The Long Cairn Bridge Traditional Cache
The Aljos: Time to shut down. All geo-litter will be removed at the earliest opportunity.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is one of a series of caches created for the purpose of introducing geocachers to the rich history, the extensive path network and the general scenic beauty of the Irvine Valley.
The neolithic cairn near Loanfoot farm is typical of the stone age chambered burial tombs of 4000-2500 BC. At 340 ft long, it is the longest cairn site to be found in Scotland and on excavation during the 1920s, it was found to have 4 segmentations or graves. Artefacts from this excavation can be seen in the Dick Institute Museum in Kilmarnock. During the late 18/19C, stones from the cairn were unceremoniously lifted and used by uninformed local farmers in the construction of dry stane dykes and farm buildings. The 'Long Cairn Walk' from Priestland passes by Loanfoot farm and the Cairn before crossing the Tulloch Burn bridge at the old ford. This newly built bridge has been welcomed by all walkers as it was deemed impossible to cross the old ford when the burn was in spate. Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership built the bridge in 2008 with ERDF funding and the complete 'Long Cairn Walk' is now open at all times. The walk continues past Saughall Cottage (Darvel’s Met Station) and then on to Loudoun Hill via the Old Edinburgh Road to the A71. The return walk to Darvel is via the old railway line. There is an image posted of the Long Cairn.
If approaching this cache from Saughall Cottage and looking for parking, please introduce yourselves to Mr. Chalton at the cottage as a matter of courtesy. He is aware of geocaching and will permit parking if space is available.
You will immediately notice that his garden contains a lot of scientific apparatus. Not only is this the Darvel weather centre, but Mr. Chalton has also gathered a varied collection of power and telegraph insulators. Look closely, there is a wee garden table with porcelain insulator Queen Anne legs.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
zvqqyr fgrc fbhgu fvqr.
Treasures
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