The Dark Oswald Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This walk is on the south side of the River Ayr and nature has given the north side a better glimpse of the sun. This should not put you off. The trail is quieter and there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy some excellent views. A traditional Cache that should take less than an hour.
Park at the Oswald's Bridge car park and then leave the park gates on foot, crossing ‘Oswald’s Brig’ (circa1826) and take the way marked ‘Three Green Knights Trail’. (The Green Arrow)
Parking: Please note that parking is available 24hours a day. If the gates at the Bridge are closed enter via the main Agricultural college entrance and turn right. This access has an automatic barrier so don’t be put off. Follow this road past Oswald Hall and the parking is at the riverside on the right. This route in gives a close view of Oswald Hall where Robert Adams work can be appreciated.
The path is ‘rooty’ to start with and follows the side of the River. Look for the signs of some natural erosion on your right as you go.
You have an option if the path is not to your liking. Use the stiles to enter the fields and follow the fence line paralleling the river before crossing back onto the trail into ‘Pheasant Nook’, the path which winds its way through attractive mixed woodland consisting mainly of Beech, Oak, Scots Pine and Japanese Larch.
Our preference is to stick to the riverside path as it dips and twists under the trees bordering the river. The entire path is not stroller friendly.
A steep climb (not too steep, although man made steps and a wee perch assist you to catch your breath) takes you to the top of the 'Three Green Knights' field, apparently so called after three green mounds still visible in the field.
At this point take the opportunity to stop, regain your breath and admire one of the most attractive views in the area. Westward across the river, the hanging gardens, Oswald Hall, Mount Charles, the Carrick Hills, and on a clear day the distant hills of Arran can be seen. The view across to the hanging gardens is worth the short walk alone.
If you have attempted our other caches, The ‘Half’ and The ‘Whole’ Oswald you will also be able to see where you’ve been!
After passing through Pheasant Nook Wood the path eventually follows the route of the old waggonway which was constructed in the 19th century. Your GPS signal will improve here. The tree cover opens out at the junction of the Waggonway (which is quite handy!!) The waggonway served pits (coal mining for all you non-Ayrshire folk) along the route and transported coal in wagons pulled initially by horses and later locomotives to Ayr harbour.
After the cache site you have three options. Yes, three. 1. If you liked the walk in simply about turn and follow the route back. 2. Follow the return route of the way marked ‘Three Green Knights Trail’ along the western route of waggonway and you will arrive back at Oswald’s Brig. Both options provide a 2.5km circuit. 3. If you want to stretch your legs follow the way marked ‘Waggonway Trail’ east before it to loops back to Oswald’s Brig some 4.75km later.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur ybt ba gur 'L' whapgvba vf n tbbq cynpr gb erfg.