Originally a feeder reservoir for the Wilts and Berks canal that
flowed through Swindon throughout the nineteenth century, Coate
Water is now one of Swindon's most popular and picturesque pleasure
parks. To reflect this, the park was voted 'Swindon's favourite
place' in a poll conducted by the Town's Civic Trust in 2003. Also
a nature reserve and an area of genuine scientific interest, Coate
Water is the home to various activities for all the family. These
include boating, fishing, pitch & putt and mini golf, walks,
picnic & barbecue areas, gigantic sandpit, paddling pool for
children under 12 and a miniature railway. It even has a café
that's open on Christmas Day.
Details of Coate Water are available on this web
site.
Thanks to the Swindon Ranger Service for permission to place
this cache. Watch out for the Rangers, they're very friendly and
will be watching out for Geocachers!
This location is very close to the M4 (Junction 15 is about 5
minutes away), making it an ideal travelling stop and suitable
location for travel bugs. Please park in the public car park at
N51°32.577', W01°44.805' (entrance at N51°32.711' W1°44.728') which
has lots of space, a nearby café, toilets and picnic areas. There
is also an interpretation centre.
There is a nice pub just outside Hodson called The Calley Arms
recommended by nicowlala - details in the log below.
Please check out the Geocaching Association of Great
Britain offering support for Geocachers in GB.