This figure of eight ring is about 9 miles long and does keep to
public paths, bridleways, etc. At times the going will be hard as
there are some hills to climb and descend. You can start this ring
from several places; the Wilton/Water Ditchampton end of Grovely,
Wishford and Barford St Martin but if you want to get the steepest
hill climbing over early, start from Wishford. There are plenty of
places for on road parking at Wishford. If you'r a patron of either
the Royal Oak or The Swan at Stowford I guess you could park in
their carpark but it may be as well to ask the Landlord
first.
WARNING for those of a
nervous disposition this is not a series to be attempted at dusk or
into the night. Sinister goings on occurred here nearly 300 years
back with the Handsel Sisters being murdered in the woods and
there’s yet another worrying story concerning the Burcombe
Woodsman. According to various Paranormal Teams, the effects can
still be felt today whilst walking in this part of Grovely Woods;
so look behind you. You should have no problems in daylight; these
woods and the surrounding well walked countryside are beautiful,
filled with interesting history, wild animals, fauna and
flora.
Whichever route you take whilst doing the series you will reach
the trees famed in the Handsel Sisters Story. They were 4 sisters
of Danish origin who lived in the Wilton area. Unfortunately for
them a strong outbreak of smallpox erupted in 1737 in Wilton,
claiming 136 lives. The local people became convinced the Hansel
sisters were responsible for the deaths and accused them of
witchcraft and an alliance with the devil. Without an official
hearing the sisters were marched to Grovely and were murdered by
being bludgeoned over the head. Each was buried in the woods a
little way apart from each other so that they could not conspire
against their murderers.
Whilst doing these caches, if you’re observant, you will
see four incredibly ancient, gnarled beech trees, three of them
about 50 yds to the South of the Roman Road, the other I believe is
a little closer to Wilton on the other side of the road a similar
distance into the woods. There are two theories regarding these
trees, one being they were planted to mark the sisters’
graves. The other more worrying theory is that the trees
mysteriously grew on top the unmarked graves to remind the locals
of their dreadful deed. Since the atrocity many sightings of the
sisters have been reported over the years. I’m told there is
a hollow at the back of the largest tree where people leave
offerings for the Handsel sisters. Removal of such will cause
disastrous consequences for the perpetrators. For your safety no
cache is hidden within those 4 beech trees.
For further information on Grovely, the Handsel Sisters and the
Burcombe Woodsman visit
this webpage.
Yet more information is to be found at
visit this
webpage
During your walk you will pass through some gates in a few
places, including one that’s a stretched barbwire type, a
little strength required, please ensure you close these gates
correctly as, although not always obvious there are usually cows or
sheep in the associated fields.
All caches are placed on or within a few feet of public
footpaths, bridleways, etc. You will not need to walk deep into the
woods, remember game shooting starts on Oct 1st and it would be
unadvisible for anyone to be wandering about well off the paths at
such times. You should not need to climb fences or even stiles ;
this is all legal as it’s a public right of way but be
careful if cattle or sheep are grazing. Please be very careful if
you have children and dogs along.
Please note many of the difficulty ratings for this ring have
been adjusted due to poor GPS reception under the tree cover. If
you use the hint generally you can knock 1 off the rating.
We hope you enjoy your visit and have success with the caches.
Please don’t let the stories above worry you, Rosie and I are
very frequent visitors to these woods and we have yet to see a
ghost there, just Deer, foxes and other wild animals, also plenty
of unusual butterflies and birds; it’s a great place. Some of
my pictures taken there and on the route you will take are included
on a few of the cache listings.
Please note The Wobbly Club have advised: To drive past any of the
Blue Entrance Signs into the woods saying "No Unauthorized Vehicle
Beyond This Point". it is a requirement to have a permit readily
issued by the Wilton Estate Office for those with a disability as
well as a Disabled Persons' European Parking Permit. What the
penalty is for not having a permit I do not know but better to be
safe than sorry. For those of able body there would be no need
anyway as you can enjoy the walks and park your car in permitted
areas just before those blue signs.