Congratulations to zenogoris for FTF!
This cache has been placed with the kind permission of Islay Estates and we are grateful for their assistance and guidance in its placing. Please read their guidelines below carefully before embarking on your geocaching adventure and visit the recommended websites to ensure you do not breach the Scottish Outdoor Access Code:
"Islay Estates welcomes visitors to Islay and encourages them to enjoy the tranquillity, scenic beauty and varied wildlife on the island. However the Estate urges all visitors not only to be fully aware of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code but also to respect the guidelines within it."
The guide can be downloaded here.
There are many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on Islay, this includes the whole of the Rhinns and much of the north coast; details of these can be seen at the Scottish Natural Heritage website and anyone planning an adventurous walk on Islay must be aware of these areas and the reason why they have been designated.
Specific requirements for Islay Estates are as follows:
• Do not interfere with any management actions – this includes traps for wild animals and birds. These traps are lawful and monitored regularly; they are part of the management of the land and it is an offence to interfere with them.
• Keep dogs on a lead or under control at all times. At all times of the year wild animals and birds are susceptible to disturbance.
• Leave no litter – even buried litter can be dug up and cause problems for animals.
• Deer management takes place from August to February. You must therefore contact the Estate Office (details here.) before going out on the hill otherwise you run the risk of interrupting this process and may also put your own life at risk.
• The weather can change very quickly: you must have suitable clothing, a map and compass (and know how to use them).
Geocaches.
The Estate recognises Geocaching as an exciting and challenging sport. Anyone taking part is urged to follow the guidelines above otherwise the opportunity will be withdrawn.
Before considering setting out to find the cache, there are a few prerequisites:
- Be able to fit through a small gap which measures approximately 30cm high by 60cm wide at its smallest point
- Do not attempt alone. Assistance will be required
- Must have a light source with spare batteries
- A sense of adventure
- Enough time for at least a full day trip
When setting out to find the cache, you may wish to consider camping on the beach (Bagh an Da Dhoruis) to benefit from the beautiful scenery here and explore the coastline. Set off either from Bunnahabhain on the east coast of Islay, or Killinallan on the north-west. From Bunnahabhain, it is approximately five miles each way through either pathless moorland or muddy quad bike tracks. From Killinallan, it is an exciting, but hard-going ten mile slog.
It is HIGHLY recommended to bring midgie repellent, long trousers and tweezers for removing ticks. Bring enough fresh water for the journey.
Once at the beach, the coordinates will take you to the entrance of the cave. Proceed with caution (and your torches!) The cache can be found in the final chamber of the cave on a ledge. Be prepared to get dirty as you will be crawling on your stomach at certain points.
Good luck in finding this cache; you are going to need it!