Take a camera with you and please feel free to add your own favourite views from your journey to this cache page.
1: Welcome to Holyrood Park
N 55° 57.218
W 003° 09.551
Take a couple of minutes to have a look at this map of Holyrood Park. Note the Radical Road and the Volunteer's Walk, as you will be taking one of these to reach Waypoint 7. The route via the Radical Road is more difficult (a relatively steep gravel path) but offers the best views across Edinburgh.
How many blue ducks can you see on this sign (including the one on the key)? This number is A.
2: Firth of Forth & North Berwick
N 55° 57.019
W 003° 09.030
At this point you should be able to see the Firth of Forth to the north. On a good day you should also be able to see North Berwick Law (a bump on the coastline to the northeast).
You are standing at the apex of a gravel triangle (the first of two in this area). How many large rocks (e.g. larger than 30cm diameter) are located in this triangle? [please note that one of these large rocks now has a crack right through it, but please still count it as one rock]. This number is B.
3: First Sighting of Arthur's Seat
N 55° 56.887
W 003° 09.017
The further you climb, the better the views. The peak that has appeared to your southwest is Arthur's Seat, part of an extinct volcano around 350 million years old.
You are also approaching another cache with an excellent view: Lunga 5.
You are standing next to a drain cover. How many diagonal gaps are there in the cover? This number is C.
4: Dunsapie Loch
N 55° 56.796
W 003° 09.238
This loch was artificially formed during the construction of the Queen's Drive and is home to many varieties of wildfowl including geese, swans, ducks, coots and heron. The remains of a 2000 year old fort and a farm-stead on Dunsapie Hill overlook the loch.
The bench you are standing next to is made from wooden slats sitting on a number of concrete sections. How many concrete sections? This number is D.
5: Duddingston
N 55° 56.603
W 003° 09.127
You are now overlooking Duddingston Loch, which has been used for ice-skating and curling for several centuries (it provided the setting for the famous painting of Reverend Robert Walker skating on the loch). If you have time, walk down the path here to visit the Sheep's Heid Inn. Established in 1360, it is said to be Scotland's oldest pub.
How many flowers are there in the design on the end fence post you are standing next to? This number is E.
6: Edinburgh Castle
N 55° 56.464
W 003° 09.897
From left to right at this point you can see the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh Castle and Sailsbury Crags.
If you would like to find out more about the incredible geology of this area, don't miss the nearby Earthcache: "We find no vestige of a beginning".
Behind you is a short section of stone retaining wall. How many 'weep holes' (brick-sized holes designed to let water pass through) are in the wall? This number is F.
You must now choose either the High Road or the Low Road. Either will get you the clue you need to find the cache. If you want to take the Low Road, take a right off the main road a little further downhill from the point you are standing.
7a - Radical Road (The High Road)
N 55° 56.744
W 003° 10.440
The Radical Road takes you in a gentle climb along the base of the Crags, with great views of the Castle rock and the centre of Edinburgh.
If you choose this higher route, take a short break along the way by finding Haggis Hunter's "Let's Get Radical".
You are standing in front of a warning sign. How many edges does the sign have? Divide this number by two to get G.
7b - Volunteer's Walk (The Low Road)
N 55° 56.767
W 003° 10.059
This route takes you through the broad valley of Hunter's Bog, which takes its name from the Royal hunting parties of the past. It is a peaceful route that offers a unique perspective on Arthur's Seat.
This clue is a simple multiple choice. You are standing on the upper of two paths, beneath a birch tree. If this tree is less than 3m high, your number is 4. If it is greater than 3m high, your number is 2. Take your answer to be G.
8: St Margaret's Loch
N 55° 57.100
W 003° 09.759
Welcome to St Margaret's Loch, an artificial pond that lies beneath St. Anthony's Chapel . The pond is popular with visitors and locals alike and supports a significant population of geese, swans and ducks.
How many benches are around you (e.g. within 20m radius) at this location? This number is H.
9: Cache Location
N 55° 5(A+B).GAC
W 003° 0(E+F).(D-1)(2xH)G
- CHECKSUM: Your total should equal 35 -
You are looking for a magnetic nano (apologies - park restrictions!) so please use Maximum Stealth when retrieving or replacing this cache. You may also need a pair of tweezers!