Geocaching in Kent
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is a great way of exploring new and familiar places
and in an exciting way. There are thousands of caches
across Kent, and finding them can make a day out in the countryside
more fun with all members of the family.
Geocaching is a treasure
hunt using GPS (Global Positioning System). Equipped with a
GPS device or smartphone, you can use online clues to find hidden
containers called caches all across the world.
How does it work?
Players hide caches, which are usually
waterproof boxes filled with inexpensive treasures and a
logbook.
The player then publishes the GPS coordinates
of the cache on www.geocaching.com for others to
view. Other players can search this website for caches near them
and use these coordinates and any clues provided to locate the
hidden treasure.
Once you find a cache you are welcome to fill
in the logbook to record your find. If there are treasures in the
box you can also swap an item for something else. The treasures are
usually small toys, key rings and other low value trinkets.
You may also find items with a unique code
that you use to track its location online. If you take a
‘trackable’ treasure you should hide it in another geocache and
register the new location so that both you and the owner can then
watch its journey.
What do I need to take part?
Geocaching is easy to try. You don’t need any specialised
equipment as you can download free or low cost geocaching apps to
most smartphones equipped with GPS. Many manufacturers make
dedicated GPS devices for out door pursuits and you can use these
if you already have one.
You can see user reviews for a both dedicated
GPS receivers and
Smartphones.
If you already have a Smartphone then you
can search for ‘geocaching’ in your apps store. There are a number
of free and low cost apps for all the major Smartphones to get you
started quickly.
Where can I try it?
Why not try geocaching for yourself and try to find one of the
Explore Kent caches. All you need to try geocaching is a handheld
GPS receiver, and a sense of adventure!
View
Explore Kent geocaches
Easy Steps to Geocaching
1. Register for a free Basic
Membership at http://www.geocaching.com/
2. Click "Hide & Seek a
Cache." or
view Explore Kent geocaches.
3. Enter your postal code and
click "search."
4. Choose any geocache from the
list and click on its name.
5. Enter the coordinates of the
geocache into your GPS Device.
6. Use your GPS device to assist
you in finding the hidden geocache.
7. Sign the logbook and return
the geocache to its original location.
8. Share your geocaching stories
and photos online.