What is Letterboxing? An Introduction to the Hobby

What is Letterboxing?

Letterboxing is an outdoor hobby that combines elements of orienteering, art, and puzzle solving. It involves searching for hidden boxes that contain a logbook and a rubber stamp. Participants use clues to find the boxes, and when they do, they stamp the logbook with their own personal stamp and record their visit in the logbook.

Letterboxing began in England in the mid-1800s when James Perrott, a Dartmoor guide, created a game to encourage tourists to explore the area. He placed a bottle containing a letter and a visitor’s book in a remote location. Visitors who found the bottle were encouraged to leave their own letter in the bottle and record their visit in the book.

Today, letterboxing is a popular hobby around the world. Participants use clues to find the hidden boxes, which are often located in remote areas such as parks, forests, and mountains. The clues can be in the form of a riddle, a poem, or a map. Once the box is found, the participant stamps the logbook with their own personal stamp and records their visit in the logbook.

Letterboxing is a great way to explore the outdoors and to connect with nature. It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Letterboxing can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a great way to get outside and explore the world around you.

The History of Letterboxing

Letterboxing is a centuries-old activity that has been around since the mid-1800s. It involves finding hidden boxes in the outdoors, which contain a logbook and a rubber stamp. Participants use the stamp to mark their logbook and the logbook in the box to mark their own.

The history of letterboxing dates back to 1854, when James Perrott, a Dartmoor guide, placed a bottle containing a visiting card in a remote area of the moor. The card was meant to be found by visitors, who could then leave their own cards in the bottle for the next person to find. This was the first recorded instance of letterboxing, and it quickly became a popular pastime among locals and visitors alike.

Over the years, letterboxing has evolved from its humble beginnings. Instead of bottles, boxes are now used to house the logbook and stamp. The boxes are hidden in remote locations, often with clues provided to help people find them. The clues can range from riddles to detailed maps.

In addition to the traditional letterboxing activity, there are now several variations of the game. Some people use GPS devices to locate the boxes, while others use clues provided by websites or apps. There are even competitive letterboxing events, where participants race to find as many boxes as possible in a given time frame.

Letterboxing is a great way to explore the outdoors and discover hidden gems. It is also a fun activity for families and friends to do together. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced letterboxer, you are sure to have a great time.

The Benefits of Letterboxing

Letterboxing is an outdoor activity that combines elements of orienteering, art, and puzzle solving. It is a great way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise.

Letterboxing involves searching for hidden boxes in outdoor locations. The boxes contain a logbook and a rubber stamp. Participants use their own personal stamp to mark the logbook, and then use the stamp in the box to mark their own personal logbook. It is a fun way to explore the outdoors and find hidden treasures.

Letterboxing is a great way to get outdoors and explore. It encourages people to explore places they may not have otherwise gone. It also encourages people to get creative and use their problem-solving skills.

Letterboxing is a great way to get some exercise. It requires participants to walk, climb, and explore in order to find the hidden boxes. This is a great way to get some physical activity and explore the outdoors.

Letterboxing is also a great way to connect with nature. It encourages people to observe their surroundings and appreciate the beauty of nature. It also encourages people to take care of the environment and leave it better than they found it.

Letterboxing is a great way to make new friends. Participants often join letterboxing clubs and attend events to meet other letterboxers. It is a great way to make friends with similar interests and explore the outdoors together.

Letterboxing is a great way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise. It encourages people to get creative, connect with nature, and make new friends. It is a great way to spend time outdoors and have some fun.

Letterboxing Supplies and Equipment

Letterboxing is an outdoor activity that combines elements of orienteering, art, and puzzle solving. It is a great way to explore the outdoors and have fun. To get started, you will need some basic letterboxing supplies and equipment.

First, you will need a letterbox. This is a waterproof container that contains a logbook and a rubber stamp. The logbook is used to record the date and time of your visit, as well as any comments you may have. The rubber stamp is used to mark the logbook with your personal stamp, so that you can prove that you visited the letterbox. Letterboxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be purchased online or at specialty stores.

Next, you will need a stamp pad and ink. This is used to transfer the image of your stamp onto the logbook. You can purchase stamp pads and ink in a variety of colors and sizes.

You will also need a compass and a map. A compass is used to help you find your way to the letterbox, while a map will help you identify the location of the letterbox. You can purchase both of these items online or at a local outdoor store.

Finally, you will need a pen or pencil to record your visit in the logbook. A pencil is preferred, as it is less likely to smudge.

With these supplies and equipment, you are ready to start letterboxing. All you need to do is find a letterbox, record your visit in the logbook, and mark it with your personal stamp. Have fun and happy letterboxing!

How to Get Started with Letterboxing

Letterboxing is an outdoor activity that combines treasure hunting with creative expression. It is a fun and exciting way to explore the outdoors and discover hidden gems.

To get started with letterboxing, the first step is to find a letterbox. There are several ways to do this. You can search online for letterboxing websites, such as Letterboxing North America, or you can look for clues in local newspapers or magazines. You can also ask friends and family who may know of letterboxing sites in your area.

Once you have found a letterbox, the next step is to get the necessary supplies. You will need a stamp pad, a stamp, and a logbook. The stamp pad is used to make an impression of the stamp on the logbook. The stamp is a unique design that you will use to mark your letterbox finds. The logbook is used to record your finds and to keep track of your progress.

The next step is to locate the letterbox. Most letterboxes are hidden in public places such as parks, trails, and beaches. You can use a map or GPS to help you find the letterbox. Once you have located the letterbox, you will need to look for clues that will help you find the stamp. Clues can be written on the letterbox itself or in the logbook.

Once you have found the stamp, you will need to make an impression of it in your logbook. This is done by pressing the stamp onto the stamp pad and then pressing it onto the logbook. After you have made the impression, you can write a message in the logbook to let the next person know that you have found the letterbox.

Finally, you will need to return the letterbox to its original location. This is an important step to ensure that the letterbox is not lost or damaged.

Letterboxing is a great way to explore the outdoors and discover hidden gems. With a little bit of preparation and a lot of enthusiasm, you can get started with letterboxing and start having fun!