News In The Hebden Bridge List

Geocaching in Hebden Bridge

You may not know this, but there’s loads of treasure hidden in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Todmorden and the surrounding areas. ‘Treasure’ is a word I use loosely because you cannot really call a Tupperware container filled with small things like pencil sharpeners and keyrings ‘treasure’, but it certainly is if you’ve spent an hour looking for it in the middle of a field.

And why would anyone want to do that?! A fair question; and one I am asked often!

Geocaching has been around for years and years, and there are caches hidden in bushes, behind fences and under stiles all over the world. The aim is simple – check out the official geocaching website and type in a location. You will then be presented with a list of caches in your chosen area – you can view this on a map if you prefer. The next thing to do is work out where your chosen cache actually is, because cache locations are often mysteries or riddles. You need to note down the coordinates you’re given, and have a good look at the aerial photo of the cache, if there is one. Then you’re off to find it!

The Hebden area is brilliant for Geocachers as there are many caches to find; someone has been busy hiding them!

The main rule is you aren’t allowed to let any ‘Geomuggles’ (innocent passers by) see you as you root around trying to find a cache. That’s easier said than done sometimes, but adds to the fun! Also, you must put each cache back exactly how you found it, after signing the log book and perhaps swapping a piece of ‘treasure’ for something new. Travel Bugs are also a brilliant kind of treasure to find – their locations are trackable on the internet – we’ve found a few, including one which started its journey in America, visited Canada, travelled all over Australia and ended up in a bush in Bradford! Oh, the glory.

So what do you need to take with you? Not a lot, really. If you have a handheld GPS, it would be good to use that, or at least an OS map, with or without a compass. It’s also useful to take a pencil along as not all log books have them, and some treasure if you like. The beauty of Geocaching (aside from the thrill of the find!) is the fact that it’s virtually free, and is an interesting way to keep fit.

The Hebden area is brilliant for Geocachers as there are many caches to find; someone has been busy hiding them! Some of them are easier to find than others, and if you’re more organised, you might be able to find a few in one day – there are quite a few along the canal, for example. It’s an ideal ‘sport’ for people who like walking, orienteering or both… especially for people who’ve been trying to get their kids out of the house for ages!

Why not give it a try?

Article submitted by: Jen Dodds