Carnfunnock
Country Park Series - By Critical Mass Inc.
This series
of caches has been placed with kind permission from
Larne Borough Council and
Carnfunnock Country Park
Background
'Carnfunnock
Country Park is located on the Antrim coast road (A2), 3.5 miles
north of Larne town.
It is packed full
of exciting and unusual attractions to see and do, with over 191
hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and
coastline, not forgetting its spectacular panoramic views of the
Antrim Coast and North Channel.
The Park was originally part of the estate
of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon and reverted to Larne Borough Council
in 1957. Many of the original features remain, including the walled
garden, the ice house and the lime kilns.
Carnfunnock has combined man-made
attractions and entertainment with the splendour of its natural
scenery in a way which is very special.'
Source:
Carnfunnock
Website
I decided to place this series after a great
afternoon out with the family this summer. The route takes you on a
walk around the lower half of the park, covering the first four
caches, and for the more adventurous, the option to complete a
further two in the 'woodlands' at the upper part of the park. You
can walk either way around, however there are some rather steep and
awkward steps on the left side of the park, so I suggest you
complete it from 1 to 6 to avoid having to walk up them!
Parking
Parking is available on site, however there
is a charge. This applies during the winter at weekends, and pretty
much all summer. Those who wish not to pay for parking; there are a
couple of free car parks on the coast road (waypoints added) but
there will be an extra walk up to the park.
Other Info
Please be aware that all
six caches have been placed with a view to cause as little
disruption to the park and its wildlife as possible. Many of the
woodlands here are 'mature' and may be damaged by increased
activity.
Also, the park can get very busy; finding
and replacing the cache may be tricky while a large number of
muggles are hovering about.
Please be subtle, and
sneaky!
More info can be found on the
Carnfunnock Country Park website.
#1 - Toad
Pond
The first one is within the
park's wildlife garden and is so-called because the whole area was
covered in toads when we visited, moving away from the pond, I'm
assuming to hibernate. The cache is a clip lock box hidden behind a
wall. The foundations you see here are those of some old
greenhouses that have long been dismantled.
Please be
careful here, it is a designated wildlife area. Stick to the
paths!
The cache is a small
clip-lock plastic box with a few kids swaps and a log
book.