An Introduction to Geocaching.
Geocaching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities throughout the world using GPS (Global Positioning System) handheld devices. There are over 3.0 million active geocaches and over 2.8 million Geocaches (placed on a voluntary basis by Geocachers) waiting to be found in over 180 countries.
Geocaching uses new technology to promote a healthier lifestyle and get you out into the great outdoors.
There are over 12,000 Geocaches in Scotland with around 2250 in Tayside. This makes Kirkmichael and the Glens perfectly situated to visit and to go Geocaching. Click here for a map of Geocaches hidden in the Kirkmichael and the Glens area.
Geocaches are rated in terms of difficulty and location on a 5 point scale, with level 1 being very easy to find. They often called "drive-bys," "park 'n grabs" (PNGs), or "cache and dash". Level 5 Geocaches are extremely difficult to get to and can involve lengthy searches or significant travel to locate the Geocache...
Geocachers seek out the Geocache containers hidden at different locations, guided by information and specific GPS coordinates (or waypoints), downloaded from the internet website http://www.geocaching.com/
A typical Geocache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and pencil where the Geocacher enters the date they found the Geocache and signs it with their Geocaching code name. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers (Tupperware or Lock & Lock) or ammunition boxes may also be used and can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little value.
When you find a Geocache:
1. Fill in the logbook inside the container with your user name and date.
2. If you take a trinket out of the cache, leave something of equal value.
3. Return the cache box to the same exact place and in the same condition as it was found for the next visitor.
4. When you get internet access, log on to www.geocaching.com and record your visit on the Geocache log page. Also, leave any helpful comments for other Geocachers visiting the Geocache.
If entering a remote area always carry a good map and a compass (you never know when the batteries in your GPS device will die).
For Geocaches in a particular area go to www.geocaching.com and put in the post code.
You can register at Geocaching.com for a free Basic Membership and this allows you access to only certain Geocaches (good if you are new to Geocaching and want to try it out). A Premium membership which allows you full access to all Geocaches costs $30 USD a year.
Useful links:
www.geocaching.com Where you can find out information about Geocaches.
http://www.geocaching.com/guide/default.aspx A complete guide to Geocaching.
www.geofrees.org A Scottish Geocaching website.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching More Geocaching information.
http://www.caterantrail.org/ Details of The Cateran Trail which has Geocaches along the Trail and
https://www.facebook.com/groups/159161067474047/
http://www.caterantrail.org/geocaching for the Cateran Trail Geotour.
Also more information on Facebook: See Geocashing in Scotland.
If you are using the Cateran Trail please do NOT drive any vehicles along the trail or other estate or farm roads connecting to the Cateran Trail.
The 1st GeoTour Tryst.
To mark International Geocaching Day on 17 August, 2013, a Cateran GeoTour Tryst was held at the Kirkmichael Hotel.
Those attending received a special stamp on their GeoTour Passport worth 5 Bonus Points.
You can download the GeoTour Passport here. . 
The Cateran Geo Tour has now been renamed the Cateran Geo Trail and can still collect the Cateran Trail Geocoins.
https://www.pkct.org/geo-trail For Cateran Geo Trail information.
Meet The Seattle-ites Event.
This was rather special event which was held on Tuesday 13th May, 2014, was organised by Geocachers Miss Jenn and Spoon! who come from Seattle, USA. Miss Jenn works at the Geocaching HQ in Seattle.
The morning part of the event involved a walk from the Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkmichael and in the evening after the walk, a gathering of Geocachers in the Kirkmichael Hotel.
For an radio interview with MissJenn and Paul McLennan (who was closely involved with the Cateran Trail and Cateran Geotour) see here.
