GC3PNZV AS#1 One for Lionel Blair? (Traditional Cache) in Yorkshire, United Kingdom created by Tomsmum28GR

This cache has been archived.

Tomsmum28GR: Too many of the caches on this circuit have gone missing now so I am going to archive the whole series.

GC3PNZV ▼

A cache by Tomsmum28GR Message this owner

Hidden : 7/2/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

I have just moved from the ‘cache rich’ (sic) area that is Bracknell, where the caching density is such that there are few opportunities left to set up a little circuit. The Around Sharow circuit consists of 14 caches over a distance of 4 km, with varied terrain. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies because of a steep (but short) climb. It also follows the path alongside the River Ure so take care with small children, as you will also need to do along the generally very quiet Sharow Lane, and for the short section alongside the Dishforth Road. However, when it’s been dry there are a couple of little beaches by the river where you could have a picnic and skim a few stones. It can also be very muddy along Lowfield Lane, boggy in the field, and long trousers are recommended along the river.

The village of Sharow is just to the north east of Ripon, easily accessible from the A1 or A61. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English ‘scearu’ – a boundary, and ‘hoh’ – a hill, hence a boundary hill. This may be related to the presence of a Sanctuary Cross at the junction between Sharow Lane and Dishforth Road. The cross marks the limit or boundary from where a felon could claim sanctuary at Ripon Cathedral. There were originally eight crosses, but the one at Sharow is the only one that remains. There is a premium member-only cache here (see GC3A96F Sanctuary for Suzie) which is why I haven’t put one here!

The village wasn’t mentioned in the Domesday Book, but had its origins in the 12^th century. However, aerial photography indicates the presence of earthworks, possibly tofts and crofts, along with a D-shaped enclosure, possibly representing a deserted Mediaeval settlement to the west of Lowfield Lane, towards the end of the circuit. It is possible that this settlement was abandoned either as a result of flooding, or population loss from the Black Death in 1384.

In 1848, the Leeds-Thirsk railway was built and Ripon station was built in Sharow, although on the other side of the river at Ure Bank.

The actual position of the village is determined by a number of factors, not least the underlying geology which has resulted in a number of gypsum sink-holes appearing. For an excellent summary of the formation and impact of these sink holes, look at GC3B5F9 ‘Sinkin in Ripon’ by Bikeit.

The caches vary in size and difficulty. I have tried to place as many big caches as possible since I know that small boys (and girls) like to swap small pieces of plastic for other small pieces of plastic. Those caches of a reasonable size were initially well stocked with such items.

There is adequate parking on Sharow Lane.

The house owner next to this cache knows that it is there, and might even give you a hint if you ask. It is not on private land...

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vgf pelcgvpnyyl va gur gvgyr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)