The cache is an A5ish click-lock box in a camo bag, and is on a wild path linking the Duchess Trail and the North Haul Road. The route is not surfaced and the cache is not next to the path.
Veteran Trees
This part of Kielder Forest holds some of its oldest trees. From old maps and the fallen stone walls which lie here, we think it is the edge of the formal grounds that the Duke of Northumberland established when he built the castle in 1775 as a hunting lodge. Some of these trees seem older than 250 years, so may have been fully grown even then.
The woodland here is undisturbed by felling. It feels cool and damp, and the air is clean. This means that a wide variety of mosses and lichens thrive here, cloaking the trunks and branches, as well as the woodland floor. Some of the trees have fallen and others have dead branches. The foresters have left this dead wood because it is home to hundreds of species of fungi, insects and invertebrates. In turn, many small mammals and birds feed on those insects, and so this dead wood is a vital part of a healthy natural woodland ecosystem.
Where one of the oldest trees has crashed to the ground, we humans have an uncommon chance to flit between the twigs like a bird, or explore the crevices of the bark like a woodlouse, or just rest and ponder what changes to the view this tree has overseen in its lifetime.
Find out more at www.visitkielder.com
Local History
As well as Kielder Castle, there is a prehistoric settlement to the south of the cache: Camp Rigg prehistoric settlement see http://www.keystothepast.info/article/10339/Site-Details?PRN=N6264
Living Wild Geocaches
This cache is one of a series placed as part of Kielder’s Heritage Lottery funded Living Wild project to help people discover some of the special wildlife, habitats and history of Kielder Water & Forest Park. These places are recommended by the people in the know - the rangers and volunteers - and let you find some of their favourite places for yourself.
Please visit www.visitkielder.com for more information and events.
Local information
Expect NO mobile phone signal at Kielder. Anything you do get is a bonus!
You may be able to get WiFi at the trailhead and in Kielder Village.
Check the weather reports for Kielder as the weather can be more extreme than elsewhere. Dress appropriately and bring supplies.
Between mid-May and late-September, effective insect repellent is heartily recommended!
During the winter (roughly October to February half terms) Kielder can be very quiet indeed and you should ring ahead to check whether pubs, visitor centres, cafes, shops etc. will be open if you plan to use them. In an emergency, there is usually someone at Kielder Waterside Park.