This cache is officially Calne's oldest surviving geocache! It was originally hidden by bonaccord on the 29th January 2008, but has now been adopted by us.
Calne is one of those quiet little places that people tend to drive through to get somewhere else. At first glance it doesn’t seem to be very interesting, but it is well worth stopping to take a look around. The Tourist Information Office (just opposite the imposing Town Hall with its clock tower) has loads of information about the area, including maps and leaflets about Calne. Much of the old heart of Calne was torn down in the 1920’s to make way for the ever-expanding Harris bacon factory buildings. But in the 1980s these in turn were demolished and in their place a lot of modern buildings were erected. However, there are some lovely old buildings still to be seen in Castle Street and Patford Street and also Church Street. You can find lots of information about Calne at www.calnewiltshire.com
The cache is hidden within Castlefields Park. This is a very pleasantly restored park area containing a short section of the old Wilts and Berks canal. To find the entrance start at the modern library (opposite the Town Hall) and walk southwards a few hundred yards to a roundabout. Turn right here and just a short way along Station Road you will find one of the ways in to the park. There is sometimes room to park along this road (see parking waypoint.)
The River Marden and sections of the old canal run parallel inside the park. You can take whichever path you prefer to start with. However, when you come to two bridges right next to each other, one over the river and the other over the canal, it is time to get your GPS out and decide which way to go. If you are a cyclist you might like to know that Cycle Route 403 goes right through this area. So far as buggies are concerned most of the paths are fine. The cache is under some tree cover so as usual the GPS readings can be a little troublesome. So the clue should help. When you have found the cache please snap the lid back securely (it wasn't on one occasion and the contents went missing). Also re-wrap in the camo bag and wedge securely back in its hiding place.