Brickwork Bog Bash Mk II "Beginner" Traditional Cache

This area is the site of the former Cruden Bay Brick and Tiles Works which was demolished many years ago. Growing up as kid I used to play here all the time as most of the main buildings were still intact but since then this area has turned into a marshy bog land with little islands scattered throughout the water. There are plenty of birds to be seen, including the local swan, as well as the occasional deer.

I have taken inspiration for these caches from the notorious ‘Bog Bash’ adventure that I completed in Aberdeen through a marsh, so thought I would try to re-create the experience out in Cruden Bay.  This is a re-release of the previous Brickwork Bog Bash series as I felt the previous caches were not in boggy enough areas, so enjoy!  Welly boots are strongly recommended!!!

***Please note that this cache is not for the feint hearted as you are likely to get very wet as you walk through the marshy bog, stinging nettles and waist high weeds. Be extremely careful in this area as there is some very deep water and a word of advice, stick to the high ground where possible. There are not many well defined paths here, maybe a deer track if you’re lucky. Anybody who battles through and finds theses caches should be proud of their achievement***

The Cruden Bay Brick and Tile Works operated between 1902 and 1990. The works made 3, 4 and 6 inch diameter Field Drain Tiles and extruded bricks (bricks have 3 holes). It was the only works in Scotland to use the area above the kiln for drying. The kiln was coal fired, being changed to gas sometime in the 1970's.

Originally built as a 14 chamber Hoffman Kiln in 1902, the works were extended to 16 chambers in 1947. A single cylinder horizontal steam engine, delivering 135hp and manufactured by Marshall Son and Co., Gainsborough, was in use until replaced by an electric motor until 1973.

Other parts of the complex included a Boiler House; Workshop and Washroom; self-acting lift from Drying Shed to ground level; Kiln Chimney; Boiler Chimney (demolished 1970); cable-worked railway linking the works with the claypit (in use until 1979, then demolished); Ram from ground level to Kiln top for coals and a small Bradley and Craven Pan Mill for crushing coal for Kiln and Breeze for mixing with clay. In 1976 the original steam heated Drying Shed was replaced by a gas fired hot air Drying Shed, with automatic mechanical handling equipment, made in Germany by LUNGI.

During WWII two men were killed in a bombing raid that partially destroyed part of the buildings.

Information from GJ Douglas, Scottish Industrial Archaeology Survey