Abingdon Bridge (Nags) Island
Abingdon Bridge was built in 1416 by local town initiative, not by the Abbey. A guild named the Fraternity of the Holy Cross was chartered in 1441 and given responsibility for its upkeep. It is actually three bridges, Hart or Town Bridge (from the ancient White Hart Inn which stood on the site of the present Old Gaol ‘from time immemorial’), Burford (a corruption of Borough Ford) Bridge over the main navigation channel of the Thames, and Maud Hales Bridge.
The building was a notable feat of organisation and engineering for the time. After the dissolution of the Holy Cross guild in 1547, responsibility for maintenance devolved on the local charity of Christ’s Hospital, which was relieved of this duty only in 1927.
The whole island official ordnance survey name is the "Nag's Head Island", which (for some 400+ years) has been named after a famous inn located on the island, called the Nag's Head. A nag is a useless horse.
The cache location
The idea is to explore under the Town Bridge and see the Old Gaol. The cache is at the level of the Town Bridge. It is not however attached to the Grade 1 listed ancient momement, but on a tree in the River next to the bridge. Its a popular spot for birds so may be a bit smelly
So this should combine a boat and climbing adventure. Access by SUP, canoe or rowing boat is recommended. I may adjust the height if people have difficulty. Please do not try to access onto the tree from the highway directly. It could easily be combined with another adventure cache nearby as you may be able to wade between the two depending on the river levels. Please bring tweezers, pen and any safety equipment.
Andersey Island Paddle Loop
This is on the Andersey Island Loop. Famous as one of the best 20 padding loops in Southern England. Up the Thames from Abingdon, past the lock, then down swift ditch then back. There are another 4 of my cache that can be collected only by boat. Make a day of it. There is a pool directly on the right once you pass the lock to pull in and get out. Allow 4 hours.
- GC7RM2G - Iron Bridge Paddle Cache
- GC7RM8F - Donkey (Horse) Bridge
- GC8A90Q - Swift ditch Pound Lock
- GC7RM80 - Secret Tiger Island