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.)
Whithaugh Bridge spans the Liddel Water by the north end of the village, near the site of an old footbridge that was washed away some 50 years ago. It links the Whithaugh sites with the village, and is a part of the extensive network of cyle routes in the area. The bridge itself is third hand, as the information board explains, so represents an excellent example of re-cycling for cycling!
The cache is one of a number of caches in the village and close by, and they can tackled on a pleasant and fairly gentle walk of no more than a couple of hours. The circular route affords excellent views of the village and surrounding hills, and includes a pleasant path through mixed woodland. It is best to park in the middle of the village, and the footpaths are well signposted.
This cache is still close to the bridge of the name, but is a different sort of container in case the last one died by an unscheduled swim (which was possible!) PLEASE re-hide carefully, and watch out for muggles as it is a very popular spot!