Standlynch Weir
Weir Rock was set up by “err ok” who has since taken up a position overseas and is currently unable to maintain the cache. Julia Dream have adopted the cache, and whilst retaining all the original features, we have made one or two changes to make it easier to find.
We recommend you enjoy the walk through the water meadows from the parking place in Downton. This is conveniently near the Co-op where you can stock up on supplies for the journey, and next to the Borough Cafe and The White Hart for celebratory refreshments on your return. From the parking area, head east for a 100m and take the footpath by the river to Charlton All Saints. When you reach the hamlet of Charlton All Saints; cross the gravel track, enter the field, and turn right to head towards the river. You should cross Dawn’s Stile before hearing the weir, where you will find the cache. After finding the cache, an alternative route back to Downton can be taken by continuing along the path into the hamlet of Standlynch. Take the path towards Downton, after the church.
Dawn’s Stile
A much shorter walk can be taken by parking in Charlton All Saints. Follow the causeway path diagonally across the field to Dawn’s Stile. In February, if the water meadows are flooded, this footpath may be dry, but be aware channels have been cut through the causeway, so you may need to jump!
This is a beautiful area that looks great all year round. Possible wildlife sightings include; Kingfishers, Herons, Egrets, Red Kites, Hobbies, Kestrels, Buzzards, Water voles and many others. There shouldn't be any difficult terrain, although when it is wet it can get a bit muddy. Dogs should obviously be under close control if there are any stock in the fields you walk through, and watch out for nesting birds, particularly swans.
Congratulations to Pumblechock&Wopsie for their double FTF. Please do read their log and be inspired to take the longer route.
This cache is vulnerable to muggles and anglers, and has been removed several times. It has had to abandon it’s “Rock”, and currently is in a black container wired to the ivy, about chest height (see New Spoiler). On the back of the big tree, look for a galvanised wire. Ease the bottom off the container, and a smaller white container, containing the logsheet, will drop out. You are requested to bring your own pen or pencil. Please take care to return the cache box to its hiding place as found, and obscured, as in the Spoiler photo. Thank you!
The Little Bridges series was started by Stanthews in 2009 to highlight small footbridges in remote parts of Wiltshire. Since then the series has been expanded by others all over the country and starting to spread fast, Damian from Winter Foxes has created and updates a list of cachers who has found 10 or more little bridges and can be found here, if you would like to add to the series, please contact Stan on stanthews@aol.com and he will give you a number for your bridge, to qualify, the bridge must be a foot bridge too small for vehicles, please make sure your title exactly matches “Little Bridges # xx then name” including spaces so it will get picked up and added to Damian’s list.