'Twixt river & rail 4: Don't Pay the Ferryman Traditional Cache
Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.
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Regards
Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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'Twixt river & rail 4: Don't Pay the Ferryman
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The cache is situated on part of the Ridgeway that is also a narrow road. Space for a couple of cars to park right next to cache (assuming the river is at normal levels - do not attempt if there's a flood) but the road down is VERY potholed and they are difficult to see - BE WARNED! Plenty of safer parking in the village.
This mini-series covers a small part of the Ridgeway National Trail, which in total stretches 87 miles (139km) through ancient landscapes. There is now a busy railway line following this part of the route, and the trail runs between it and the river for a while. There is an absence of caches on this part of the trail, which I use regularly, so I thought I'd add some for those following the path.
Until the mid-20th century South Stoke was an agricultural village, with 32 tenant landholders in 1366. Now, the village's own website describes it as a "dormitory village for people working in the surrounding districts and London, and for the retired." Whilst this may be true, it has a touch of the "chocolate box" about it, and holds a fantastically old-fashioned May Fayre complete with Morris Men and maypole dancing.
Just south of the village along the Ridgeway you can find Withymead Nature Reserve, which includes 22-acres of woodland, marshland and the relics of Saunders' Boatyard, much of which has remained untouched for many years. As one of the major ringing centres in Oxfordshire, Withymead’s results help to monitor the changing patterns of migratory birds and climate change. Withymead Nature Reserve is open from 1st April to 30th September by prior arrangement, with open days during the spring.
You are looking for a small plastic box with room for small trades. Please take care to conceal the box safely when re-hiding.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nebhaq fubhyqre urvtug, va n gerr jurer gur zrfu srapr zrrgf n jbbqra srapr cnary. Fbhgu fvqr bs cngu.