Wellow Woods Nature Trail #15 Traditional Cache

This is the 15th and final cache in the Wellow Woods Nature Trail series. The co-ordinates will take you to a clue that will help you solve the bonus cache puzzle + you will also find a traditional cache where you can sign the log and exchange goodies.

This Cache can be collected as an individual Multi cache or as part of the circular Wellow Wood Nature trail series. While the walk is very pleasant it can also get very muddy after rain so walking boots or even Wellingtons are recommended. And don’t forget to have a big breakfast (see GC1XTYN).

Quite interesting facts:

Straying livestock were rounded up by an officer called the Pinder, and, once impounded in the local Pinfold, it required the payment of a fine by their owner to get them back again!

On to the Bonus if you have solved all your clues:

Unfortunately due to the first Bonus hide going missing, a slight double back on yourself is due here to find the NEW BONUS hide (but it will be worth it). After finding the bonus its back to your car, you can either go back to #15 then follow the road down to the Pinfold (this is the most scenic walk) or if you are bushed take a right on the main road and follow it into the village of Wellow. On the way you will see a stone structure; this is the Pinfold, a 19th century structure built to hold stray live stock. By the way at the back of the pinfold stands’ two large metal ammunition boxes, just in case you were wondering this is not the bonus cache! On closer inspection it merely holds a milk bottle and possibly a newspaper for a local resident. Please do not touch. You can give yourself a pat on the back you have completed the Wellow Woods Nature Trail walk.

If you still have the energy let me give you a very quick guide tour of the village on your way back to your car. Continue right down the road (Approx 340ft) to Potter Lane. Cross the road and walk down Potter Lane (Approx 0.2miles) passing the beautiful Church of St. Swithin on your right, believed to have been built around 1189 during the reign of King Richard. The new stained glass Millennium window depicts the maypole and scenes from the village. At the bottom of the hill turn right and follow the foot path (Approx 450ft) with the stream to your left. The centre stream with steep banks on either side is more remaining remnants of Gorge Dyke designated an Ancient Monument. Turn right and walk back up to the village for (Approx 250ft) appreciating the variety of quaint village houses in this conservation area. As the road bares to the right you should see the Maypole in front of you taking pride of place in the centre of the village green. The Maypole is one of very few remaining and still used maypoles in the country. With the Maypole to your left you will see the very quaint first of two village pubs “The Red Lion” well worth a visit. Facing the Maypole is the Old Chapel now a residential property. Continue past the Maypole towards the Durham Ox another fine public house with regular live evening entertainment. After enjoying a pint, continue though the car park of the Durham Ox and follow the footpath down the right side of the beer garden (Approx 400ft). Turn left with the very quaint cottage on your right back to your car and the dam on your right.

Well Done!