I encourage caching by public transport. Take the Northern Line to Hampstead, walking distance from there is just over 500m. Alternatively, Bus 210 from Archway to Jack Straws Castle, or Bus 46 from Swiss Cottage to Heath Street (next stop after Hampstead station) will take you within about 200m of the cache. A bicycle will bring you within less than 50m of the cache.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is North London's largest and probably most important green space. The wildest of London's parks has fields to run in, long grass to roll in, woods to hide in and, most famously, ponds to swim in. In north London this is THE place to get back to nature. Strewn with picnickers, cyclists, families and the rest, the heath is large enough and has enough copses, hills and mounds that a quiet spot is never far away.
Vale of Health?
The Vale of Health is a small hamlet, surrounded entirely by the Heath. It seems that the origin of its name is not known for sure today. The location was first known as Gangmoor and later as Hatchett's Bottom. The name Vale of Health was first recorded in 1801 and may have been invented by the property owners in an attempt to change the image of the place, however the old names persisted until around mid 20th century. Today, the Vale of Health is one of the most expensive residential areas in the world.
The Cache
Sit down and enjoy the view of the pond. Then look for the cache, a small clip-lock box with some green/black camouflage. Mind the thorns. Please take care to replace and cover the cache so that it can't easily be seen.
Take note of the letter and number under the lid for the bonus cache.
Original cache contents: Log book & pens, and a bunch of gifts for kids: 5 small "Action City Fast Wheels" toy cars, 2 "Bejeweled Royal Bracelets", a Ravensburger Disney Princess puzzle, and a set of colour pencils.
Wheelchair Users
Access within less than 50m possible. Last part not ideal, over a small path into rough terrain. A helper would be needed to get to the cache.
Hall of Fame
Congratulations to the first finders!
1. Gold went to... renatopivano on 8 October 2007
2. Silver for goldpot on 11 October 2007
3. Bronze for rodz on 11 October 2007