The Half Oswald Traditional Cache
Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.
Regards
Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
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A traditional Cache located on a riverside walk. The path is waymarked and information boards at the Car Park provide further details of the area and its history. This Cache should take under an hour.
The area surrounding Auchincruive Estate is part of the ancient seat of the Cathcarts. The Estate was bought over in 1764 by London merchant Richard Oswald and his family.
Oswald was prominent in negotiating the American Declaration of Independence and was celebrated for his part. He was the chief negotiator and earned the nickname ‘Richard the Peacemaker’.
It is less well known that Oswald was also a leading figure in the African Slave Trade.
Oswald Hall, the principal building on the estate includes some interior design by famous architect Robert Adam.
Robert Burns was also said to frequent this area and he found inspiration for his tribute to William Wallace, ‘Scots Wha Hae’ whilst walking in this area.
Wallace is reputed to have used the nearby Leglen Woods as a hideout.
The nearby cache site ‘Ayr we go (again) 2!’ courtesy of
‘Flyfishermanbob’ is marked by a monument to both Wallace and Burns.
On your walk look out for the hanging gardens built in 1830 and the Ornamental Gardens built over the site of the ancient Hamlet of Millholm. Both these sites are very near the car park.
Parking: Please note that parking is available 24hours a day. If the gates at the Bridge are closed enter via the main Agricultural college entrance and turn right. This access has an automatic barrier so don’t be put off. Follow this road past Oswald Hall and the parking is at the riverside on the right. This route in gives a close view of Oswald Hall where Robert Adams work can be appreciated.
The Cache:
Walk upriver from the car park following the sign posted ‘Oswald’s Trail’. Although a fairly well surfaced
track, the path can be muddy before, during and after rain!!
Remember the River Ayr meanders through this area so don’t be put off by the spurious satellite coverage under tree cover and straight line directions into the River Ayr.
Beware: - The original planned hiding place was muggled by a high speed stealth jogger as preparations to hide were well underway. This is a popular walking area and the risk of detection will always be high.
This cache can be done as a prelude to our nearby muli-cache, 'The Whole Oswald'. Enjoy!!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orybj gur fvatyr gerr ba gur pyvss - ng urnq urvtug.