If we wait for the good weather, we’ll never go anywhere! Geocaching down a disused railway line in Shropshire.

Last weekend, we decided to embark on our very first family geocaching walk. The idea had been floating around for a while, but as the weekend approached, the forecast wasn’t on our side. Rain, and plenty of it, dampened our initial excitement. No one was particularly thrilled about the prospect of tramping through muddy paths in the rain, but I was determined that we would go: If we wait for the good weather, we’ll never go anywhere!

Find the route here: Hodnet to Wollerton ‘Glow Worm Walk’

Equipped with our rain jackets, waterproof trousers, boots, and a (slightly more) positive attitude, we set out. Today’s plan was to walk a local route from Hodnet, Shropshire, along a disused railway line to Wollerton. It was a short drive to the starting point, at the Hodnet Social Club (which offers free parking) and the drizzle quickly turned into a steady rain as we arrived. As we put on our coats, grabbed our bags and put the harness on our dog, the initial groans, and the rain, started to fade.

Our first geocache was waiting for us as we joined the old railway line. The rain had kept most people indoors – in fact, we only saw one other person on the entire walk, so we had the place to ourselves, and time to explore. The boys were surprisingly engaged by now, eyes scanning the approaching trees for any sign of the hidden treasure, but cache 1 was a bust.

Thoughout the entire walk, we didn’t find any other caches, bar 1, but the walk was far from disappointing. We climbed trees as we searched, admired far reaching views we hadn’t known existed, and the rain even managed to hold off for the mostpart too, in the end.

At the end of the railway section we found our first, and only, geocache, cleverly hidden away, and the boys were exhilerated with their first find together! We decided, instead of heading back the way we’d come, that we would try the circular walk, and so from here we headed right, and around, following the circular route.

By the time we made our way back to the car, we were well worn out, but in high spirits. The rain, which had seemed like an obstacle at first, ended up behaving for the mostpart, with just the occasional light showers, which were actually welcoming and cooling as the sun came out and bought with it some warmth. It turned out to be a memorable morning, even with all the geocaching fails!

Our first geocaching walk reminded us that sometimes, the best memories are made when we step out of our comfort zone and embrace whatever comes our way—rain or shine. We’re already planning our next geocaching outing, rain gear at the ready of course, eager to see what new treasures and trails await us.

Thoughts from a 7 and 10 year old.

There is no denying that the thought of trekking out in the rain had put a dampner on the boys spirits, but once they were out in the fresh air, they loved it! When we got back into the car, tired and slightly damp, I asked them if they’d enjoyed their walk, and it was a unanimous YES! Their favourite part was the main railway section, in particular discovering a bridge below them, and wondering what sort of creature might live below! They also loved finding the geocache – and since we only found the one, it’ll definitely be a memory that’ll stick!

Things to bring:

Wherever you go, you’ll always want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the terrain and ever changing English weather (I’m talking layers and bringing a waterproof coat!) It’s always adviseable to bring your first aid kit too, as well as a bottle of water, but here are some other things you might want to consider!

Camera. There are some beautiful, far reaching views to capture, especially on the main railway section, and if your children are adventurous, you’ll probably want to capture them as they climb trees and explore this walk!

Sturdy footwear. This isn’t a welly walk, but the grass is long, and the ground is naturally uneven, so a sturdy pair of walking boots would be my choice over trainers.

Phone/GPS. Don’t forget your phone if you’re planning on geocaching! We had signal for the entirity of the walk.

TIME/DISTANCE: The walk from the social club to the end of the train track is approximately 1.2 miles (2.4 miles there and back). It’s an easy walk and mostly flat too, bar the steps from the road down to the trail. The circular walk worked out approximately 3 miles long, and did involve crossing the A53 twice, so be careful with children. It took us just under 2 hours, but that was with lots of stops searching high and low for geocaches, taking photos, climbing trees and bashing nettles!