Something to try on your next walk

If you have a GPS, an iPhone or some other GPS enabled gizmo, why not give geocaching a try on your next walk? It adds an extra dimension to you hike, especially if you are walking with newbies or children and it often takes you off the beaten track to some amazing spots.

What is Geocaching?
Basically, you grab the coordinates of some of the 1000's of caches dotted around the country (and world) from www.geacaching.com. You then pop the coord's into your GPS (even easier with an iPhone). These coord's will guide you to within a few feet of the cache - then it's a bit of a treasure hunt.

What is a Cache?
It's normally a waterproof plastic lunchbox that's hidden under a rock, in a cave, under some roots, etc. It contains a logbook, and few bits and bobs to swap (little toys for the kids, spare batteries, etc.) and maybe some sort of travelling charm or coin (more info on these here). Once you find it, login when you get back home and register your find.

More complex caches can be multi-part, mystery or puzzle caches, micro caches (usually in city locations), or even a virtual cache.

I hid a cache near my home on Gower back in 2006 and it's pretty popular. I put it in an amazing picnic spot, so that visitors to the area could catch a wonderful view they might have otherwise missed. I just wanted to give a little bit back to all the people who spend their hard earned holiday money on my peninsular :)

Getting started
Pop over to the site, take a look and the little introductory video, and grab the coordinates to your nearest one (I guarantee it'll be a lot nearer than you think). Take a little trinket with you to swap (not essential but part of the fun if you are trying to get your children or grandchildren into walking - toys from xmas crackers are ideal) and enjoy the hunt.

Next time you are planning your route for a day in the hills, see if there are any caches along the way - who knows, you might find the most amazing lunch spot.

Oh, one more thing - keep this a secret from non-geocachers.

Fancy the Rhinogydd?

Some good friends of ours have just opened some fantastic accommodation with spitting distance of the Rhinogs (anglicised). It's an amazing setting and a perfect base for exploring this range.

Basically, they’ve turned their 200 year old farm buildings into three stunning holiday cottages with some amazing eco credentials – under floor heating systems powered by ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic roof tiles that generate their own electricity.

I looked back over the Rhinog section of my Cambrian Way Diary (day 16, 17 and 18) and found this...

"The Rhinogs must be the wildest range in Wales, they are not huge when compared to the mountains of the north, but it is one of the few places in Wales that can give you a true wilderness experience - you make up your own paths, you don't see a soul for days and there is a surprise around every corner and over ever summit. We will definitely be coming back for a more leisurely visit".

Now I have access to Rhys and Gwyn's digs, it looks like that visit is on the cards. Even better is the fact that Cadair Idris, my fave Welsh mountain, is only a short drive away too. And if you are a mountain biker, Coed-y-Brenin is a mile away and the guys have no problems with muddy bikes!

Take a look at the pictures below and drop them an email at wiwergoch@btinternet.com or ring on 01341 440 754. I can guarantee a fabulous welcome, lots of local knowledge, some incredible walking (whatever the season) and more than a few laughs.

Prices are excellent too.

 

The Treehouse Diaries

I have almost finished reading Nick Weston’s new book, The Treehouse Diaries.

If you are remotely interested in camping, bushcraft, wild food and outdoor cooking, I’m pretty sure you’ll find it fascinating. He has a chatty laid back style of writing and the diary format of the book makes it easy to pick up for a few minutes at a time – you can then dash off and try a recipe or one of the techniques he teaches.

A trained chef, Nick ‘opted’ out of the rat race for a summer and built an amazing tree house in a private woods in Sussex and lived off the land. The book is full of instructions, ideas, recipes, adventures and some bloody good fun.

It’s a perfect inspirational summer read for everyone who loves the outdoors.

Nick also has a blog that is well worth a visit hunter:gatherer:cook