The fallen tree who survived Traditional Cache
alcoyano: Archived due to inability to mantain
The fallen tree who survived
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Ardchattan Priory is a magic place. One of the hundreds of unknown spots of Scotland.
it is near Oban on the shores of Loche Etive.
I visited this place without knowing what to expect and soon was caught in by the beauty of the surrounding forests and the magic of the site. You can feel the mysticism of the place and a special energy. I believe that is why this remote spot has so much history.
I created this cache as a way to thank all the good feelings I had on the day of my visit to Ardchattan
The Priory was founded in 1231 by Duncan McDowell or MacDougal of Lorn, for monks of the order of Vallis Caulium. Little remains but the First Pointed choir, 66 feet by 28, with a north aisle or chapel, a piscina under a tooth-moulded arch, and fragments of massive piers suggesting a central tower. The sculptured tombstones of two priors, members of the MacDougal family, bear date 1500 and 1502and a carved cross probably pictish ad interest to the site.
Here in 1308 Robert Bruce is said to have held a parliament, the last in which Gaelic was the language spoken; in 1644 the Macdonalds burned the priory, under their leader Colkitto.
Today still is possible to visit part of the ruins.A part of the priory and annex buildings were added to the manor house that is stil inhabited. The gardens are worth while a visit.
Yoy ca park the car on the parking well signposted to visit the gardens. There is a box where they request a donation to visit the gardens if you want but there is public access to the gardens and the remains of the priory.
To access the cache you will have to walk about one mile but you can estend a bit the walk and visit the old church from possibly the 10th century that also is in ruins.
Cross the iron gate in the parking heading towards the hill following the arrows towards the church.Reach the first arrow in an electricity post. From there walk to the second arrow that sign to your right.Instead you must turn left and walk towards a group of trees where you will find a poorly defined path heading towards the forest. After walking a while you will find the living fallen tree. It is huge and unmissable and before it fell it would have made a fine specimen. Still it is amazing. The roots mad a panel that seems it is going to become alive and take you (maybe it has done to somebody,so be careful and do not mess with it).
I could have hide the cache in at least 20 places on this tree but to made the search a bit more entertaining I would not give you any more clues , only to tell you that where it is, there is space for at least 5 more containers.
The container is middle size and has a log book pen and some goodies.Be fair with the exchange.
Good look and I hope that you enjoy the visit as much as I did. It is also worthwhile to walk a bit more to the old church where are plenty of old graves and walk around the surroundings to enjoy this amazing place.
On the day of my visit my gps was playing naughty (maybe the fairies?) so not sure if the coordinates are accurate but I thing you will find it easy with my description.
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