The cache is placed close to (but NOT inside) an ancient Roman temporary or 'Marching' camp - the only one known to exist in Yorkshire.
These semi-permanent camps were built by the Roman army whilst on campaign or military excercise. They consisted of earth banks protected by timber pallisades and gates for the overnight tented accomodation of troops.
The long straight sides, rounded corners and wide entrance gaps protected by internal or external projections can only usually be seen on air photographs, but in this case, the western earth bank is clearly visible, as are two of the rounded corners of the camp.
If you approach from the west, the outline of the camp can be seen on the hillside in the distance. see 3D model
The cache has these starting contents:-
- Logbook, pencils, sharpner & eraser
- Some 'trivia quiz' cards
- A 'Unison' badge
- A Siri Lankan herbal cold remedy sachet (!)
- A framed photo of my daughter
- A photo of the placing team
- Our calling card
- A DISCHARGED world war one bullet found in 'High Wood', France
- The 'Sestertius of Nero' Travel Bug
I anticipate that people walking the 'Malham Round' will find this cache as it is only a small detour from the normal route.
You can also approach it along Mastiles Lane, from Kilnsey Crag (the longer route) or you can get within about 1Km of the cache by car if you park on the top of the moor south-east of Malham Tarn ( SD 905 657 approx.) The cache becomes a "**" for terrain if you do this though!
The camp is 266m x 316m approx. and straddles the footpath roughly on its centreline, aligned in a NNW - SSE direction see aeriel photo.
P.S.
- PLEASE take care to REHIDE the cache carefully, using the black bin bags and camouflage rocks provided !!
(It's near the crossroads of two paths so this is ESSENTIAL)
Cheers -
Madaxeman