The '39' Steps Traditional Cache
Long Man: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache, I'm archiving it.
Andy
Long Man
Volunteer UK Reviewer - Geocaching.com
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The entrance to the tunnel is at sea level. The cache can only be reached by walking the foreshore from either Stone Bay or Joss Bay. Check the tides times as the foreshore is covered at high tide. The site below gives you all the information you should need about the area.
http://www.stella-maris.org.uk/tides.shtml
As the name of the cache implies it is inspired by the novel by John Buchan, who actually stayed in a house (St Cuby) at the head of the tunnel. Three films were made based on the book. These starred, respectively: Robert Donnat, Kenneth Moore and Robert Powell. In addition there was a 2008 BBC feature-length adaptation of the novel starring Rupert Penry-Jones.
An extract from ‘The 39 Steps’.
'Well, gentlemen, I can't think of anywhere else. Of course, there's the Ruff—'
'What's that?' I asked.
'The big chalk headland in Kent, close to Bradgate. It's got a lot of villas on the top, and some of the houses have staircases down to a private beach. It's a very high-toned sort of place, and the residents there like to keep by themselves.'
I tore open the Tide Tables and found Bradgate. High tide there was at 10.27 p.m. on the 15th of June.
'We're on the scent at last,' I cried excitedly. 'How can I find out what is the tide at the Ruff?'
'I can tell you that, sir,' said the coastguard man. 'I once was lent a house there in this very month, and I used to go out at night to the deep-sea fishing. The tide's ten minutes before Bradgate.'
I closed the book and looked round at the company.
'If one of those staircases has thirty-nine steps we have solved the mystery, gentlemen,' I said. 'I want the loan of your car, Sir Walter, and a map of the roads. If Mr Macgillivray will spare me ten minutes, I think we can prepare something for tomorrow......'
When the cache was established the top gate was in very poor condition and had rusted off its hinges. This gate has since been replaced and is locked. Access to the tunnel can only be gained from the foreshore.
Take great care both inside and outside the tunnel due to rockfall. You may need to take a torch, even in the day time.
The cache is a small ziplock type plastic bag. The contents were: note pad, pencil and pen, official geocache notice, pre-decimal and foreign coins, book page marker, silk cuff links.
Please take care when replacing the cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va ybjre ghaary, whfg orybj gur yriry bs gur unaqenvy