I know.
Bradgate caches are like London buses…. You wait ages
then two come along at once! I’d been planning one here for a
while, but the Nutters beat me to it - see
GCMDTQ, which also has interesting
information about Lady Jane Grey & the history of the park.
Having spoken to them, they’re happy for me to place a second
cache in the area – they’re about half a mile
apart.
This cache is situated towards the northern end of the park. You
can park within half a mile, or for a longer walk, park at either
Cropston Reservoir or Newton Linford (See Waypoints). Parking is
£2.50 for 3 hours (£3 at weekends),or there is limited free parking
available in the village itself, but please don’t cause an
obstruction.
Head in the general direction of Old John Tower. This is a mild
climb with paths, though not really suited to buggies. Beside the
tower there is a Toposcope which describes the great views over
Leicestershire & beyond. From this vantage point you may well
spot the red deer which roam free.
You’re now not a million miles away from the cache.
For the historians, Old John folly was built in 1784 as an
Observation Tower for the ladies of the day to watch horse racing
around a course which encircled the hill. Allegedly, during a
bonfire party for the Earl of Stamford in 1786, a large timber fell
from the fire & killed the local miller, Old John. As John had
been fond of his ale, an arch was added to the side of the building
to represent a beer-mug with handle & the folly was named in
his memory.
For those wanting to drink a toast to Old John, or simply in
need of post-caching refreshment, there are a couple of pubs which
serve food in the adjacent village of Newton Linford.
Please remember only SMALL items & TBs will
fit.