Watermills Chimney Traditional Cache
browni: This was the third container that has now gone so decided to archive the cache. Thanks for those who visited and found it.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Yet another cache we are putting out that will take you to a mining memorial in North Staffordshire.
This cache is another placed in the Apedale Country park but is on the edge of the area that was opencast mined so there are mature trees. The area will be particularly good at the end of April beginning of May as the Bluebells that grow profusely here will be in full bloom. The cache is a black screw top box and is just a few meters off well maintained paths. The area is well used by walkers so some stealth may be needed, it is also nettle and bluebell free.
Parking can be found after going onto a good track at the end of Apedale road. Only one stile needs to be crossed no matter which path you take.
Watermills Colliery Chimney, within the Apedale Community Country Park, dates from 1840 and is a Grade II listed building. It is the last surviving structure of the Watermills Colliery and has four weathered inscribed panels which read: “Regard the End”, “Live and Let Live”, “Be Just and Fear Not”, and ”REH 1840”. The last inscription is a reference to the Heathcote family, the mine owners, and stands for Richard Edward Heathcote. The Heathcote family were going through hard times at the time the chimney was built; it was the chimney to the steam engine and this was made into a monument by Heathcote when the pit closed. As Wedgewood had built one on the top of Talke which was in sight of Apedale Hall, so this was Heathcotes contribution. The chimney was originally 186 feet high.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq ybtf va nzbatfg gur fynt.