Kelhead Water is a former limestone quarry, the first in Dumfriesshire. Opened in 1760, not long after the benefits of liming soil were discovered, it operated until 1928 when it was flooded. A small stone arch is all that remains of Kelhead's four large lime kilns. A mineral railway line linked the quarry with the main line at Cummertrees.
Today Kelhead Water is stocked with a variety of coarse fish and is popular with anglers. In addition the water supports a variety of waterfowl such as moorhen, coot and Canada Geese, while the shrubs on the far bank provide an excellent habitat for smaller birds.
A short sheltered walk of about three quarters of a mile is possible following a waymarked path. However, a lack of maintenance and care has meant that the area is probably now not as pleasant as it once was.
At the time of hiding the water level is high not only due to the rain, but also due to a blocked outlet. It looks as if work is being done to rectify the latter. As a result, the path alongside the water is a little muddy and even under a few inches of water in one place (but this can be negotiated with a little care).
The cache is very close to the path and is a small container with room for a swap or two.