This cache has been set up to celebrate the life of John Martin who was born in Haydon Bridge, Northumberland and became the most popular British artist of his age. He left Haydon Bridge for an apprenticeship in Newcastle before moving on to London where he further developed his career.
Not only was he an accomplished and successful painter, he was also an expert lithographer and printer, and even found time to develop schemes for the improvement of London. He published various pamphlets and plans dealing with the metropolitan water supply, sewerage, dock and railway systems.
He is sometimes called 'Mad Martin', but the title is undeserved and applies more to his brother Jonathan, who was insane and set fire to York Minster!
He was born in 1789, and 2004 marked the 215th anniversary of his birth, and the 250th of his death. Haydon Parish Council have been active in arranging a series of public events to celebrate the life and achievements of the artist, and the latest project is the setting up of the John Martin Heritage Trail – a new walk with information boards to allow visitors to experience the countryside around Haydon Bridge which heavily influenced his paintings. The Trail is in two circular sections centred on Haydon Bridge. Both routes begin at the library in Church Street.
To find the location for the cache you will need to visit 6 waypoints on the trail, examine the information board at each location, and solve 6 simple clues. Solving the clues should provide you with 6 numbers represented by A,B,C,D,E and F. Use these to work out the target co-ordinates for the final location.
The cache can be found at N 54° (B+D)E.(C-D)(C+F)D, W 002° DE.E(B+C)A and contains a selection of artist related goodies.
You could be a hero and walk the whole length of the trail to complete the quest (quite strenuous - about 14 miles, and then you still have to locate the cache), but it is also possible to park at strategic points to shorten the task. You should end up at a relatively quiet spot by the banks of a river, not far from the trail, where you can sit and reflect on the day's work. You may even be inspired to paint a picture.
Please note - parts of the walk can be hazardous, especially for children, and it is essential they are supervised at all times. This is particularly important in the areas around Allen Banks, Plankey Mill and Staward Gorge where there are steep paths, cliff edges and a fast flowing river.
Good luck.
Useful links:
The World of John Martin
Haydon Bridge visitor's information
