Geocaching

Join the world’s largest treasure hunt on the Path

Geocaching is a fun outdoor activity for all ages. It’s a treasure hunt for the digital generation where you can enjoy the freedom of the outdoors whilst experiencing the excitement of a quest.

What is a geocache?

Participants use a GPS to hide and seek containers called ‘geocaches’ or ‘caches’ at locations all over the world. A cache is usually a small waterproof container with a logbook and sometimes a pen or pencil inside. The geocacher signs the log with their code name and dates it, proving that they found the cache. After signing the log, the cache is placed back exactly where the person found it. 

Although not required, many geocachers decide to leave behind signature items, such as a small toy, personal geocoin, pin, craft items or small toy to leave their mark at the cache location. Objects like these are often moved from cache to cache and become "hitchhikers", whose travels may be logged and followed online. Some geocachers will even leave a specific goal to see the object reach a certain location or travel a specific distance.

Geocaches and the Coast Path: where to find them  

There are lots of geocaches along the South West Coast Path and there is also now the opportunity to discover one of the beautiful Geocoins pictured, featuring the iconic acorn symbol shared by all National Trails.

South Devon

We’ve hidden 25 National Trail geocoins on the Coast Path between Heybrook Bay and the Yealm Estuary in South Devon. Our Geocoins are competing against each other to see which one can travel the furthest along the South West Coast Path and return to Plymouth by the summer of 2020 to coincide with the Mayflower celebrations commemorating the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower from Plymouth to America. The idea is that if you find a coin, you need to help it along on its journey around the South West peninsula so it remains within 2 miles of the route of the Coast Path.

These were put in place thanks to local Geocache enthusiast Sue Carlyon who will be tracking their progress. All geocoins are registered with the international Geocaching website. 

North Devon

To celebrate International Geocaching Day 2018, our sponsors, the family-run hotel group Brend Hotels, have released a collection of exclusive new 'Brend Teddy Bear' geocaches on the South West Coast Path.

Hidden at secret locations along the North Devon Coast Path where Brend Hotels meet the National Trail, hunting for these mini treasure boxes is a great free school holiday activity and a fun way to introduce the kids to the Coast Path. The first of the geocaches will be released near Barnstaple and Saunton on the weekend of 18th August. Read more here.

So why not join the world's largest treasure hunt and enjoy getting to know the South West Coast Path with the whole family! Remember – there isn't always mobile phone service out on the Path so make sure you download the list of geocaches before setting off. More details on how to start your geocaching adventure can be found at https://www.geocaching.com.

Happy hunting!