Up, Up & Away Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Situated near the Grey Mare's Tail in the stunning backdrop of the Moffat Valley. A breathtaking (literally) climb up Tail Burn to Loch Skeene then accending to White Coomb at an altitude of over 2700 feet.
WARNING: There have been a number of fatalities in the area and the cache demands a moderate/high level of experience and fitness.
Sturdy, proper fitting walking boots with a good grip are essential. Come prepared, the wind at the top of the hill will be around 10 times stronger and 10 times colder than at the car park. Hiking Poles will come in very handy. Paths up to the Loch are well maintained but the second part of the hike involves crossing marshland with poorly defined paths, use the additional waypoints provided as guidelines on which route to take. The round trip should take around 3/4 hours. There is a £2 donation to park at the National Trust carpark but is well worth it.
This geocache will be more enjoyable/safer after a spell of dry weather. Checking the weather forecast before you set off is a must.
The 200ft waterfall that is the Grey Mare's Tail is named after Robbie Burns' poem 'Tam O'Shanter' and is a striking example of a 'hanging valley' created by glaciers thousands of years ago. At the foot of the waterfall there is a peregrin falcon nest which is kept under CCTV surveilance 24/7, see if you can catch a photo of this majestic beast. If you cant, there is video footage at the information kiosk in the carpark.
This whole area is protected by the SSSI (site of special scientific interest) and ESA (environmentally sensitive area) and the 2400 acre property is currently owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The surrounding valleys are full of wildlife and you will see it. Ferral goats roam the high ridges as do deer and hare. Falcons, Frogs and unusual insects can be seen most of the year. This protected area is a reserve for some very rare and endangered species including plant life and fish. The cache however, is not on the conservation area for obvious reasons.
Please follow the additional waypoints to get to the cache location, there is a quicker way up but the paths are dissorientating and unclear. From the Cache you may follow the fence up to White Coombe then the wall back down to Tail Burn but bear in mind that you will have to cross the burn by stepping stones, which may be difficult if there has been heavy rainfall.
The cache is well hidden and I would appreciate that is well Hidden after you leave as it is on a popular hiking trail. The cache contains a selection of interesting swaps.
I know you will enjoy the walk. Don't forget your camera. Be safe.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
haqre gur cvyr bs fgbarf arkg gb srapr cbfg.