Bridges over Cuckmere #2 Traditional Cache
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Very muddy in winter, spring and autumn!! SE of bridge.
Most visitors are familiar with the iconic meanders of the River Cuckmere lower estuary south of Exceat bridge. The upper reaches, equally as picturesque, remain less popular with visitors. The river rises in Heathfield but only becomes a significant channel at Hellingly. Over 4 miles long and descending over 100m it is fast flowing and empties into the the sea between Seaford and the Seven Sisters, the only undeveloped river mouth in Sussex. In early 19th century flooding as far north as Alfriston was common but in mid-1800s an artificial cut with high banks straightened the course and prevented severe flooding upstream. Currently there is much debate about whether to cease maintaining the banks of the cut and allow the river to flood the estuary as a natural remedy (and a cheaper one) for flooding higher up. Watch this space! Shingle was extracted from the beach and transported to Exceat by railway during the early 20th century. Evidence of WW ll defences remain in the area and mainly in the same landscape setting as when built.. The lower valley was used as a decoy for Newhaven from German bombs by erecting lights etc to look like street lamps.
There are some 7 road bridges and around 20 footpath bridges over the river with the LBP being Exceat. A public footpath runs along both sides of much of the river and all caches are set alongside a footpath at bridging sites. You do NOT have to enter any private property. Some caches are close to the river so supervision of children is essential. Check the map – some caches could be cache and dash. They are in no particular order but all could be part of a walk through the beautiful, flat downland valley, maybe starting at Exceat bridge with parking close by. Muddy in winter. Mainly difficult terrain for wheelchair users. Sorry
****** FTF March 25th 2011 by kab1972. Congratulations ******
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybt guvf bar arne n 3-gehaxrq gerr. Rnfl Pnpur naq Qnfu.