Congratulations on a full 18 cache series joint FTF to the inimitable pairing of Bessieboots and WFG !
To get from one side of the valley to the other, if we chose to walk a different "tops", the way was sometimes winding and to be honest, boring. But Brandwood to Fearns was different. Two of the most iconic places of my childhood were Iron Bridge and Cats Steps ... both links in a chain which joined Brandwood Moor to The Hile and beyond to Deerplay ( an area celebrated in my Larks of Dean series of caches ).
From the bridge we walked down to West View and then across the Iron Bridge, which to us as youngsters was like crossing a raging torrent. Then a short hop across the road and you are on to Cats Steps .... cobbles worn smooth, polished and flattened with age climb steeply up the hill To Fearns Hall. In winter (now) a nightmare to navigate, then, as youngsters, we just treated them as another sled run. The origin of the name Cats Steps is shrouded in antiquity but it is the shortest and most lungbusting way to get to Fearns ;) .
This series is a self indulgence as it takes a trail around my old stamping grounds as a child. As I was born and bred in Stacksteads walking this route brought back lots of happy memories for me. I hope you have a pleasant time hunting and admiring the views as you go. None of these caches are particularly difficult, so they would be ideal for a family hunt. The only essential equipment needed will be a pen :) The route is approximately 5 miles long and should take 2 – 3 hours. There are no particularly steep climbs, but the paths are boggy in places so wellingtons or boots are advisable.