You can park for free at Sheffield Bottom picnic site N51*
25.810 W001* 04.147.
This is an offset Multicache and you will have to pick up a
couple of virtual clues before finding the cache.
First go to the sign at N51* 25.811 W001 04.186, there are 3
sets of numbers; on the left (A) , in the middle (B) and on the
right (CD and a half).
UPDATED Now go to N51* 25.852 W001* 04.122 and stand by
the side of the lock. Count the number of white metal bollards
between the locks gates on one side only to get (E).Now count the
number of arched brickwork sections between the locks on one side
only and divide that number by 2 to get (F)
Now the fun part, the cache can be found near Garston
Lock (No.102) at;
N51* 25.(A+D)(F-A)(B/2) W001* 0(D).(E)(E+C)(A-F)
The lock is one of only two remaining turf sided locks in
Britain. The sides of the lock are not clad with brick but slope up
from the canal bottom to turf sides. This requires more water to
operate and so most locks of this kind have been upgraded to brick
sided locks. The other remaining example, Monkey Marsh lock is also
on the Kennet and Avon canal near Thatcham.
Next to the Lock are some rather solid looking Pill boxes which
formed part of a network of defenses along the K&A canal during
WWII. Team Sienei were kind enough to point out that the lake to
the south of the cache site used to be an airfield during WWII.
Further details can be found here
The cache is a small size ammo box filled with some goodies. The
cache is within sight of the lock and the area is frequented by
fishermen so please be careful to make sure that you are not seen
finding the cache. There are nettles on the way to the cache so I
recommend wearing trousers.
Total distance is approx 1.8km, The Parking site has a sign
which states that it is open from 09:00 to dusk but I have never
seen it closed and there is a nearby verge where you might park
outside these hours.
The route from Sheffield bottom provides easy access and forms
part of the
National Cycle Network, Route No. 4. It should be
possible to do a cycle tour taking in;
Froudes Bridge, Garston Lock,
Holy Brook2 and
Holy Brook
From the car park you can also do;
Write in the log and
Motorway Mayhem M4 J12 .
