Although this cache has been placed as part of the Dairy Adventures trail it could also be a cache and dash as there is direct access from the lane.
Do you know what a rare sight a dairy farm is in this part of Kent? I have been walking around The Alkham Valley for 10 years and I use to past two others – they have sadly now been disbanded.
The UK dairy industry has been in decline for sometime. Many family farms are unable to make a profit from producing milk and have changed their farming businesses accordingly.
No one wants to pay anymore than they have to for a pint of milk and the supermarkets have created a milk pricing war which is great for the consumer but not so great for the producer.
I was lucky enough to have an Uncle who milked cows when I was growing up. I spent as much time as I could with him. So, when choosing cache locations this was a dead cert. I regularly pass by with my dog and hear the unique noise of the milking machines in the parlour, the smell of silage in the winter and if passing during milking in the summer the steady flow of cows returning to the fields. Such locations will always hold a special place in my heart.
Take a deep breath and inhale a lung full of the Great British countryside!
This corner can get quite busy with farm traffic so watch out for the odd Muggle. There is plenty of room to get safely off the lane to sign log etc.
Please replace cache carefully when finished.
To continue carry on along lane.