The naked hulk alongside came,
And the twain were casting dice;
'The game is done! I've won! I've won!'
Quoth she, and whistles thrice.
The Sun's rim dips; the stars rush out;
At one stride comes the dark;
With far-heard whisper, o'er the sea,
Off shot the spectre-bark.
We listened and looked sideways up!
Fear at my heart, as at a cup,
My life-blood seemed to sip!
The stars were dim, and thick the night,
The steersman's face by his lamp gleamed white;
From the sails the dew did drip—
Till clomb above the eastern bar
The hornèd Moon, with one bright star
Within the nether tip.
The Poem
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a major poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It was written in 1797-98, although the text used in these caches is from the revised version of 1834, as it is much more readable.
The poem tells the tale of a sailor who has returned from a long voyage. With the mariner narrating his story to a man who is on his way to a wedding.
The Series
Parking is available near the starting point - it is shown as a waypoint on 'TRotAM Part I: #1 An ancient Mariner'.
If 13 miles in one walk is too much for you, the series can be easily split into two, with Parts I - IV forming a loop of approx. 6 miles, and Parts V - VII making up a second loop of about 7 miles.
There are two big ascents on this series - one on each loop. There are steps on a couple of the steeper sections, and there are also numerous stiles and gates to navigate. Tweezers may be required for a few of the caches, so don't forget them! You'll also need to bring your own pen, as there aren't any in the caches, and you do need to sign the logs to claim the finds.
None of the caches are hidden in dry stone walls, so please do not look in any.
The Cache
This cache is hidden under a rock slightly off the trail. You're looking for a smallish clip-box. Please cover it over again well.