Packhorse Bridge Traditional Cache

The cache is at the Netherthorpe end of the bridle path which leads to Woodthorpe, street parking is available close by at Netherthorpe.  This is a very old packhorse route thought to pre date the main road between Staveley and Barlborough.  This is a screw top plastic container slightly smaller than a film canister.

You will notice that this is a very old pathway, it is thought to pre date the school, the initial building dating back to 1572. Packhorse routes were typically a domed cobled path with edgings, when the area was opencasted the part of the path near the bridge was taken up and reinstated but only this part of it has been preserved.

The river is the Doe Lea which used to be heavily polluted by the 'Coalite' works and many people can remember that it had thick black water and smelled of coal tar, there was no life and no vegetation.  As you can see it is now clear and supports plants and fish.