Scotland the Quest, a countrywide cache hunt where you have a special cache in each region of Scotland. Many cachers have come together to place 32 caches around Scotland to create this series. You should also make a note of the N and W numbers inside the container if you intend to complete the quest and find the bonus cache GC4PT3M. Good Luck!
Scotland the Quest - Midlothian takes you on a short climb into the Pentland Hills. Here, on Castle Knowe, can be found an Iron Age hill fort. What sets this hill fort apart from many others in the region is the earth house, also known as a souterrain, that was built within it.
Despite the name, the Iron Age earth house was not a dwelling, but a cellar. It was most likely built underneath and was attached to homes above it. It was probably used for storing grain and other goods.
The souterrain was skilfully built within the already existing hill fort. The fort had been constructed centuries earlier, and the remains were useful for the later Iron Age community. When they built their 20 meter long souterrain, they ingeniously incorporated it into a ditch from the fort’s ramparts.
While earth houses have been found elsewhere in Scotland, this is one of only a few that have been discovered south of the River Forth. This one was built within a hillfort that boasts of a commanding view of Midlothian, which is why it has been chosen to represent Midlothian in this quest.
The souterrain is sometimes open to the public to enter and explore as they wish. The interior can be dark at night, so you would certainly need a torch if you wished to explore it then. In the daytime, however, it is well lit by skylights that Historic Scotland has installed. There is a gate at the entrance that is usually closed, but every time I have visited, the gate has not been locked.
From the hill fort, you might see many Midlothian landmarks:
Glencorse
Penicuik House Estate
Roslin Glen
National Mining Museum Of Scotland
Dalkeith Country Park
Vogrie Country Park (away in the distance!)
When you park, you will see a rather large sign warning you that there is an MOD firing range nearby. It warns you to not enter the area if red flags are raised or red lights are flashing. Although the sign is at the entrance to the trail for Castlelaw Hillfort, it actually applies to another area, one that is demarcated with a distinctive fence. At times when there is shooting going on at the ranges, there will be red flags and/or red lights lit along the fenceline, as well.
Castlelaw Hillfort is open to walkers at those times, but it is, of course, at your discretion to decide if you wish to go up when the red flags are flying.
This is a popular area to walk in, so when you rehide that cache, please ensure it is completely covered, as it is near a popular trail.
All dogs must be on leads or close at heel.
The cache is not near the danger area, so please stay away from the fence.
Happy caching!
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FTF Congratulations go to rickyp194! Well done!