Boscastle -Tintagel Coast Path #1 [Quarry] Traditional Geocache
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Boscastle -Tintagel Coast Path #1 [Quarry]
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Camo'd 400ml snap-top container with room for small swaps/travel bugs/coins.
1st in the Boscastle to Tintagel coastal walk.
Swanser or California Quarry can be identified by an impressive, strongly built wall overhanging the cliff. On this was a wooden platform supporting a crane or gantry which was operated by horse and used to hoist blocks to the top. There are various ruined buildings along the cliff tops. Some were used as overnight shelter, others were splitting sheds where men would sit all day producing thin roofing slates. Old photographs show a small railway with its iron wagons. The men working these quarries were in constant danger from their working conditions the weather was their worst enemy. If gales or frosty weather stopped them working they did not get paid. One man Mr Danger from Tintagel, who was captain of Growa quarry on Trevalga cliffs was killed when he was blown over the cliff in a gale into the sea. The skills they acquired descending the cliffs in these conditions made them a valuable addition to the Coastguard cliff rescue service. A good workman could split 100 dozen roofing slates in a day. His hours were 7.30am to 5.30pm with half an hour lunch break. Rag slates were from 6ft by 2ft and some 18 inches square and sold at 2s.6d a dozen in 1888. The slates were known by names which related to their size, which were (in inches): Queens 36x7, Duchess 24x14, Countesses 20x10, Ladies 16x9 and Doubles 12x7. Scantle slates were made by boys in sizes 9x5, 8x6,7x7 and 6x3. All these are measured in inches. Cisterns up to 2,000 gallons were made along with corn chests, pig troughs, mangers, pump troughs, baths, salting troughs, milk coolers, larders, chimney tops, mantle pieces, window sills, garden edging and hedging, room skirting, lintels, quoins, rolling pins, candle sticks and ashtrays. Every Cornish churchyard has examples of slate headstones.
Source Bosscastle Archive
There are many ways to access this coastal walk, either from Boscastle Harbour, or from Forrabury.
The coastal path keeps fairly close to the cliffs and offers excellent views throughout. There are dramatic changes in terrain.
The paths can be slippery in wet weather. Please keep to the marked trail. Keep dogs & small children on a lead.
Caches are hidden on the pathway, just a few feet off to the side at most. There should be no reason to leave the path
CITO Coastpath Guardian to remain in this coastpath series between Tintagel & Crackington Haven. Pick it up by all means, but place only in caches along THIS bookmark list. Thanks!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre tbefr ohfu gb evtug bs cngu (Obfpnfgyr -> Gvagntry). Haqre fznyy 'pnvea'.