The cache is located at the very start of the old Strawberry Line railway which is now a cycle and walking trail which currently stretches from Yatton to Cheddar. The route travels along part of the old Cheddar Valley railway line which ran from Yatton through Cheddar and Wells and onto Witham (on the Bristol to Weymouth 'Heart of Wessex' line). The Cheddar Valley Line gained the nickname the Strawberry Line due to the large volume of locally grown strawberries which were carried on it.
Once you've signed the cache please make sure the log is re-sealed correctly to stop it getting damp. Tweezers may make it easier for those with larger fingers but are not necessary.
The Cheddar Valley line (and the branch to Clevedon which also left Yatton) closed in the 1960s. Work in the following decades was undertaken to create the dedicated cycle & walking route we see today. The ride along the old line is mainly traffic-free with no steep gradients and takes in a variety of landscapes from the flat marshes and cider apple orchards around Yatton, steep wooded valleys and a tunnel through the Mendips, to historic Axbridge and the spectacular Cheddar Gorge. A great spot for a short walk or longer cycle ride.
From the GZ you will be able to see the long distance GWR HSTs and Cross Country Voyagers speeding up or down the main line as well as local stopping services serving North Somerset and Bristol. Yatton is served by local services as well as direct connecting services to/from London. Two railway passing loops are present to the west of the station. These were installed in 1925 to in an effort to combat the problem of the two track mainline through the station becoming a traffic pinch point. The loops (although reduced in length) are still operational and you may still see slower local services pulling over to allow high speed trains to pass.
Parking is available at Yatton Station (not free but could be done as a cache and dash). Caution with muggles from the car park and on the trail.
Placed with the kind permission of North Somerset Council.