NB If you want to avoid the worst of the mud please checkout the route details below!
This cache forms part of the 5 Bridges series, a series of 4 caches, all associated with bridges, scattered around NE Cumbria, each containing a clue leading to a bonus cache (GC5H09N). The clue is laminated and attached to the inside of the lid. Our hope is that everyone who completes the series will have discovered at least one new place they haven't been to before (and be happy they did!). Each cache is in a location where there are walking options for those that want to make a trip of it.
This cache is at a lovely little hidden spot beside the River Lyne, with a recently restored suspension footbridge and a nice little area of "beach" beside the river (apparently an ancient ford crossing). The bridge was originally built in 1901 and was restored just a few years ago after one of the cables snapped! There are various options for making a longer walk if you wish, including a nice riverside walk.
A glance at an OS map will tell you that there are three main options for approaching the bridge, 1 from the W and 2 from the E. If approaching from the E we strongly recommend taking the Northern most of the two rights of way as the other one can be extremely wet, muddy and unpleasant. If approaching from the W parking is more tricky as the roads are very narrow so please take care not to block the road or any gates. Whichever route you take be prepared for a bit of mud and bring suitable footwear.
To take the Northern-most route on the E side, park at Stapleton Hall - see waypoint - and walk N up the road until a footpath sign (waypoint R1) on the left. Take the footpath alongside some houses. At the end of the houses (waypoint R2) make sure you turn left to follow the right of way, ignoring the track that goes straight on. Go straight on through the gate into the field and follow along the edge of the field. Just before the end of the field (waypoint R3) there is a gate on the right with a small footpath sign. Pass through that gate and then shortly through a small gate on the left. Now head across the field in the general direction of the cache, crossing the stream using the bridge at waypoint R4.
The final few feet to the cache involves a short scramble up a bank so take care, especially coming down. GPS signal might be tricky under the trees but should be dead easy with hint.