Carlingwark Loch - Carlingwark Circular 4 Multi-Cache
Headie D: Going to replace cache in a different location.
Carlingwark Loch - Carlingwark Circular 4
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is the fourth cache in a series called Carlingwark Circular and is a mystery cache. The cache is a small round tub - please bring your own pen. Co-ordinates are for car parking.
Carlingwark Circular Caches.
There are four caches to find on the 3.5 mile waymarked walk round Carlingwark Loch at Castle Douglas. Only cache 3 – Douglas Mausoleum, is accessible by car and it suggested you collect all the caches by enjoying the walk described below.
Inside the lid of caches 1-3 will be written part of the co-ordinates for the final cache – Carlingwark Loch.
Final cache - N54.AB.CDE W003.FG.HIJ
1 - Lovers Walk - AB and J
2 - Under the Boardwalk - CD and FG
3 - Douglas Mausoleum - E and HI
4 - Carlingwark Loch - N54.AB.CDE W003.FG.HIJ
To collect all four caches it is suggested to start from Carlingwark Park at
N 54°56.132', W 003°55.727 where there a few parking spaces. There is plenty of other parking in the streets nearby.
From the lochside follow the footpaths east, past the tent pitch area, and on to the B736. Head east for 300m and go through the gate and follow the path round the lochside in a southerly direction along a raised path called Lover’s Walk (cache 1). This path was used by Victorian courting couples to promenade along, hopefully without a chaperone!
At the end of the path turn right across the wooden walkway (cache 2) over an area of Special Scientific Interest and follow the well trodden path to the minor road near Mid Kelton Farm. Turn N (right) and follow the road back to Castle Douglas passing by the Douglas Family Mausoleum (cache 3). You will also pass by the entrance to Threave Gardens which has a restaurant and well known gardens – well worth a visit. (See also geocache Threave Estate Walk).
As you pass the 30mph signs and rejoin the lochside you will see The Buchan (N54°55.884, W003°56.165) whose houses are the original hamlet which pre date the town of Castle Douglas. The hamlet was called Causewayend – perhaps a link with the history of the crannogs, the small islands you can see in the loch.
The islands in the loch are the remains of crannogs, houses built on stilts or raised platfroms as a means of defence. Canoes or a submerged causeway were used to access the crannogs. Metal artefacts, including a bronze cooking pot from the time of the Roman occupation, have been recovered from the loch.
The cache site looks onto the loch and some stealth may be needed due to the proximity of the road.
The lochside and farmland areas of the walk can be very muddy – stout footwear is recommended.
There are plenty of good cafes and hotels in Castle Douglas for meals and the town also has its own brewery, Sulwath Brewers, near the clock tower for a thirst quenching drink.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ernpu hc gb zvqqyr bs ynetr gerr juvpu vf nobhg 4 zrgerf sebz gur cnirzrag qbja gbjneqf gur jngre'f rqtr.
Treasures
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