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The Chain Bridge Multi-cache

This cache has been archived.

Interloper: The Chain Bridge has been removed while maintenance work is taking place. Expected to reopen early next year. I will visit to find and remove the cache temporarily when covid restrictions permit.

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Hidden : 4/9/2007
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This is a nice short multi-cache which will take you into both Scotland and England.

The Chain Bridge

The given coordinates will take you to a point on the border between Scotland and England. The cache lies nearby but you will need to visit both countries to find the coordinates of the cache site.

Despite what the "Road Closed" notices may imply it is still possible to drive as far as the bridge from either the north or the south. It is only the bridge itself which is currently closed to vehicle traffic.

As soon as I saw this bridge I thought: “This really has to have a cache!”

The Chain Bridge, or Union Bridge, was designed by Samuel Brown and opened in 1820, at which time it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Nowadays, it is the oldest suspension bridge in Britain which is still open to traffic. (In point of fact, it was closed to traffic at the beginning of April 2007; I understand the closure is only to be temporary) It is a particularly fine-looking structure with red sandstone arches at each end and lovely views both up and down the river. There are pleasant riverside walks on both sides of the Tweed. Nearby, on the English side of the bridge is The Honey Farm which has a visitor centre, café and collection of vintage vehicles, while on the Scottish side is Paxton House, a handsome Palladian country house with gardens, picture gallery, tea room and play park.

Parking is available at either end of the bridge and, although the bridge is currently closed to vehicles, pedestrians can walk across.

The Clues:

On the English side of the bridge you will find a plaque which states that the bridge was improved and strengthened in 19PQ-R. You will also find a sign telling you it is S miles to Berwick on Tweed.

On the Scottish side is an Information Board which tells you that when the bridge was opened, T heavily-laden carts were driven across the bridge to test its strength. In the picture illustrating the opening, you can see U animals, V being horses and W being dogs.

The coordinates of the cache are at
N 55° 45.ABC; W 002° 06.DEF, where
A = V
B = U
C = 2 x W
D = S
E = P
F = R - Q

The cache is in a reasonably secluded location but discretion and timing may be necessary to make a discreet retrieval.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Uvqqra va gur jnyy, whfg nobir tebhaq yriry, nobhg svir srrg sebz n gerr fghzc va gur qverpgvba bs gur evire.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)