Skip to content

Bedford Bridge Traditional Geocache

Hidden : 9/23/2013
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


Bedford Bridge was built in 1822 as part of the system of turnpike roads (toll roads) between Plymouth and Tavistock. This riverside area at the northern end of Roborough Down has been popular since the 1800s when families used to travel out from Plymouth by train to visit friends inHorrabridge and picnic on the banks of the River Walkham.

Designated parking spaces, disabled toilet facilities and a purpose built path from the car park to the riverside make this a highly accessible area for all the family.

Today, evidence can still be seen of the Victorian copper mining era. Wheal Franco was the most important mine in this area; in the 1830s it employed over 130 people. The mine was abandoned in 1875.

The railway viaduct, which can be seen through the trees to the south of the car park, was built in 1902. It was constructed with blue Staffordshire brick and replaced the earlier timber viaduct, with stone piers, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The cache is a small clip lock box with a few small swaps and, as this was once a toll road, there is a pound for the first to find. This cache is designed to be a quick cache and dash and is situated just off the main car park and path.

I have been asked why Bedford Bridge is also known as Magpie Bridge. As far as I am aware this is a nickname that has been passed down through the ages, owing to the fact that there was once a pub to the right hand side called the Magpie Inn and nearby Magpie Mill used to produce violin strings.

Congratulation to Norbergs on being FTF. Glad the toll came in handy for the trolly

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Onfr bs gerr arne gb snyyra gerr.

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)