yourself.