Ox Hey Wood is part of the Stubbins Estate which was acquired by
the National Trust in 1943 from Colonel Porritt, a local mill
owner, who donated the land in memory of his son Richard who was
killed in the second world war. The area is well worth exploring,
both for its interesting remnants of the area's industrial heritage
and its qualities as a sanctuary for wildlife, particularly
birds.
It could be approached from Stubbins (parking on Stubbins Vale
Road just off Stubbins Street) - this involves a steepish uphill
walk past some interesting old houses.
An easier but longer approach is from the direction of Carr
Street in Ramsbottom. A good footpath leads nearly all the way to
the cache (starting near the Old Mill Hotel - look for the Public
Footpath sign). Please remember to scoop the poop along this
footpath! There is a doggy bin in the small park which you would
pass if going back the same way.
The cache container is a lock'n'lock box with log book, pencil,
sharpener and a few swaps. Be careful under the trees as there are
branches sticking out at face level. Also watch out for the swamp
under some beech trees! There is no need to enter the swampy
area.