Rainhill Trials #6 Stephenson's Winner Traditional Cache
Rainhill Trials #6 Stephenson's Winner
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A series of 6 caches based along the Castleman Trailway between Wimborne and Upton. It is possible to cycle all the way.
These 6 caches are named after the locomotives which took part in the trials but unfortunately have no resemblance to them in size or shape! They, at present, run from Wimborne to Upton.
In October 1829 the famous Rainhill Trials took place to decide which locomotive would use the newly built Liverpool to Manchester Railway. The prize money was an amazing £500 (that's £70,000 to you and me)! Only five locomotives took part in this trial and Robert Stephenson was named the lucky winner with his 'Rocket', running at a staggering 20 mph! ( A full size replica is to be found in the Science Museum in London).
Why are these caches named after a historic event nearly 200 years ago ? Well, apart from me being a real geek about social and economic history when I was school and wanting to utilise my knowledge in some way - you will find all of these caches on a stretch of old railway line which ran from Upton all the way to Ringwood ( a 16 mile stretch which if followed will take around 3 hours by bike).
The Trailway is named after Charles Castleman, a Wimborne Solicitor, who was responsible for building the original railway line.
The Dorchester to Southampton railway line, nicknamed the Castleman Corkscrew, was closed in 1964 as part of Dr Beeching's plan to make the railway network viable.
If time permits, additional caches may be added at a later date in either direction, however the numbers will no longer be sequenced.
Sixth, and last, in the present series, as before - either you're being really good and walking/cycling from No.1 or you can do it the easy way by parking nearby. However from here out there is no choice but walking 4/5 and 6 so get ready!
Parking in either Cowslip Road taking the third cul-de-sac on the left(there is a path to the track on the bend- turn right at the crossroads ) or Spruce Close (take the path up to the crossroads and turn left).Heights Road/Douglas Close in Upton also allows access via the footbridge.
Still accessible by wheelchair (you will need your RADAR key to open the gate ) however in places it does become slightly muddy at times.
Onward from the concrete structure , keeping to the track, remembering you are now on Dorset Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve land. Please do not feel the urge to romp through the heath land and destroy the environment, but keep to the path. Obviously also do not leave rubbish or discarded butts. There is a heap of wildlife to look out for including deer and lizards so watch out.
When you get to the end of the railway line path turn right and follow the path across towards the footbridge.
You are looking for a medium sized box
From here you can double back, or wander back as far as the kissing gate on your right, before the concrete thing, and follow the path along until you get to a stream you can paddle in. Take another left and follow the more muddy path ( probably not so good for wheelchairs and buggies) back up until you find the railway bridge. A longer, but very enjoyable detour.
Remember to bring your camera.
Good Luck !
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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