If you’ve got a magpie eye for finding treasure and are looking for a fun low-cost activity this summer, perhaps you ought to go on a geocaching quest. This international treasure hunt transforms a regular walk by allowing the curious and intrepid to find beloved items hidden by fellow hikers, in remote and sometimes familiar places. Nott’m Lass Lucy acts as our tour guide on this outdoor adventure, relaying some of her rules and tips for keeping the game alive.
Geocaching is not a new phenomenon, in fact next year will mark 25 years of this international outdoor puzzle hunt. Its origins lie within the similar game of ‘Letterboxing,’ that started in Dartmoor, Devon in 1854. These were small boxes placed along country trails; walkers would follow clues leading them to a box. Once found, they leave letters and postcards addressed to loved ones (or even themselves). The next person to find the box would then post the letters, though some were so well hidden, in very remote locations, it could take months before it was next found.
When it comes to geocaching, an easy way to understand it, is to think of it as the modern day version, that utilises technology to locate a ‘cache.’ The first official logged cache to be hidden was on May 3 2000, by Dave Ulmer in Beavercreek, Oregan. It wasn’t until later that year in September, that Jeremy Irish launched geocaching.com. Since then, it has spread all over the world, and beyond - yes really. The first geocache to leave Earth was in 2008, placed on the International Space Station; many more have since followed. Today there are over three million caches to find - and Nottingham is full of them!
Keen to know more, LeftLion HQ looked to the ‘experts,’ it only took a quick Google search to find one of the city’s big hunters, with over 400 logs to date.
If you’re from Nottingham, and enjoy a good hike, it’s likely you have come across The Nott’m Lass. Lucy started the travel vlogging and inspiration account in 2018. “It was a way to get people outdoors, and see new places. I’ve also got followers that aren’t able to get outdoors, so that’s why my videos are helpful. They enjoy a virtual experience visiting new places, which was something I was very passionate about.” It’s understandable then, why geocaching goes hand in hand with her channel. So much so, her geocache walks are amongst the most popular of her YouTube videos.
There is something really special and grounding about knowing all these people took the time to place an item. Which, when living in the scary world we do, offers a sense of comfort that not all community spirit is lost.
Lucy’s journey into the world of geocaching began when she was still at school. “I remember hearing about it at school, I went around the block and found a few, but soon stopped. It wasn’t until years later, as lockdown was easing in 2021 that I started again.”
As a keen walker, Lucy said that geocaching added an extra layer of fun; “I’ll pick a walking route that has geocaches along it. It adds enjoyment, which means it’s really good for people that don’t usually like walking, and families too.” The family aspect is a huge bonus, as so often going for a walk when you have children can be difficult. With this, it’s plausible to think many kids will forget about the actual walk, as they’ll be far too preoccupied with playing a real life puzzle hunt. It’s equally accessible to those on lower incomes; the app is free to download and will show a huge amount of caches to find, without spending a penny. Then, for those keen hunters, there is an option to buy a premium subscription; this opens up even more, often more complex and interesting caches, hidden in very unique places.
It was in 2023 when Geocaching HQ contacted The Nott’m Lass to do a collaboration. “They contacted me to do ten beginner based videos, explaining what it is, and hopefully get more people interested in doing it.” They are a great starting point for any newbies to the game, and should answer any questions circling around your brain. For now, they have finished, though she does drop a few hints that future videos are likely, featuring new locations and finds.
It is the simplicity of the game what makes it fun. Let’s face it, arguing with your family over rule intricacies is an easy way to turn your ‘Sunday fun day’ into the Sunday scaries. All you need is the app downloaded, a pen to sign the log sheet, some spare paper (in case the sheet is damaged, or full), and a few miscellaneous items. Lucy explains that this is for the “SWAG” rule; it stands for ‘stuff we all get.’
Seasoned hunters will know that what the actual cache is can vary; many will be a simple small tube container, with only a folded piece of paper inside. However, as the size grows, you will find many have little additions. It could be a motivational quote, or even a miniature (very on point for Notts) duck. From there come the boxes, which whether you’re a newbie or a veteran are a great little dopamine booster. The boxes are where the SWAG rule comes into play. Inside you will find a collection of unique items, with no relation to one another. “The purpose is to add to the collection,” Lucy explained. “That can be anything from cute trinkets, magnets, pictures and lots more. Once you’ve done that you sign the paper, log the find in the app, and then it’s onto the next!” The beauty of the SWAG rule means that you see items that for whatever reason meant something to that person. There is something really special and grounding about knowing all these people took the time to place an item. Which, when living in the scary world we do, offers a sense of comfort that not all community spirit is lost.
Seasoned hunters will know that what the actual cache is can vary; many will be a simple small tube container, with only a folded piece of paper inside. It could be a motivational quote, or even a miniature (very on point for Notts) duck.
Connectivity is something that The Nott’m Lass really values, and has opened her walking trips up to followers, by organising group expenditures around Nottinghamshire and the Peak District. Previous events have proven to be a hit, with some having over 35 fellow hikers, however she has plans to incorporate future events with geocaching. “I’d really love to do a group geocaching walk, it would be really interesting, and great for those that are new to it. We can all help each other find them.” Officially, there are events throughout the year, all over the world organised by Geocaching, both group walks and hunts, and ‘clean up’ events. This is where volunteers come together and ensure the caches in that area aren’t damaged, and overgrown natural barriers are maintained.
I’m sure you’re all desperate to know which caches have been Lucy’s favourites; fear not, LeftLion HQ have got you. She said, “There is one in Wilford called ‘KNOCK,’ which has a knocking sequence, it’s really good. Then there is one in Cotgrave that is in an old bunker. It is a little bit sketchy, so I’d advise you to take a friend, and a pair of hiking boots, but it is super fun!” Additionally, Clumber Park is a well-known hot spot, in fact, it has previously been selected as one of the National Trust’s favourite geocaching locations.
Follow Lucy's geocaching journey via thenottmlass.com
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