Welcome to Belvoir Multi-Cache
teamszwena: The area is quite exposed now. Time to archive!
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This multi stage cache takes you along the Lagan towpath (close to the Lock Keepers Inn) and into Belvoir Park Forest. There are only two stages in this multi cache with a 6 minute walk between the two stages. The Coordinates at the top of the page are for the first location you will need to visit to collect clues.
The Cache
The cache itself is a medium sized airtight plastic container (17 x 12 x 13cm) in a camouflage bag. Additional camouflage is used to help the cache further blend in to its surroundings. When published the cache contained; a log and pen, FM Radio, USB Card Reader, Padlock, Stapler, Screwdriver Set, Yo Yo and First to Find Pin.
Stage 1: The coordinates at the top of the page take you to one of the Millennium Mileposts which can be seen throughout the National Cycle Network. With the help of the Milepost and using whole numbers only, the final stage is at: N54 °33.(L-S-B) (E+L)(B+S), W005 °56.(E+S)(S)(L)
Stage 2 (Final): To reach the final stage please enter the forest by crossing over the lock from stage one and go through the gate. I have included a way-point for this entrance.
Belvoir Park Forest
The estate of Belvoir was created in the 1730s, though we know from records of 1625 that there were already trees in these townlands at the time. The oldest oak so far found in Northern Ireland is at Belvoir, and has been dated to 1642 using dendrochronology, a form of analysis carried out by counting the rings within the tree’s trunk which indicate seasonal growth patterns. Measurement of trees at Belvoir found 270 trees with a girth of three metres or greater, nearly half of which were oaks.
Belvoir also boasts a stump of around 8.5 metres girth, the remains of the Great Oak or Deramore Oak (a name meaning ‘big oak’) from which Lord Deramore, who owned Belvoir in the late 19th century, is thought to have taken his title. While this tree is sadly no more, its name has been transferred to another of the park’s mighty trees. Genetic analysis of the old oaks at Belvoir has shown them to be very like native oaks found in old woods such as Breen, in Co Antrim, suggesting that they are of native stock rather than introduced.
In the woodland and parkland at Belvoir you might catch a glimpse of red squirrels, and it is also a good site for fungi enthusiasts. The ancient oaks rub shoulders with more recent plantations, and there are also a 12th century Norman motte, a ruined graveyard dating back to at least the 15th century, and the remnants of the former estate buildings.
The Woodland Trust http://www.backonthemap.org.uk/
Access Details
The cache is readily accessible by bike as the first stage is located on route 9 of the National Cycle Network. The final stage is accessible by foot or bicycle however due to the steep incline cyclists may prefer to get off their bikes and walk. The final stage of the cache is not wheelchair friendly due to the steep terrain. If you are travelling by car, parking is available at Shaw’s Bridge. Entrance is located at N54 °33.208, W005 °57.295. A more convenient car park is located down a side road just off the Ramada Hotel (see attached waypoint). Please check that parking is permitted before using the car park.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ng onfr bs gerr nccebkvzngryl 7sg sebz cngu
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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