The cache is not place at the Picnic Area, but it is close by. The cache is numbered 8 as it is the eighth cache you could pick up on the loop walk, that is provided you got the information at the way points on route to here. The cache is not that difficult but will test your concentration as you must remember to pick up the information in between doing other caches. Visit Waypoints 1-4 get the information required to calculate the final location. The following formula must be used to calcluate the final cache location:-
Waypoint 1 - Information sign Visitor Centre
N54 53.464 W005 50.755
A = Subtract the middle two digits of the year Larne Borough Council acquired Carnfunnock, to get the single number.
B = The third digit of the year the Dixon Family donated Cairndhu House to the Ministry of Health.
Waypoint 2 - Information sign Walled Garden
N54 53.458 W005 50.794
D = Peaches & nectarines - (Herbaceous Plants + Vegetable area)
E = Soft fruit Blackcurrants & berries
Waypoint 3 - Information sign Lime Kiln
N54 53.168 W005 50.852
C = Number of logos on the bottom left hand side minus one
Waypoint 4 - Information sign The Ice House
N54 53.314 W005 51.047
F = Number of fish and chops
Cache
N54 53.ABC W005 51.DEF
The cache is a preform tube. It is not placed at the Picnic Area but not too far away.
The Series
This series of caches has been placed with kind permission from Larne Borough Council and Carnfunnock Country Park.
The original work in setting up the series was carried out by Critical Mass Inc. and has now been updated to coincide with an event run in the Park on Saturday 6th Aug 2011 - Introduce a Muggle Geocaching.
Background
'Carnfunnock Country Park is located on the Antrim coast road (A2), 3.5 miles north of Larne town.
It is packed full of exciting and unusual attractions to see and do, with over 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and coastline, not forgetting its spectacular panoramic views of the Antrim Coast and North Channel.
The Park was originally part of the estate of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon and reverted to Larne Borough Council in 1957. Many of the original features remain, including the walled garden, the ice house and the lime kilns.
Carnfunnock has combined man-made attractions and entertainment with the splendour of its natural scenery in a way which is very special.'
Source: Carnfunnock Website
Parking
Parking is available on site, however there is a charge. This applies during pretty much all of the summer and weekends in winter. Those who do not wish to pay for parking; there are free car parks on the coast road, but there will be an extra walk up to the park.
Other Info
Please be aware that all the caches placed in the park have been placed with a view to cause as little disruption to the environment and its wildlife as possible. Many of the woodlands here are 'mature' and may be damaged by increased activity.
Also, the park can get very busy; finding and replacing the cache may be tricky while a large number of muggles are hovering about.
Please be subtle, and sneaky!