As this is a virtual cache, there is no physical cache to find: however, there is a requirement that MUST be fulfilled before a valid 'Found It' log can be made.
LOCATION
Dunkery Beacon, at 1,702ft (519m) above sea level, is the highest natural point in Exmoor National Park, atop Dunkery Hill. The hill is part of a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is a spectacular spot for star gazing: Exmoor was designated Europe’s first ‘Dark Skies Reserve’. From the summit, panoramic views stretch for miles, across the surrounding moorland & along the Bristol Channel – on a clear day, it is possible to see the English Channel coast, the Severn bridges, the Brecon Beacons, Bodmin Moor & Dartmoor. The site hosts several burial mounds in the form of cairns and bowl barrows, dating back to the Bronze Age. This area was privately owned until it was donated to the National Trust, in the early 20th Century, by Sir Thomas Acland, Colonel Wiggin and Allan Hughes; to commemorate this, a stone cairn was erected at the summit & is still visible today.
PATHWAYS & PARKING
There are many pathways up to the summit but we have listed waypoints for two with nearby free parking; the ascents are both less than 1km. The paths are stony & steep in places and muddy after wet weather. Look out for Exmoor’s rich flora & fauna on your journey - wild red deer, Exmoor ponies, rare butterflies & bats, as well as an array of lichens, mosses & heather, which is at its best in summer.
You can park at either of the suggested parking places; however, the path from Trailhead1 is a relatively steady incline to the summit.
From Parking2 (Dunkery Gate), the start of the path is directly opposite the road & is a slightly steeper route to the top.
CACHE
To claim this find, you will need to physically visit the headline co-ordinates to be able to fulfil the necessary requirements.
Please take a photo of yourself or your GPS at the National Trust plaque on the summit and then answer the following questions:
On the information dial:
1) What church is named?
2) How far away is the named church?
3) What colour is the named church?
4) What is located at 270° (approx.)?
5) The answer to Q4, how high above sea level is it?
Please email or send your answers via the message centre. Once we have confirmed your correct answers, you may then log your find - please remember to upload your photo of your visit.
DO NOT post the answers to your log, for obvious reasons. If logs are posted before we receive your answers, then your log will be deleted.
Please ensure these requirements are fulfilled as deleted logs often offend!
Please be advised that network coverage at the beacon is very poor, so we suggest sending your answers when you are in the nearest village or town to ensure we receive them. Thank you.
We are honoured to be awarded a virtual cache and wanted other geocachers to share our love of this special location in this beautiful area.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.