This is an offset multi-cache which takes you on a circular walk of approximately 2½ miles around the beautiful Stoborough Heath National Nature Reserve (NNR).
The heath’s habitat is made up of dry lowland heath, mire and grassland. A variety of birds, insects and all six species of British reptile, including the adder, can be found here.
Your route to stage 2 will take you along part of a disused tramway (Pike’s Tramway) which ran clay from the pits around Furzebrook to the Ridge Wharf on the River Frome. The line was closed in 1955 and the rails were removed.
Please remember this is a nature reserve and you must keep to the paths at all times.
We strongly recommend wearing walking boots or wellies as certain areas of the route can be muddy and water logged at times. We also recommend bringing gloves to retrieve the cache as there are nettles and brambles nearby.
At Stage 2 you do NOT pass through the gates but stay on the defined path within the reserve. The very busy A351 is close but you do NOT walk on it at any time.
Regarding the final location, you are looking for a medium size container which has been sited with the kind permission of Natural England. The cache site, which has been agreed by the Site Manager, is just off the main path.
The above coordinates are for the free car park which is open from 9.30am to 5pm. Alternatively you may find parking in a nearby lane.
To find the coordinates for the cache you will need to find some information at the following locations:
Stage 1:
Coordinates: N 50º 40.575 W 002º 05.402
1) Look for a plaque on a large stone nearby:
When was Sunnyside declared an extension of Stoborough Heath NNR? Answer = AB June C003
2) How many upright posts are supporting the roof and information boards (the ones which are sunk in the ground)? Answer = D
3) How many letters are in the name of the bird which is illustrated? Answer = E
4) How many letters in the 2nd word in the name of the blue flower Answer = F
5) How many letters in the 2nd word in the name of the grasshopper? Answer = G
Stage 2:
Coordinates: N 50º AE.(C+D)EB W 002º 0G.(A+C)B(F-D)
Checksum = 47
Here you should look for a small container which will provide the details for the final location, the cache site.
At the final location, please replace the cache in exactly the same way you found it. If you correctly replace the object that is hiding the cache, you will not need to use any sticks or twigs.
After you have found the cache continue along the main path to a gate, where you will find a noticeboard. This will show you a map of the heath and your current location and will help you find your way back to the car park.