Newcastleton is a planned village, officially established in 1793 by the then Duke of Buccleuch (although the date that building started on the land in question is debateable, as documentary evidence exists that would place the earliest houses being erected nearly 5 years earlier.)
Newcastleton is a village that resulted from the Lowland Clearances, when, much as in the more well known Highand Clearances, the landowner preferred "sheep to thinking men, ah but men that think like sheep were even better" - the settlements of Ettleton to the south in Liddesdale, Castleton to the north, and the original one at Copshawholm, were cleared and the people offered leases to build new property in 'Newcastleton'. Newcastleton is situated on the former Copshawholm, and the old name is still often used, locals refer to the village as 'the Holm'. The stump of the old mercat cross can still be seen from the Jedburgh road near Castleton Farm, and the earthworks from the eponymous castle are just visible in the field across the road, although there is no public access to either. (The quoted lyrics above are from the song 'No Gods' by Brian McNeill.)
The Holm Brig spans the Liddel Water at the south end of the village, carrying the minor road that leads to Dykecrofts one way, and across country towards Brampton the other way. There are a number of caches in the, most of which can easily be combined in one enjoyable circular walk that allows excellent views of the village and surrounding hills, and also an attractive path through mixed woodland. Parking is available in the centre of the village, and the varuious footpaths are well signposted.
This is no longer a drive-by cache, as whilst it is still very close to the bridge it is named for, the access now should be from the path along the river. Please tuck cache carefully out of sight.