Land of the Common People #3 Traditional Cache

This is a micro cache placed on the path at the start of the Rivers Oughton and Hiz. This footpath leads to Ickleford and Hitchin. This is the third in the 'Land of the Common People' series.

This is a micro cache, close to the pumping station. Bring a pen or pencil to sign the logbook.

There is some tree cover but enough gaps to get a stable GPS reading.

This cache is close to the Hitchin Outer Orbital Path – HOOP allows you to explore the history of Hitchin and surrounding villages, travelling through beautiful Hertfordshire countryside and encompassing a wide range of wildlife habitats. The route is approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) and can be walked in several stages with bus connections on local roads to Hitchin Town Centre.
(http://www.north-herts.gov.uk/walks_-_hoop_leaflet.pdf)

Oughtonhead Common is a large open grassland on the north west side of Hitchin. Oughtonhead Common provides opportunities for leisurely walking. The site has a number of paths and an area set aside for grazing.

The site is easily accessed from the Westmill part of Hitchin. Walkers can also enter the site from the A600 Bedford Road near the bridge over the River Oughton.

Westmill Farm, now a private house, dates from the 17thC and was originally a water mill. Until late last century, Oughtonhead Common was a 'Cow Common' on which certain town dwellers had a right of grazing.

The path is well used by muggles, so beware.

Read more about the Historic Geocaches Campaign