For our 200th cache hide we've tried to do a good one. It's representative of what we really like in a cache, which is primarily a pleasant walk to a scenic location, and a place that may be new to some folk. That's not to say other styles of caches aren't also good, yes, even micros have their place (and we've hidden several) but this cache is a 'back to basics' one aiming for a 'traditional' geocaching experience.
So, it does involve a walk, with some uphill, and no, there aren't 25 caches along the way! Crikey! Yes, a complete journey of about 5km/3m for just ONE cache!! We do think the rewards are worth it though, and if you pick a nice day, we're sure you'll think so too!
This is our 200th hide! We were thinking of stopping at this point but since then have lapsed! See update below!
Thanks to everyone who has found our caches, especially those who have taken care to replace the cache in the original spot and camouflaged it well. We appreciate those who can be bothered to write a sentence or two online about their experience. Also thanks to those who let us know when something needs checking or replacing - we do want to know. Of course, cheers to all those who've hidden caches for us to find!
Ok, enough waffle - on with the cache!
(Update: June '11, we've lapsed and hidden a couple more caches now!)
(Update: Feb '13, hidden our 300th cache hide now! Oops!)
The Cache: The co-ordinates above will take you to Rydal on the A591. A road runs uphill past the church and limited parking can be found along here. Other parking is available in Pelter Bridge car park on the south side of the River Rothay. Both can get full at busy times. The 555 Ambleside/Keswick bus conveniently stops at Rydal church.
We considered dastardly puzzles and tricksy sneakiness but settled on a simple multi-cache and a quality geocaching experience. So, check out the clues below and you will be able to discover the co-ordinates of the cache. An obvious track will take you to a really lovely spot. The obvious route to the cache has a sign on which is a bit off putting for just 150m to the Access Land! You will have to make your own decision about whether to go further or find a different route. Most muggles ignore the sign. The cache is just beyond the lovely spot in the nearest good hiding place due to the nature of the rock! The cache is about 2.5km/1.5m from Rydal so go prepared - great place for a picnic. On your return, Rydal Hall operate a very nice tea shop in their grounds, and there's now one in Rydal Mount.
Head up the hill and find the answers to these questions as you go:
- How many letters in the name of the 'historic home and gardens of William Wordsworth'? x10=?
- Go into the church yard - how many sides to the big bench around the Yew?
- Find the sundial. On the floor is a slate plaque. Number of letters in the longest word?
- Exit the church onto the road by the top gate. How many short 'spears'?
- Opposite is a gate into Rydal Hall. How many long wavey bars, (not the numerous short spikes)?
- Main entrance to Rydal Hall. On either gate, how many short 'spears'?
- Rydal Mount has one obvious window with many small panes in - how many? (No, the other one, with way over 30 panes!)
- Up the steep concrete, Coffin Track bridleway on left. Above here you can see an orange cottage - how many round chimneys?
Add all the above answers together, and add 13 to produce a grand total.
Use the grand total to make the last 3 digits of the longitude, shown at the top, further east. (Is that + or -?)
For the latitude, multiply the grand total by 5. Add this to to latitude shown at the top (ignore any . )
Happy to confirm or deny your co-ordinates or offer any help. Email us through our profile.
You can also check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.
