Big Cat 09 - Stylish Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size:  (micro)
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This 5 mile circular walk starts from the NW extremity of Warton, has 15 caches and follows footpaths and bridlepaths. It is mostly across fairly flat farmland which can get muddy. There are several stiles, bridges and gates, and also one flight of 40 steps. Less than a quarter of a mile is on public roads. Difficulty ratings and attributes relate to the series as a whole. Between caches 8 & 10 the footpath is not clearly marked but additional waypoints are provided.
NB 18/08/2014 - DUE TO WORKS IN THE AREA THIS CACHE HAS BEEN REPLACED AND RENAMED
This walk is not wheelchair or pushchair friendly but fine for older children as very little of the walk is on public roads. There are several pools and streams on the route, please keep a close eye on geokids. Dogs are permitted on all paths but please be responsible and keep geohounds on a lead where requested.
There is limited parking alongside the first cache of the series and additional spaces nearby.
We have called this series “The Big Cat Series”, this is why …..
In the last decade there have been over 50 sightings of a "Big Cat" in the area around Austrey, Warton, Shuttington and No Mans Heath. The cat has been described as a Melanistic Leopard (black with black spots). .
Although the Government have no firm evidence of “Big Cats” roaming wild in this country it is believed they could survive quite easily in our countryside.
The highest level of sightings occurred in July 2009, at which time The Herald newspaper received twelve reports of a large black cat having been seen in the area.
Everyone who has reported seeing this animal says it is too big to be a domestic cat and definitely not a dog.
The most recent sightings occurred in Shuttington in October 2011, and at the end of November 2011 in Warton Lane Austrey.
This trail is centered on “Big Cat” territory so keep your eyes open not only for caches but for another sighting!!
Additional information :
You are looking for a 35mm film canister. Please bring your own pencil.
The footpath from here to ‘Big Cat 10 – Corner’ is unclear, please follow the waypoints provided.
NB The public footpath goes through a field behind a bungalow and you leave it through large metal gates on to the road. Don’t be put off, this IS a right of way.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fyvz punapr bs svaqvat guvf bar!