16th @ R.C.G.C Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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A quick cache and dash or, if you feel like some fresh air, a circuit on country roads around Bridge of Weir taking you past Barnbeth House, a route which is popular with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. Cachers with dogs, pushchairs and small children should be aware that although vehicles are infrequent some may be travelling at speed. Boots are also recommended as the road can become muddy, particularly when it passes through the working dairy at High Auchensale Farm. Please bring a pen.
Since 1889 Bridge of Weir has had a long association with golf, being home to 5 clubs during this time. To date however only two have survived, namely Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club and Ranfurly Castle Golf Club. The cache is situated just along from a viewpoint indicator (N55 51.174 W004 36.096), with Ben Lomond in the distance, and is located next to the 16th hole of Ranfurly Castle Golf Club. There is no need to enter the course to retrieve the cache. Also there is no need to move any stones in the Dry Stone wall. Please be wary of stray golf balls!
Ranfurly Castle Golf Club was formed in 1889 and played on land which is now home to Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club. During the next 14 years its reputation grew in stature and the course began to mature but a decision was made in 1903 to abandon the site and relocate to Clevans, its current home today.
There is much speculation as to what caused such a drastic event in the clubs history and many members of both clubs will, if asked, offer reasons ranging from disagreements over the appropriateness of playing golf on a Sunday, disputes over a proposal to locate a curling pond at the castle remains and arguments over finances. However most likely is that leading members, who would have been the local businessmen, made the decision to take the club in a new direction and had the resources to make this happen. A sum of £10 000 was required to purchase the land and build a clubhouse and in 1905 Ranfurly Castle Golf Club moved to its new home.
Some members of the club were reluctant to leave and after a new agreement to lease the land and purchase the clubhouse for £300 Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club is formed for the continuation of the game over the course previously occupied by Ranfurly Castle Golf Club.
A healthy rivalry between both clubs continues to this day which culminates in the annual Muirhead Trophy. This is a friendly match for a cigar case where both clubs elite play 12 games split between the two courses and either celebrate or commiserate at the formal dinner held afterwards.
Parking for several cars at N55 51.238 W004 35.909
Other caches which can be done as part of the loop
GC15K2W - Barnbeth H2O
GC2MGMP- The Thistles
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zntargvp ba pbeare bs tngr
Treasures
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