I have two treasure maps and had a couple of questions.

1. Are the treasures worth the trouble to find?

2. Is a shovel necessary?

I have read a few posts on this issue and welcome any more comments or advice.

LOL leave the shovel at home!

I finally found treasure map no 1, when I escaped Helgen on my 4th character and the treasure was well worth it for my little noob! I actually like the hunt at the end, and don't care too much about the treasure. Most of the time, when I finally find a map, I have already amassed my own treasure. I'm currently stuck on treasure map VII, can't make out where that is! *grumbles* lol

If you need/want some gold, yes. There's usually a few pieces of jewellery, gems and maybe a soul gem in them. But no you don't need a shovel

Thanks, I have stored a shovel in my Breezehome place for most of the game.

I like the idea of the treasure maps, at present I have 3 of them but bloody hell, I have no idea where they are. Really difficult. I know I could look on UESP, but really don't want to.

I can't decipher mine either

I've found the stash outside Whiterun - the map is in one of the bandit lairs nearby and the one across the river from Riverwood - the map is in a bandit camp to the west of town. I've found the map to one that indicates it's near Riften, but haven't found the stash.

The two I have found were pretty regular low-level stuff. I think it's more about the "Cool! A treasure hunt!" reaction than the actual treasure...

Eloise

just follow the clues some of them can be hard but it all becomes clear if you just examine every detail.