Harpitts Cache, Stour Valley Way no 8
Almost as soon as you get out of the car, you have to cross a very shallow stream using the stones available already in it. In summer it’s like a wide shallow ditch but in the wetter months can be a bit deeper and a bit faster running. This runs into the river beside you.
The footpath follows the river for only a few yards before you need to head off up and across the field. You will find a stile in a slightly worse for wear condition, with an electric fence running across it but not touching it. It was switched off when we set the cache, and it may not even be there when you go, but even if it is, you can get over it without having to touch it. At this point it is very vet and muddy, but it’s hard to see that through the grass. Co-ord for the stile, N51 00.859 W002 18.432 Before you cross the stile, do look behind you and down towards the river, the view is beautiful.
Once into the next field, you can either follow around the edge of the field, or because the footpath goes in a straight line, walk straight across the corner, at the moment though it is a ploughed field. You choose.
Follow the hedge line to the farm gate with another stile in it, at this point the stingers are quite high. After that it’s a quick march to the cache.
(This is the last one of the Stour Valley Way caches this side of Gillingham because from here on into Gillingham the Stour Valley Way follows the road).
When set, the box contained…
1st to find prize of a Two Pounds Coin,
Euro Geo Coin + 3 Euros (help yourself, I don’t want them)
Mini Rubber Ball,
Twist up eraser,
Mini Pewter Tankard,
Caching Badge,
Teddy Figurine,
6 Golf Tees,
Key Ring. And last but not least, a Log book and pen.