ET at Penmachno Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This cache is hidden in the Machno valley near Penmachno village. It will be maintained by E and T who live at Penmachno, hence the name. It is the 2nd of a very long-term series in this area, the first having been placed over 4 years ago!
The short walk to the cache, on the edge of the woods and parallel to the River Machno, is along a right of way which is also a Forestry Track. It’s also access to a house (sometimes two houses when the river’s in flood). So, watch out for a very occasional car.
It’s easy to park at N53 03.695 W 003 46.914, where the track turns off the road that goes past the old (and closed) Penmachno Woollen Mill.
The walk to the cache takes no more than 5-10 minutes, but you can continue on along the track and up to Pen Top if you want a bit more exercise and some good views. In theory you should also be able to continue on a path at a lower level along a right of way into Penmachno village, but one section of the path is not recognisable as such and requires a bit of a scramble through the undergrowth. (Anyone, eg landowners/Parish Council members, who can remedy this, - it'd be great if you did so.)
The view down to the river is pretty though. When you’re near the cache you’ll be able see a pond in the field and near to it some tumbledown walls that used to be a house. When it was a lot less tumbledown than now, local children would use it as a changing hut before going swimming in the river.
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to have a look at the old Roman bridge near the Mill at WGS84: 53:3.6054N 3:46.9240W (visit link) It’s very photogenic, but you can’t walk on it any more as it has a weak point in the middle.
Also, Penmachno Church (the parish church of St. Tudclud, built in 1857) has three Roman Pillar stones from the late 5th and mid 6th century AD. The church is closed and locked, but the key is apparently available from a nearby farmhouse. (Anyone who has more info about access to this key, please could you leave a note here. Thanks.)
The cache itself is a small plastic click-lock box with a few small items for swapping.
Access is mostly easy, not far from the path, but a bit of a scramble for last few yards.
Please note that this cache is on Forestry Commission land, and as such, all of their rules and regulations apply, in addition to the usual geocaching rules. Also, if there are any Forestry Commisssion works in the area, eg logging/tree-felling, the cache will be temporarily disabled and the track may be closed. Advice on any works will be posted on this page, so so be sure to check here immediately prior to setting out for this one.
Please respect any closure for your own safety.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur fpenzoyr vf va na hcjneqf qverpgvba.
Va vgf bja gval pnir.