This cache has been placed above the weir pool at Hazeland. We have always been fascinated by this place. The whole area is very peaceful, until you get to the weir where the sound of the rushing water is almost deafening. Nearby, you will see Hazeland Mill which is now a private residence. The mill dates from the 18th century. It was recorded as being in use as a cloth mill until c1835 and then as a grist mill until c1965.
Behind you is the River Marden, but beyond that and running parallel with the river is the remains of the Calne branch of the disused Wilts & Berks Canal, which ran from the Kennett & Avon Canal at Semington to the Thames at Abingdon. The Wilts and Berks was a narrow canal taking craft of up to 30 tons. The whole route was 51 miles, whilst the Calne branch was just over three miles long with three locks. The principle cargo was coal transported to the wharves such as Calne from the main distribution points on the Kennett and Avon. At various times passenger services were also known to have been in operation. With the onset of railway construction in 1835, the decline in the use of the canals in the region started. Eventually the canal company was sold in 1874, and between then and 1901 when operations finally ceased it passed through the hands of several owners, who tried unsuccessfully to make it financially viable. The last straw being the partial collapse of the Stanley aqueduct, which cut off the water to a substantial part of the canal system, previously supplied through the Calne Branch from the River Marden.
Along the opposite side of the valley ran the Calne branch of the Great Western Railway. The Calne Branch ran from Chippenham to Calne, but during World War 2 it served as the rail link to military installations at Yatesbury & Compton Bassett. There were 2 midway stations (halts): Stanley & Black Dog. The line opened on the 3rd of November 1863 and closed under the Beeching Axe on the 20th of September 1965, and now forms part of Sustrans cycle route 403 which runs for 41 miles between Great Bedwyn and Semington.
Please be VERY CAREFUL with small children as there is a lot of water nearby and also the lane where the cache is situated is quite narrow, so look out for vehicles approaching! You are looking for a 35mm film pot which contains a log-book only - please bring your own pen!
Good Luck and Happy Caching!