BEWARE - this cache is located close to a line of sheer cliffs. While the way to the hiding place is a designated walk/trail on the OS 1:25k map, this cache is not suitable for young children. Please do NOT attempt this cache in high winds or if the ground is very slippery. An accident here could be fatal.
The Mull of Galloway cliffs looking East to Gallie Craig
The Scottish coasts and border
It has often struck me how far south Scotland runs down the west coast compared with the east. If you trace a line running due east from this location, you reach the opposite coast south of Hartlepool. If you were to drive from that point up the coast, you'd pass Sunderland, South Shields, the long stretch to Lindisfarne and - 92 miles from Hartlepool - arrive at Berwick-upon-Tweed. You'd still be in England.
The Rinns and most southerly point
The cache is located at the foot of The Rinns - that oddly shaped landmass that sticks out into the Irish Sea like the head of a rusty pick. The very last stretch is called the Mull of Galloway, famous for its Stevenson's lighthouse built in 1830. Identifying the most southerly point is not straightforward. The jagged coastline runs east-west here, so depending on whether you're using Grid North, Magnetic North or True North, you will get a slightly different result. Wikipedia places the location here but its coordinates are imprecise and take you to a point in the sea.
Carrick-kee and Gallie Craig. Which is further south?
The cache location
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| Gallie Craig - the electric fence is just visible at the top right of the photo |
In truth, I think Scotland's most southerly point is at the treacherous rocks somewhere at the foot of Gallie Craig (not to be confused with the nearby Coffee House, which shares that name). For safety's sake, I've chosen a place a little further along the cliffs; at Carrick-kee. It has the advantage of not being overlooked and at that point there is a gateway though the electric fence that runs several yards in from the edge. Carrick-kee may not be exactly at the southernmost point but I offer it as a common-sense approximation in the spirit of safe Geocaching.
Update (Aug-14): I've been contacted by a fascinating gent who forwarded me evidence that Carrick-kee is indeed the most southerly point. This was based upon multiple GPS readings from a sea kayak at the foot of the two cliffs. It seems that the OS maps are incorrect and the Carrick-kee cliff falls directly into the sea meaning that even the mean high and low tide points don't influence the location. Hmm... anyone willing to take me paddling there one day?
Be warned - there are some very sheer cliffs along the walk and at Carrick-kee. However, with just a little caution the walk poses no real hazard unless you forget where you are. If you take the following approach, you're unlikely to do that!
Walking to the cache location
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| Looking back to the pedestrian gate after using it to cross the electric fence |
I suggest that the best route starts at the car park. Make your way along the inland side of the electric fence walking away from the lighthouse. Of course, the fence is not at all dangerous but it will keep you from inadvertently drifting towards danger! As you walk along, enjoy the glimpses of the cliffs and become familiar with the terrain and wind. At the place where the fence comes closest to the stone pillar known as "Kennedy's Cairn", walk through the pedestrian gate to gain access to the cache. From here on, take extreme care.
Keep to the left of the large gully that appears before you (don't scramble down it). As you progress towards the sea, the land slopes down; gradually at first, then a little steeper but nothing too harsh. Keep to firm grass as you home-in on the final location - there is no need to scramble over rocks or walk right up to any edge.
The cache
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Spoiler! Please replace the stones as found so the photos remain current
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The cache can be found under a large flat stone on the grassy bank. Before moving it, look around and familiarise yourself with the cliff edge. Now roll the stone back carefully (it's heavy) and underneath you should find a double layer of click-and-lock containers holding a logbook and various other items.
The elements here are unforgiving, so please ensure that both containers are tightly sealed and that on replacing the slab, you don't damage them.
As well as reading about your visit to The Mull of Galloway, I'd really enjoy seeing any photographs of the sea and the cliffs. Please be careful. While getting to the cache is relatively safe, don't take risks to get that perfect shot!