Irish Law Dauner 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 situated close to one of the many aircraft crash sites on the hills behind Largs. There are lots of ways to get to the area but best access is off the A760 Kilbirnie to Largs road. There is parking on the grass verge near Blairpark farm and a pathway runs from the farm area up towards Irish Law. There is also parking at a lay-by at N55 46.254 W004 46.177. This makes for a slightly longer walk over the moor towards the area if you do not fancy parking on the verge. It is a busy road so watch out crossing. It can be pretty tough going in places with extensive bog / moor walking. The views from Irish Law trig. point and the Knockside hills are brilliant, so choose a good day.
The crash site is on the north side of Irish Law at N55 47.673 W004 46.557. Looking at the wreckage it’s a miracle that everyone got out alive.
A civilian aircraft operated by British European Airways (later incorporated within British Airways)
The design of the Vickers Viking was derived from Vickers Wellington bomber. The Viking was a twin-engine medium-range aircraft, capable of accommodating 21-24 passengers, depending on the variant. Later variants could accommodate more passengers.
The Viking 1B variant, which carried 24 passengers, was equipped with two Bristol Hercules 634 14-cylinder radial air-cooled piston engines. The aircraft's maximum speed was about 423km/h (263mph).
Aircraft Accident Details. 21 April 1948
This aircraft had started its journey from London Northolt airport (c.6 miles from the present Heathrow) and was about to make its final approach to its destination airport—the former Glasgow Renfrew aerodrome.
Apparently, however, the pilot experienced some difficulty in locating the landing approach beacon. This situation was exacerbated by severe turbulence together with low cloud and mist over the hills. Consequently, the pilot began his descent either too early in, or too far north of, his approach pattern causing him to strike the hillside at Irish Law.
Fortunately, the 16 passengers and 4 crew escaped serious injury, and managed to make their way clear of the stricken aircraft just before it was engulfed in flames.
Although shocked and badly shaken, the pilot—Captain John Ramsden of Glasgow—and one of the passengers managed to make their way westward across the rugged moorland in the darkness. Three hours later, they arrived at Largs, where they raised the alarm. Meanwhile, some of the other survivors, led by First Officer D. P. Clifton, had managed to reach Flatt Farm in Largs.
Other members of the group sought help in the opposite direction. From Irish Law, and with the aid of a miniature compass, they made their way eastward to Ladyland House near Kilbirnie, where they sought assistance for their plight.
The cache is not at the crash site but is at the base of the small rise just North of it. It’s a medium sized clip-lock box.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
haqre fperr jvgu fgbar cbvagre nyzbfg qhr Abegu sebz penfu fvgr.