Letterboxing is an outdoor activity similar to orienteering that was developed on Dartmoor in 1854  by well-known Dartmoor guide James Perrot. It was first revealed to the world by author William Crossing in his 1909 book, Crossing’s Guide to Dartmoor.

Combining elements of orienteering, puzzle solving, treasure hunting and map reading, Letterboxing involves placing a small, weatherproof box in places accessible to the public such as parks, and distributing clues to its whereabouts by word of mouth, by catalogues or via various websites.

Letterboxes generally contain a notebook known as a logbook (somes referred to as a ‘visitors’ book’) and a rubber stamp so that the Letterboxer who finds the Letterbox can make an imprint of the stamp in their own personal logbook or journal, and an impression of their own stamp on the Letterbox’s logbook letting others know they have found it. From small beginnings, Letterboxing has grown to become a hugely popular activity all over the world.

While Letterboxing has now spread to every corner of the globe, Dartmoor remains the ‘Holy Grail’ for Letterboxers everywhere. It is said that several thousand Letterboxes are hidden on Dartmoor alone!

Equipment
One of the many benefits of Letterboxing is that it costs so little to make a start. All you really need is a notebook (your journal or logbook), a pen or pencil, a rubber stamp which you can either make yourself out of an eraser or buy cheaply enough at any craft shop or stationers, and an inkpad. Obviously a map of the area where you’re Letterboxing and a compass would also be useful!

Benefits
The benefits of Letterboxing are obvious. Exercise, fresh air, mental stimulation, social interaction with other Letterboxers, and creativity (should you decide to begin siting your own Letterboxes), to name but a few. Oh, and it’s also absolutely free!

Getting Started
Getting Started couldn’t be easier. Armed with the above equipment, a quick search on any search engine will reveal the locations of Letterboxes in your area.

If you would like to take up Letterboxing in your Third Age, or if you’re looking for an unusual Birthday or Christmas Present for an active Third Ager, we can highly recommend The Letterboxer’s Companion by Randy Hall, which includes a history of Letterboxing, instructions on making personal stamps and Letterboxes, Letterboxing etiquette and conventions, basic navigation techniques, and help with writing and following clues. In fact everything the aspiring Third Age Letterboxer needs to get started with this fascinating, family-friendly pastime!