Five go dipping at Blue Lake Traditional Cache
scapa1885: A lovely location and sadly now time to archive
Five go dipping at Blue Lake
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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** Please Note - the restoration project for the lake continues; for its sustainability and the enjoyment of others, please, do not walk by the lakeside on the far bank (non-track side), as it turns it all muddy and destroys the vegetation. Take care as you cross the spillway or stream **
Blue Lake is nestled in the Guisborough Forest near to Hutton Village. Though the path which runs alongside is popular with dog walkers, the lake itself is a bit of a quiet treasure.
The Victorian man-made reservoir once supplied water for the hydraulic machinery installed in the nearby Home Farm. The turbines, which powered a joinery and barn machinery, were installed in 1881 and remained in use until the 1950s.
The name of the lake comes from the blue hue of the water, due to its alum salts; and sounds more enticing than brown pond, which it can look like, especially after heavy rain.
The lake was extensively restored in 2004-06 by volunteers; an excellent information board, sited at the bottom end of the lake, describes its history and the significant industrial heritage of the area. At the top end are a couple of benches to relax on and the purpose built dipping area is great for the young at heart.
Please take heed of the hazard signs – the water is very deep.
Parking is available at the side of the road at N 54 31.174 W 001 04.756. From there, go through the gate, across the field following the path to the left. Blue Lake is a short (0.25 mile) walk up the hill, following the track all the way. The track itself was the route of the railway which once served the Cod Hill ironstone mine.
From the lake itself, ground zero is a bit harder to get to; depending on the time of year, long trousers might be advisable.
The cache is located with the kind permission of the Forestry Commission.
The cache is a 500ml container, with enough room for the log, a pencil and a few small tradeables.
Please log any DNF, please do not damage the vegetation and replace the cache carefully as found.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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