Geocaching
If you already enjoy cycling or walking holidays, why not add the extra excitement of finding hidden "treasure" along the way?
Geocaching (pronounced "geo-cashing") is an outdoor treasure hunt using hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) units. The geocachers hide and seek "treasures," which are found in waterproof containers and typically include a pencil and logbook for finders and several trinkets like key chains, small toys and buttons. (If you remove an object you should replace it with something of equal or greater value.)
A geocacher can place a geocache anywhere in the world and then publish its existence and GPS location online. Anyone with a GPS device can then try to locate it. Caches are hidden at beauty spots and places of interest, along footpaths and cycle trails and even in towns and villages, often taking you to fascinating locations away from the "beaten track" which you might never otherwise have seen.
Find out more
The central geocaching website is at http://www.geocaching.com. Here you will find all you need to know about geocaching and access the worldwide database of caches.
Complete the free registration and then enter a postcode or address for a list of caches in that area.
Why not try it out for yourself?
There are currently nearly a million caches distributed worldwide.
If you have a portable satnav or even an iPhone with a GPS 'app' you can get started now in your local area, and then extend your new hobby to the fabulous setting of the Cornish countryside.
If you don't have suitable equipment but would like to try geocaching for yourself you can hire a handheld GPS receiver from us for £3 per day or £10 for the duration of your holiday.
The next cache is quite close to your house in the ivy tower on the other side of the road (it is very steep to get up). Quite an easy cache is in Porthtowan in the vicinity of the Life Saving Club. "