This geocache is not for the faint-hearted, and isn't recommended for small children, but it is recommended for those with a sense of adventure!
PLEASE NOTE: I HAVE BEEN TO GZ TWICE AND OBTAINED VERY SIMILAR COORDINATES EACH TIME. WHILST I'M AS CERTAIN AS I CAN BE THAT THE COORDINATES ARE CORRECT, THE MAP SHOWS THE GEOCACHE AS BEING ON THE WEST BANK OF THE RIVER. IT IS ACTUALLY ON THE EAST BANK, AND I'M ASSUMING THIS IS A SMALL ANOMALY WITH THE MAPPING
For a while now, Mrs Crazy Goat and I have wondered whether it was possible to follow the Eye Water between Ayton and Eyemouth. We'd heard anecdotal evidence that it was possible, but with no footpaths marked on the map, we weren't sure which would be the best side of the river to follow. As it happened, we ended up crossing the river twice - both times on very questionable 'bridges' and were indeed able to make our way from Ayton to Eyemouth. With hindsight, we only needed to cross one bridge - which was relatively stable. You don't need to cross either of the bridges within Ayton Castle grounds that are marked as unsafe and chained off.
I'd come equipped with a geocache, which I'd been intending to place at another point of interest on the route, but when we came across Netherbyres Mill, I decided to place the cache here instead.
I had no idea that the now derelict mill, with substantial subsidiary buildings and at least one former dwelling house was here. It was originally built as a tweed mill, and the mill wheels and associated machinery are still partially in place. Presumably there must have been an easier access route in days gone by, but there doesn't appear to be evidence of that any more.
The cache has been rated using the route to the mill that we took this morning. It is also possible to park on the road between Ayton and Eyemouth at N55 51.397 W002 05.962 and then follow the track along the Eye Water from the south of the bridge over the Ale Water. Following this track along the river will take you to a possible crossing place at N55 51.067 W002 06.257 - but please note that this is little more than 2 telegraph poles over the river. There is a slightly more substantial crossing further upstream near GZ (at N55 50.912 W002 06.174), but you'll need to climb away from the river and then back down to access this.
Since placing the cache, I've discovered that it's also possible to walk along the old railway line from GC7NWCQ. When you reach the large pheasant pen, turn right and follow the track downhill to the river. This route probably doesn't warrant the D/T rating, and isn't as much fun as crossing the river. But the choice is yours!
Which ever way you access GZ it won't be easy-going in places, but you will be rewarded with some stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife en route. The bluebells and wild garlic were also just coming into flower when we visited.
Enjoy!