Ashmore is the highest village in Dorset
on the border with Wiltshire at 700 feet above sea level. There is a lovely little pond right in the middle of the village with ducks which are always very appreciative of a few scraps of bread.
The Co-ords given at the top of the page are not for the parking but for the middle of the pond, only park here if you have an amphibious vehicle! Parking is road-side along the edge of the pond.
The village stands on a Romano-British site which centred around the pond. The Roman road from Bath to Badbury Rings passes through the parish. The Church of St. Nicholas was re-built and dedicated in 1874. The chancel arch is much earlier though and dates from the 13th century and has been incorporated into the newer building. (Just inside the door of the church is a lovely plaque which mentions two of the names of the churchwardens long since gone. They were Mr Rabbetts and Mr Hare.)
A good hint is given as GPS may have a bit of a problem when trees are in full leaf.
Stage 1) Seat…. N50 57.579 W002 07.548
Question 1) Number of engraved faces = A
Question 2) Snowdrop “?” number of letters = B
Stage 2) Memorial… N50 57.588 W002 07.557
Question 1) Henry Bryant 2”?” NOV 1917 = C
Question 2) Number of names listed under the GREAT WAR = D
Stage 3) Church…. N50 57.559 W002 07.650
Question 1) DRAWOH SINED add all digits from died and born together + 10 = EF
Final stage… N50 56.ABC W002 07.DEF
Cross the road a little distance up from the church to Halfpenny Lane which is signed The Wessex Ridgeway. It also says No Vehicles. Kiddies buggies could on a good dry day in summer get through right round, but may have to be lifted past/over some muddy bits at other times.
After reaching and retrieving the cache, you can either return the way you came, or carry on along the footpath to Well Bottom, and then back to a no through lane, to do a circular walk bringing you back in beside the pond.
There and back, or round trip is approx 2miles.
When set the cache contained…
First to find prize of Unactivated Geocoin and chain.
Gents Sterling Silver Signet Ring
Boots “Lilly” bath sprinkles
Boots Evening Primrose Soap
Cussons minty shower gel
Johnsons body wash
6 Hair elastics
Mini rubber ball
Tree House ornament
Eskimo ornament
Donkey Card game
Panda sliding tile puzzle
Caching badge
Pack of 9 pairs of new Claires stud earrings
Log book and pen.