The terrain rating for this cache is simply to take account of the length of the walk which, car to car, is just under 4 km (2.5 miles). There are no severe gradients and walking conditions are easy, following public footpaths (across a golf course for part of the way), bridleways and a short length of road. I suggest allowing an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half.
Note that the reflectors work best if you hold your torch at eye level.
Phase 1: From the given coordinates walk 150 metres west and find the start of the first reflector trail. Follow the trail until you find a cluster of reflectors.
Note that by "cluster" I mean more than two!
This marks the approximate position of Micro 1 (see hint).
Phase 2: With the coordinates given in Micro 1, find Micro 2 (see hint).
Phase 3: Go to the first set of coordinates given in Micro 2. How many arrowheads on the post (A)? Make sure you have the correct post - there are quite a few around!
A = ___
Then go to the second set of coordinates given. At this point, you will find the name of a person on a tree ( - - - - - 's Way). Convert the third and fifth letters of the name to numbers using the usual method. These numbers are B and C.
B = ___ C = ___
This point is also the start of reflector trail 2.
Phase 4: Follow the second reflector trail. When it ends, find the nearest post box. If it has VR on it, D = 2; if GR, D = 3; if ER, D= 4.
D = ___
Phase 5: Go to the start of reflector trail 3. The coordinates of this point are:
N 51 13. (C - B - B) (C + D - A) (C - A)
W 000 38. (B - D) (A + B + D - C) (D)
Phase 6: Follow reflector trail 3 to the cache. The approximate position of the cache is indicated by a cluster of reflectors. Cache is within 5 metres.
Happy hunting, and watch out for the wererabbits!
Congratulations to (one half of) sunsetjunkies for being the first solo finder ! And now hats off to Mr Cryptic for being the second solo finder and 99th finder overall.
There are extra hints for some of my puzzles in the cache.