This cache is one of 21 stations or viewpoints that Thomas West describes in probably the first guide book to the Lake District. Copies available to read in most Cumbrian libraries. Peter Crosthwaite of Keswick, published in 1794, outline maps showing these stations around the four major lakes West describes. Coniston Water has four stations, Windermere has five, Derwentwater has eight and Bassenthwaite lake has four. There are two bonus stations on another major lake. These stations were chosen for scenic view and charm, making ideal geocache locations. Nowadays trees have matured to obstruct some of the views. Look out for other Thomas West geocaches.
Gpsr signal may be poor under tree canopy. Advanced detection skills may be needed.
Only three caches are possible for Windermere, as Belle Isle is privately owned. So use a boat like West's readers, and station yourself just off shore of either end of Belle Isle to admire the views. Nearby cache link will reveal the other two Windermere Thomas West stations.
ACCESS
Cache can be reached by boat, bike or on foot. Cyclist will have to walk the last few hundred metres. See Thomas West Windermere Station (Cumbria) for boat launching info. Rawlinson Nab is LDNPA public access land, and Windermere lake is a public highway.
LOGGING
When you fill in log book, feel free to describe methods of transport used to find cache. Please rehide cache carefully, as popular lake shore path. Please don't crush cache with rocks.
CONSIDERATION
Lake shore path can be covered when lake is high, as obvious strand line is on land side of path. North of Rawlinson Nab signs say shore is nature refuge, so avoid landing between Rawlinson Nab and Ling Holme.
Car parking: National Trust pay and display car park at Ash Landing or Harrowslack area. There may be pull ins on nearest road to cache, and leave visitor to find them.
Boat Launching: slipway at Ferry Nab. Otherwise Beech Hill, Harrowslack, Red Nab.
Incorporate this with other nearby caches. Windermere Station, Ling along a lucky, Wise End, Latterbug, Bass Rock, Councillor C B Ross
Cache is sparse as a SOTAcache, containing:
Log book
Pencil
eraser
Pencil sharpener
WoW card
None of which are swaps.
Cache was clear plastic container. Size 12 x 8 x 5 cm internal. Room for small swaps and calling cards. Now changed but similar.
Four of the Thomas West geocaches contain information to find a bonus Thomas West location and cache.
Congratulations to Mule Skinner on April 29 2006 for FTF by sea kayak. Congratulations on April 28 by achilles1964 for FTF on foot.
All the Thomas West caches are
GCVVGF Thomas West Bassenthwaite Lake Stations (Cumbria)
GCWAW0 Thomas West Bonus Station (Cumbria)
GCVTDK Thomas West Brant Fell station (Cumbria)
GCWZY0 Thomas West Coniston Water Stations (Cumbria)
GCVZYX Thomas West Derwentwater stations (Cumbria)
GCWVCW Thomas West Dunmallard station (Cumbria)
GCVPHG Thomas West Rawlinson Nab Station (Cumbria)
GCVPGK Thomas West Windermere on Water Station (Cumbria)
Things to remove from a cache and not to swap in the first instance. Food stuff, sweets, batteries, coins, plasters (Band-Aid) anything in a sachet, anything liquid, marker pens.
Read more about The Historic Geocaches' campaign.