High-tech treasure hunt launched in the South Downs

Designed to reveal its hidden gems, people can have an adventure by following the tour over hills, across commons and through woodland, collecting passport stamps and points along the way.

Geocaching is a game that combines being outdoors, exercise and technology. The South Downs GeoTour highlights great locations, which link up to the thousands of other geocaches waiting to be discovered in the National Park.

Using the Geocaching smartphone app, an Ordnance Survey map or GPS, people can seek out secret caches disguised in fake bird boxes, hollow logs, false stones and other cunning containers.

Hannah Norton, Education Officer for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “Geocaching is a great buzz and anyone can join in the game.

“It’s a different way to explore your own neighbourhood or discover an entirely new place. We’ve designed our GeoTour to take in some great places in the South Downs that you might never otherwise have found.

“You also earn points for eating locally, staying in sustainable accommodation and travelling by bus, train and bike. When you have enough you can claim your special silver and gold souvenir geocoins created for us by Pulse 72.”

The tour is made up of 30 sites in the National Park across Hampshire, East and West Sussex. As well as the usual log book and small trinkets to trade each cache will also include ideas for things to do and see whilst you’re in the area.

The South Downs GeoTour joins 50 others around the globe hosted by national parks, visitor bureaux or local communities. More than six million people in 180 countries are already playing.

Download the South Downs GeoTour passport from southdowns.gov.uk/geocaching (from 31 March)

Watch a short video on how to Geocache http://youtu.be/1YTqitVK-Ts

Report and picture contributed by South Downs National Park.