Brownrigg Well Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is a small clip-lock box with a few swappables and plenty of room for the odd geo-coin or travel bug. Due to the very high location of the cache, the logbook and pencil are inside a super-sealed waterproof case. Please ensure it is properly closed after your visit. CONGRATS TO TEAM C&P FOR 1st to FIND!
Brownrigg Well is reputedly the highest spring in England at 868 Metres above sea level. The water issues all year round and according to an old guidebook from the 19th Century, "it mixes well with a little Brandy", unfortunately, you will have to take your own. I'm not a distillery you know! Wainwrights mentions it only in passing in "The Eastern Fells" as also being named Whelpside Gill Spring, and suggests Whelpside Gill as being a suitable ascent from Thirlmere onto Helvellyn. He notes that there is a "strange path" cutting across the fellside from the spring leading to a dry gulley. As OS have marked this as a leat and as there are old lead workings lower down on Whelpside, I think the 'mystery' has been solved. It was a secure water supply for the lead workings. The site itself is quite delightful with fantastic views towards Thirlmere and the Western Fells. If you don't fancy having lunch with the crowds a hundred metres above you, take some time for a picnic! Leaving the cache, the cruciform shelter is 500 metres due east from the cache site and Helvellyn Lower Man, 500 metres due North. take your pick!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur pnpur vf jvguva 10 zrgerf bs gur fcevat vgfrys. Cyrnfr ercynpr gur fgbarf rknpgyl nf lbh svaq gurz. lbh fubhyq bayl unir gb qvfgheo nobhg guerr gb trg ng gur pnpur obk. (ab zbarl vafvqr, un un, fbeel!).