Big Jim's Hollow Traditional Cache

Cache dedicated to Big Jim, who passed away in 1773. It is unknown whether Big Jim was a shepherd, sheepdog, or perhaps a horse. Also the exact site of his grave is also unknown - one fact is that the headstone was rescued from the demolition of some stone sheepfolds / shepherds huts on the shores of nearby Lake Ullswater.

The cache is located in a delightful riverside woods, overlooked by some sandstone cliffs - and is guarded by some very noisy crows.

The cache is close to the riverside public footpath through this small woods, as the River Eamont sweeps past Sockbridge Mill, previously a mill, trout farm and now a private residence.

Take a pleasant stroll, from the village of Sockbridge (parking near the Pony Trekking centre) - heading north over the fields (public footpath) to the footbridge over the river. Head across - but beware access to the bridge can be challenging if the river is in flood - and upstream along the bank towards the woods.

Inside the woods, the track is alternately rocky (watch your step) and muddy, and if you can hear angry crows, and see sandstone you're getting close.

After discovery, you can make a small loop by heading to the top of the sandstone escarpment (again by proper paths) to enjoy views towards Ullswater along the Eamont valley.

An alternative startpoint is on the A592 which starts at the top of the escarpment, and arrives at the north side of the woods. Either take the path down to the river and follow downstream, or stay along the top of the woods and down the slope to the river, cutting back upstream.

** IMPORTANT **

Please note you do not need to go anywhere near the top of the cliff to find this cache. Don't be so eager to follow the GPS until you're down by the river!

Again let me re-iterate there is no need to leave any paths at the top, and if you are doing so then STOP and return to the path and seek a proper path down.