Standard Issue Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Pinfold: ...not got the time to maintain this one now. Archiving to open up the spot for other cachers. Thanks to all who visited.

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Hidden : 3/13/2010
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A wonderful walk to the top of the Hickling Standard with views over 30 miles.

I’ve been meaning to put a cache here for ages. The Hickling Standard is a ridge that runs from Hickling up to the A606. It’s about 348ft at the top of the trig point and you get great views of Notts, Lincs and Leicestershire.
I'm told it's called the 'Standard' because Parliamentarian forces were said to have raised a standard on the summit during the English Civil War -how true this is is anyone's guess.
To the west you can see Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station. To the north east you can see Cottam Power Station which isn’t far from Retford and is about 33 miles away. If you locate yourself at the trig point and look towards Colston Bassett, Cottam is directly above Colston Bassett Hall which is a large white building.
If you look a little further east you can see Lincoln Cathedral which is also around 33 miles away. If you stand at the trig point and sight down the easterly leg of the theodolite mount you’ll see it points slightly to the right of a pylon in a field about a mile or so away. Lincoln Cathedral is on the horizon above this pylon but you’ll need a very clear day and have the sun shining directly on the cathedral for it to show up. Binoculars are a must really. I've included a waypoint for the cathedral so your GPS can point to it.
There are other landmarks that are easy to spot from here including Bottesford church, Belvoir Castle and even the sugar factory in Newark. Of course you do get views over the stunning Vale of Belvoir as well.

This cache is placed by a public footpath that runs along the Standard. Access to the path starts in Long Lane in Hickling. You can easily park on Hickling Main Street right next to the trailhead. The walk to the trig point is about ½ a mile from Hickling Main Street.

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Monty Python Stops the Traffic
Whilst you’re up on the hill by the trig point you can play the game we call ‘Monty Python stops the traffic’. This game was invented by Hickling Stan and is best played with a number of people. The trick is to stand on the ridge of the hill or even the trig point and put your arms out. You’ll be silhouetted against the sky as viewed from Bridegate Lane at the foot of the hill and you’ll look like a bunch of extras from the end scene in ‘Life of Brian’. Drivers travelling along Bridgegate Lane will invariably notice the scene a few seconds before they drive behind a mound of straw bales. That’s your signal to get everyone to drop flat to the ground and disappear. Points are awarded by how many cars stop or slow down in disbelief.
Note: Be sure to check that muggles haven’t walked up behind you as you do this or you’ll look very-very silly, especially if they’ve been behind you for a few minutes.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Nobhg 5 sg hc.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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