THE CLAYTON WALL Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Starting from limited parking at Caw Gap this is a moderate hike with steep ascents and descents or a gradual ascent depending on which path you take.
Sections of the Roman Wall were actually rebuilt from original Wall tumble, in the nineteenth century by John Clayton (1782-1890) – the section of wall towards Winshields Crags is to all intents a Clayton Wall.
For over 250 years the Wall served to protect the Roman Empire until their retreat. The Wall stood intact for a further 1000 years until the need for stone brought about the dismantling of the Wall. This process continued until 1822 when landowner John Clayton protected and rebuilt the Wall passing through his estate - by purchasing land alongside the Wall he managed to protect remains as far as Cumbria. He also owned five Roman forts – surely a world record!
Other sections of the Wall have since been rebuilt by English Heritage.
John Clayton’s workmen also excavated Housesteads milecastle (37) and that at Cawfields milecastle (42). Clayton was one of the first people to buy land with a view to its protection and it is tempting to suggest that his actions influenced the wider conservation movement that followed. John Clayton’s collection of inscribed stones, statues and altars is now housed at Chesters, the former home of this zealous antiquarian.
Today’s visitors can follow his example and help conserve the Wall for tomorrow’s generation by following the conservation tips in ‘Every Footstep Counts’ – The World Heritage Site’s code of respect:
Always keep to the signed path
Avoid walking alongside the Wall when ground is wet
Please walk beside the Wall not on it
Respect livestock and land
Keep dogs on a lead
The cache is hidden beyond the earthen platform of milecastle 41 which overlooked Melkridge Common west of Winshields Crags.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va n tnc gb gur evtug bs fbzr obhyqref pbirerq jvgu n syng fgbar.
Treasures
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