This cache will take you on a walk around Ladybower reservoir. There are a number of benches along the walk, most of which have been placed in memory of someone. You will need to read the plaques on the benches to get the numbers from them, so that you can work out the final location of the cache itself.
The walk is approximately 6 miles long, and should take you between 2 and 2 1/2 hours to do, depending on your walking speed. The difficulty rating reflects the length of time the cache will take to complete. There are also a few other caches dotted around the reservoir, which you may also wish to find on your way round.
It's an easy, mostly flat walk, with no stiles and only a few gates. There are some steps, but not too many, and the paths are in good condition, with very few muddy sections in winter. Unfortunately, cycles are not allowed on the path to the west of the reservoir, but dogs are a common sight.
Pay and Display Parking is available at the posted co-ordinates, costing £3.50 for up to four hours, or £4.50 for all day. There are also a number of areas of free parking along the road on the way to the posted co-ordinates, but be aware that all parking areas get very busy at weekends, especially during warmer weather.
There is also a kiosk near the posted co-ordinates, with toilets and cycle hire.
Stage 1: The last number in the year is A.
Stage 2: This plaque is just as you go through the gate. The third number in the year of birth is B.
Stage 3: The month that Michael died is C.
Stage 4: The day he died is DE.
Stage 5: This bench isn't in memory of someone, but instead has some information on it. The number of words in the first line is F.
Stage 6: The year of death is GHJK.
Stage 7: The year of death minus the year of birth is MN.
Stage 8: The year of birth is PQRT.
Stage 9: This stage is an information board. The map on the board shows Derwent village in UVWY. Ensure you get the correct date!
Once you have all the information, you can work out the co-ords for the final location using the following formula:
N53 DE.ARN W001 FC.(G+R)WB
The total of the numbers is 38 (so A+B+C+D+E+F+G+N+R+R+W=38). If you have done the stages in order, the final location isn't too far away. It isn't recommended to start in the middle of the stages.
