Lark Rise to Collin Top Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The cache is hidden near the summit of Collin Top (429m) in the Antrim Plateau.
The Antrim Plateau was formed during the Tertiary period. At this time large sections of the Earth's crust (called plates) moved allowing huge upwellings of lava to occur - these eventually cooled and hardened to form a dark, fine grained igneous rock called basalt. The original thickness of the lavas was about 1,800m but during the last 60 million years they have been worn down by weathering and erosion to form rounded hills such as Collin Top. You might be interested to know that the plate Ireland is part of is still moving - generally eastwards at the rate your finger nails grow!
Probably the best route to the cache is to park in the car park beside Dungonnell Dam (N 54deg.59.299;
W 006deg.08.274)- walk across the dam wall, turn left following the southern shore of the reservoir to where a stream enters it (N 54deg.59.249; W 006deg.07.702)and then follow the fence eastwards up to the summit. As you walk take time to enjoy the views and watch out for wildlife - this area is not only the land of the Skylark but home of Eyebright, Sundew and Butterwort and haunt of Merlin, Stonechat and Snipe.
The cache contains items a hillwalker might need eg. boot laces and insect repellent. If taken please replace with another useful item.
After finding the cache you can retrace your steps - the round trip is approximately 4 miles. If you are feeling adventurous you might consider climbing Carncormick via the Red Sea or spend a little time exploring the Loughgarve area. In fact you could do a circuit visiting the caches at Alex's First at Evish Hill and The Pump House.
TAKE NOTE: This is a wilderness mountain environment where the terrain is often rough and boggy. Weather conditions and visibility can, and do, deteriorate quickly. Wear hillwalking boots (gaiters are a good idea) and suitable clothing. In your rucksack carry a spare fleece, food and water. Bring a map (OSNI Discoverer Series Sheet 9) and compass - and know how to use them.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Sebz fhzzvg pnvea jnyx nobhg 47 cnprf ng 195 qrterrf