Walton Wander No.14 Crataegus Monogyna Traditional Cache

From No.13 follow the country lane for a short while then follow the footpath sign left, down beside a cottage and across a field.

Crataegus monogyna, known as the Common Hawthorn is a broadly spreading shrub or small tree 5–14 m tall, with a dense crown. The younger stems bear sharp thorns, 1 to 1.5 cm long. Common Hawthorn is extensively planted as a hedge plant, especially for agricultural use. Its spines and close branching habit render it effectively stock and human proof with some basic maintenance.
According to legend, the hawthorn at Appleton Thorn grew from a cutting of the Holy Thorn at Glastonbury, which was itself said to have sprung from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea, the man who arranged for Jesus's burial after the Crucifixion.