There is nothing of significance at the published coordinates.

I was originally brought to this lovely area a while ago by an old Groundspeak puzzle cache, which has since been archived, and I always promised myself I would return sometime. This extensive valley area is an SSSI, designated for its “unimproved calcareous grassland and neutral hay meadows”. It supports a number of grass species and invertebrates such as butterflies. I have also had the pleasure of watching hares, foxes, and many different bird species here; and plenty of sheep. I don’t believe this opencache will adversely affect the area at all, any more than do the walkers I have often seen here, so long as seekers act responsibly; but if you disagree, please feel free to let me know your concerns.

Although my recent exploration was originally not aimed at geocaching but at some historical research (inconclusive), I was drawn to a particular spot, which I felt compelled to investigate further. A caching theme immediately came to mind, inspired by some old school memories - specifically a series of General Studies lessons.

I don’t think the climbing equipment attribute is strictly necessary, but I used it to bring to seekers' attention that, acting solo, I needed to unfurl a piece of kit from my rucksack in order to help get started on the final stage; perhaps if I’d had a strong accomplice, however, I might have managed without. I’m sure I don’t need to ask you to treat this fine specimen with the respect it deserves, and not to damage it while trying to scramble up the lower part.

This is a staged task, in keeping with the general theme. I will also declare that I’m not great with heights, and I’m well aware that others more able than I could have gone further and could have probably used this and that tackle, which I do not possess. My main intent here is to have an enjoyable experience and not to break any records (or bones). To that end, I’m not sure I’d do this in the wet, or in high winds, and as always you must assess your own limits. It is also noteworthy that, although you may feel that you are in quite a remote spot, most times I have visited I have come across one or two other people (walkers or runners). I have sometimes chosen to do my stick insect impression when they have passed quite close by, in order not to startle them.

To confirm your task, you should check your conclusions by clicking the transformation of man picture above.

I have found my GPS coordinates to wander a little in this valley. However, if I let my GPSr settle a while, I have usually been within 10ft or so from the desired point, and local features should present themselves as being the obvious hosts.

PS I am not interested in reading “Found It” logs from those who have not personally signed the log book; however, their “Notes” are of course most welcome. Having said that, if one is able to persuade (or train?) a third party to retrieve the log book for your signing, and then correctly replace it, that would be entirely in keeping with the theme ;-)

Residential Geocoin (March 2014)

Amberel kindly custom-made one of his Top Cache geocoins for this cache. It is called I Can See For Miles and is trackable on its geocaching.com webpage. It is intended to be residential in this cache so please do not remove it, but feel free to discover it if you wish. Thank you.