Piercefield Grotto Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

The Blorenges: Decided to archive this one. Following the recent work done to the Wye Valley Walk around this location we've decided to let this one go and we'll consider setting a new cache in the locality, once we can confirm permission from the Landowner's agent.

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Hidden : 8/26/2007
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A pleasant walk exploring an 18th century beauty spot in the Wye Valley.

Piercefield Park was, in it’s heyday a must for sightseers doing the Wye Valley tour in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The park was landscaped by the owner, Valentine Morris and it is believed parts of it were done by Capability Brown. There were walks, grottos, viewing points and caves all created for the enjoyment of the visitors. Today the path is part of the Wye Valley Walk, the attractions, including the house now picturesque ruins.

From Chepstow the walk goes up the Wye Valley to Tintern and beyond. There are several other caches along the way so why not make a day of it!

This cache takes you along the path to the Grotto. Now somewhat ruined and overgrown you'll have to imagine what it must have been like! On the way you’ll get some nice views of the river. Tree cover is heavy so GPS reception will be difficult and the accuracy of the cache coordinates is not very good but the path goes right past the Grotto and the cache is located in some large rocks to the left of the Grotto as you look at it.

Once past the Grotto you can continue on to the path that goes up to Piercefield House where you can do the ‘Day at the Races Cache’ GCMBXH. Then either come back and continue on the Wye Valley Walk towards Tintern or you can make a circular walk from the house back to the road and then back to the car park.

Please note the path does follow the line of the river along quite steep banks so keep a watchful eye on young children. If you visit the house please note it is fenced off and dangerous, do not be tempted to ignore the warnings and explore it.

From the viewpoint at N51° 38.983 W2° 40.885 you can see where the Romans made their crossing of the Wye. The road came down the green field across the river from the left (from the large white house on the ridge) down to the river just below you. It came across the river on a wooden bridge mounted on stone pillars. It then passed up a gentle slope (at N51° 39.078 W2° 40.896) then across Piercefield Park towards Trellech. Recent archaeological excavations in the river bed have found the remains of the bridge which was in use until early medieval times.

Park in Chepstow Leisure Centre car park (entrance at N51° 38.780 W2° 41.141 – note one-way system). The Wye Valley Walk starts at N51° 38.762 W2° 40.939. The path up to Piercefield House is at N51° 39.513 W2° 40.838. If you are doing the circular back to the car park then rejoin the road at N51° 38.819 W2° 41.281.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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