Legnabrocky Trail 3 - The Purple Patch Traditional Geocache
Legnabrocky Trail 3 - The Purple Patch
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This cache is located in the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark which covers 18,000 hectares of rugged mountainous uplands and gently rising lowlands in counties Cavan and Fermanagh.
“The Purple Patch” is one of a series of caches found close to the Legnabrocky (Badger’s Hollow) Trial which leads from the Cuilcagh Mountain car park towards the impressive hulk of Cuilcagh (665m). Start at the car park and head south along the stone track. The first section passes through fascinating limestone countryside. After crossing the bridge, the landscape notably changes to blanket bog (peatland). Peatland is now, globally, a scarce habitat, and, even on Cuilcagh, this internationally important area has suffered damage due to pressures from mechanised peat extraction, overgrazing, uncontrolled burning and indiscriminate use of All Terrain Vehicles. Fortunately, today, this area is managed sympathetically by Fermanagh District Council with the aim of restoring damaged peatland, conserving a significant area of pristine blanket bog and increasing awareness and appreciation of bogland habitats and wildlife. Your co-ordinates will take you along one of the boardwalks that forms part of the conservation work – and, should you be wondering why this cache is called The Purple Patch visit in August when all will be revealed.
After finding the cache (a medium sized tablock box containing a log book and swaps) stand quietly and absorb the atmosphere of your surroundings. Above and beyond there is no missing the long “roof” of the Cuilcagh ridge with its obvious bite called the Cuilcagh Gap. There is a cache up there but you need to be properly prepared and equipped before tackling it. Also listen – can you “hear” the silence? The cache has been positioned so that it is family friendly – however, please take commonsense precautions.
I hope you enjoy your walk through this fine natural landscape which has taken 650 million years to form and shape. When you are in the area why not visit the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre with its educational displays and shows which explain how the features you have seen are being formed. It is well worth a visit.
I would like to thank the staff of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark for agreeing to, and helping with the placement of the caches. If you would like to find out more about the Geopark please check out www.marblearchcavesglobalgeopark.com.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Onfr bs fznyy gerr.