Letterboxing is an exciting hobby that allows you to enjoy the outdoors while exercising your brain. It combines hiking, orienteering, and puzzle-solving, making it an excellent activity for people of all ages and abilities. If you’re interested in starting letterboxing, here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Research letterboxing in your area
If you’re Shropshire-based, you’ve already ticked this box by landing on our website, if not you’ve come to the right place! It contains all the information you may need to start letterboxing. You can also search for letterboxing information on forums or on social media. e.g. Facebook.
Make sure to follow our page on Instagram to get some more insights about the potential locations of letterboxes.
2. Make your own letterboxing kit
To start letterboxing, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
– a logbook, a simple notepad will do,
– a stamp so you can leave your ‘stamp signature’ in the letterboxing logbook when you find it (if you don’t have a stamp, just put your name and a message),
– an ink pad,
– and a pen to scribble down notes.
You can buy these supplies online or at a craft store. Hobbycraft, or the Range should have everything you need.
A Tupperware container or a takeaway box will also be handy. You can keep your letterboxing supplies secure and you won’t risk having the ink spilt over your map.
You may also want to invest in a compass and map of the area where you’ll be letterboxing to make navigation easier.
3. Choose your first letterbox
Once you’ve got your letterboxing kit, it’s time to choose your first letterbox. Use the locations section to browse available letterboxes. Find one that is easy or beginner-friendly to start with. These letterboxes will be easier to find and you will get to familiarise yourself with the process before moving on to more difficult boxes.
4. Figure out the clues
Chosen your letterbox? It’s now time to follow the clues to find it. The clues will usually include a series of hints and tips to help you locate the letterbox. Make sure you have your thinking hat on! Read the clues carefully as they can play on words.
5. Stamp your logbook
When you find the letterbox, open it up. You should find a stamp, an ink pad and a logbook (a notebook) and a pen inside. Stamp your logbook with the unique stamp that’s inside, making sure to make a note of the date and location of where the letterbox was found.
6. Stamp the letterbox
After stamping your logbook, it’s time to stamp the letterbox with your personal stamp or sign it with your name, date found and a message. This is a way of leaving your mark on the letterbox to show that you found it.
7. Put the letterbox back
Be sure to put the stamp, logbook, ink pad and pen back into the box. Placing it back where you found it for others to enjoy and locate.
8. Share your experience
After you’ve found your first letterbox, don’t forget to share your experience with other letterboxers. Tag us on Instagram, or drop us an email. We will be happy to hear about your letterboxing adventures.
Starting letterboxing is a great way to explore the outdoors and challenge yourself mentally and physically. By following these tips, you can get started on your letterboxing journey and discover a whole new world of adventure.
Shropshire Letterboxing 