What, another cache relating to James Hutton! But why not? After all, Hutton is known as the “Founder of Modern Geology” and, as such, would surely have been an enthusiastic supporter of our rather quirky pastime of geocaching. The other caches on the James Hutton Trail are Siccar Point (GCVBGM) and Who’s Laughing Now (GCZQET) at Nether Monynut. In Edinburgh, Hutton’s work in recognised in the caches at the Hutton Memorial Garden (GC106QF) and on Salisbury Crags at Weir’s Way - An Edinburgh Volcano (GCX4BK).
While it is not necessary for finding the cache it is well worth while taking the time to visit the James Hutton Trail Exhibition at the Reiver Farm Shop, N 55° 50.653; W 002° 14.062, near Auchencrow (Open: Mon - Sat 08.30 - 17.00).
The starting point for the cache is in the village of Auchencrow itself, where there is parking opposite the Craw Inn (which is signposted from the A1). Walk approximately 250 yards up the road in a westerly direction from the Inn to find a footpath heading south, immediately beside the white-painted Hilltop Cottage.
The walk to the cache is on a good path. On a clear day there are fine views across the fields to the Cheviot hills to the south. The cache will take geocoins, small TBs or other small trade items.
A 3/4 minutes walk beyond the cache will bring you to a signpost pointing to Billiemains. From here you can see a grass-covered mound at the top of the bank on the other side of the stream, all that remains of Billie Castle, formerly a stronghold of the Homes.