First Autumn Geocaching Festival For Lakes

Here's a date for your diary, the Lakes is playing host to the first ever autumn festival featuring high-tech geocaching treasure hunts.

Let's Go! - A Festival of GPS Navigation, takes place at the YHA Centre in Borrowdale from 5pm on Friday, September 22, and goes on until Sunday September 24.

The aim is to showcase the sport of Geocaching - a new hobby that combines walking and global positioning satellite technology, with the thrill of a treasure hunt.

It's a great way of getting up close and personal with GPS - Global Positioning System - navigation while having some fun in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. The activity involves using your GPS unit to hunt down hidden lunch box-sized caches which, in turn, contain details of further treasure hunt clues and small prizes. Larger prizes include mapping software and beer provided by sponsor Jennings.

On top of that, there are practical workshops aimed at helping newcomers and experienced users to increase their GPS navigational skills.

The event is open to all ages and you can either stump up for an all-in package staying at YHA Borrowdale, which includes two nights' full board and all activities - call 0870 7705 707.

Alternatively you can arrange your own accommodation and buy a day ticket for £29 which you can obtain from www.gpstraining.co.uk

People needing accommodation can call Cumbria Tourist Board's Accommodation Booking Service on 0845 450 1199, or source accommodation through its website at www.golakes.co.uk.