This is our first series of caches so your feedback is most welcome. It is a circular (well actually more elliptical shaped) route of 30 new hides (although a few more caches are available either on or close to the loop). The hints are intended to be fairly clear, as we would like you to find the caches and enjoy the lovely walk. But, if you do fail to find a cache please log it as a DNF, (as it might actually be missing), then we can investigate it promptly. The route for the ramble is predominately over flat or slightly undulating terrain and has been given a 3 terrain rating based on completing it in one outing.
A Brief History of Ashford
Early Ashford - Ashford in Kent lies on the River Great Stour at the southern or scarp edge of the North Downs, about 60 miles southeast of central London and 15 miles northwest of Folkestone by road. The name comes from the Old English æscet, indicating a ford near a clump of ash trees.
It began as a Saxon village but in the early 13th century it grew into a small market town. In the Middle Ages Ashford was a busy little market town although it would seem tiny to us with a population of no more than 1,000. By the early 18th century Ashford still had a population of only about 1,500.
Modern Ashford - By 1801 Ashford had a population of 2,151. However, in the 19th century Ashford grew rapidly especially after the railway works opened in 1847. (The railway reached Ashford in 1842). By 1851 Ashford had a population of 5,000 and by 1901 it had reached nearly 13,000. Life in 19th century Ashford gradually improved. From 1832 Ashford was lit by gas and from 1845 the streets were regularly cleaned. From 1867 household rubbish was collected. A cemetery opened in 1860. Victoria Park was laid out in 1886 and a sewage works opened in 1889. In 1894 Ashford gained an urban district council. Now the population is about 80,000.
Willesborough - Where this walk commences, was originally a village and a parish in East Ashford district but now development has joined it to Ashford and it has become part of Ashford town.
Information about the walk
The whole route is about 6 miles in length and you will find that there are a small number of additional caches on route or nearby. These include a traditional ‘Church Micro 1395 … Hinxhill’ (GC2G39X) a puzzle/mystery ‘Hinx Minx’ (GC2G3AD) and another traditional ‘Willesborough Court C&D’ (GC7JDF6), near to the recommended parking. Apart from the traditional caches on the walk there are 5 Multi Caches (with one offset/off-route, #022), so it is recommended that you walk the route clockwise commencing at #01. There are a variety of containers and different hides, some more difficult than others, throughout the ramble which follows a fairly flattish country route.
Tweezers are recommended for use on some of the caches on this ramble. Also, please do not forget to bring your own writing implement (pen/pencil) to sign the log sheets.
Please note that additional information for some of the caches and a number of waypoints are given within the descriptions on the various cache pages.
Dogs are allowed but owners should be aware that in a couple of areas livestock may be grazing and they should keep their pets on a lead and firmly under control in those areas. Whilst setting these caches sheep with lambs were grazing in the field after cache #09.
The series will take you from Willesborough Lees out towards the village of Brook, nestling at the base of the North Downs. Then on towards West Brabourne and then back through the hamlet of Hinxhill to Willesborough Lees. The route is along small country lanes, public footpaths, byways, and through woodland. It crosses four styles, one early on at No. 6 and three others near to No. 24 and close to Hinxhill. The route is very quiet and peaceful away from the sounds of major roads and motorways with some glorious views of the English countryside, the Wye Crown (originally carved into the chalk) and the so-called ‘Devil’s Kneading Trough’ on the North Kent Downs.
From the suggested parking it is just a short stroll along the road to #01. You are looking for a plastic nano tube to get you on your way.