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Welcome to Walden! Multi-Cache

Hidden : 4/17/2014
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:


This cache is placed with kind permission of Saffron Walden Town Council

Note: It is only available 9.30am-5pm Monday to Saturday . (10.30am-1pm Bank Holidays from Easter to end of August)

Welcome to Saffron Walden, historic market town since 1141. Recently judged to be the best place to live in Britain, Saffron Walden and the surrounding area of Uttlesford is a beautiful part of the Essex countryside. With quaint shops and listed buildings, the central focal point of the Common, and many a coffee shop, Saffron Walden is a delightful place to visit.

Far from only looking into the past however, Saffron Walden is also home to many geocaches, including multicaches, Church micros and even a Wherigo - something for everyone whether passing through or staying a while.

This cache is a multi that will show you some of the main features of the town, and will give you the opportunity to learn much much more, as you will see

The first coordinates are for the car park on the Common, and the first stage. There are other car parks available (Swan meadow perhaps offering the greatest chance of success), so once you have parked, return to stage 1.

You are now on the Common. Very much a feature of pride for locals, the Common hosts many events each year, from food markets, to charity days, the maze festival, Bonfire Night and the Saffron Walden Carnival. The Common is also home to a fine example of a turf maze (over on the east side), dating from the late 1600s.

QUESTION 1. Look at the noticeboard. On the Town Trail around Town (maps are available, or it is the subject of a Wherigo cache, GC2NQRN), what number on the trail is St Mary's church? Answer = A

Now proceed to stage 2. The castle. The 12th-century castle was built by Geoffrey de Mandeville, although nowadays is little more than a ruin.

QUESTION 2. The predominant colour of the castle remains are, what? White (B=5), Brown (B=7), Black (B=9)

Now proceed to stage 3. The corner of Museum Street and Castle Street. Close by is Bridge End Gardens (with its hedge maze) and the wonderful old houses of Castle Street itself.

QUESTION 3. On the white signpost, how many different destinations are indicated (note, more than one destination may be in the same direction - it's the number of destinations you're after). Answer = C

Final stage. You are now in the market square, and more history! This square has hosted the area's market since it was transferred from Newport in 1141.

The cache is close to these final coordinates. Please note that the proximity of the buildings means accuracy may not be as I'd like it, but there are sufficient clues in this description to get you there! If you find it is wildly out let me know and I will update as needed.

You are looking for a green ammo can. It contains a log, pen, swaps and plenty of room for TBs. Once you find it, you will need a combination for the cache, which is ABC. Do ensure you close the cache properly once you have signed the log

If you parked at the Common, walking through the Rose and Crown Walk will return you to your car.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Guvf pnpur unf bcravat gvzrf.

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)