Neid A Path Traditional Geocache
arock&ahardplace: This is gone, sorry.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache involves a half mile walk from the outskirts of Peebles to the base of Neidpath Castle. There is a free car park at the following coordinates:
N 55’39.176’
W003’12.124’
If you start out in this car park, then you can cross the road and enter Hay Lodge Park. Head down to the River Tweed. After this, you will come to the start of a trail that goes through mixed woodland. It is here that we must advise caution for those who bring children because the trail goes alongside the River Tweed. The banks are high and steep on this section of the trail, so watch those kids!
When you come out of the woodland, you will see your destination, which is at the base of Neidpath Castle.
Neidpath Castle is a large 14th century L-plan tower house that was originally built by the DeHay family. In 1650, this castle held out against Cromwell’s army longer than any other stronghold south of the Forth. Cromwell set up his cannons on the flat part of a hill across the river. It was a prime spot to incur a large amount of damage on the fortification. This is what made the castle finally surrender.
The castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jean, the youngest daughter of Sir William Douglas, Earl of March, who lived in the 18th century. Jean fell in love with one of the Scotts of Tushielaw. Her father forbade her to marry him, however, because her love was merely the son of a minor landowner. He was banished from the area. Jean refused to take any other husband. She sickened and became thin and gaunt. Worried about her health, Jean’s father relented and allowed the young man to return, under the condition that he could ride up to the castle only once. When Jean’s lover saw her, she was so ill that he did not recognise her and quickly rode by. This final blow was too much for Jean, and the shock killed her. Her ghost stayed at the castle, an apparition dressed in a full-length brown dress with a large white collar. It is said that she haunts the castle to this day, moving objects, causing noises in empty rooms, and opening and closing doors.
Ghosts shouldn’t be a problem when you visit our cache, but Muggles are another story. This area is very popular with tourists and locals alike. When looking for Muggles, you will have to be aware of both sides of the river, as there is a trail on the opposite side too.
If you decide to visit the castle itself, then the hours are:
Wednesday to Saturday 10:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday 12:30pm to 5pm
The castle is open from the 1st of May to the 30th of September. It is closed for the rest of the year. There is an admission charged for entry. There is a car park at Neidpath, but it is for castle visitors only.
At the time of placing the cache, the items in the cache included a pocket torch (with Duracells), a deck of playing cards, bangles, stickers (of knights, thought it was appropriate, given the setting), and a calculator/euro converter.
This is a beautiful area to relax in, with a bit of history thrown into the mix. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ng gur onfr bs n ynetr ebpx, pbaprnyrq ol n fznyyre ebpx.