This is one in a series of Geocaches hidden within local museums, visitors centres and other hidden gems that I've come across in the North East of Scotland over the years - places that I'd like to share with others.
Many thanks to the staff at Forvie Nature Reserve for allowing me to place this cache! :) Please note that the centre's opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, April to September. The centre may be open during the rest of the year when staff are there - please check that the centre is open before you leave by calling 01358 751330
From the Scottish Natural Heritage web page:
Shifting sands and seabirds
Forvie National Nature Reserve (NNR) is one of our natural treasures. The large areas of bare sand and shifting dunes that dominate the southern end of the reserve have been compared to the Sahara Desert. It’s a place of stark beauty.
The reserve covers almost 1,000 hectares of sand dunes and dune heath between the North Sea and the estuary of the River Ythan. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Forvie is particularly renowned for its birds. These include a breeding colony of eiders, four species of breeding terns and a wealth of wildfowl and waders.
Best seen from the south side of the river, there is a large seal haul-out at the mouth of the Ythan.
The dunes hide layers of history, including Forvie Kirk.
Find out more about visiting Forvie NNR.
Top attractions
- Watch a huge range of birds at any time of year.
- Explore the sand dunes on our trails.
- Visit in spring and summer for colourful flowers on the cliffs.
- See seals hauled out on the estuary from Newburgh beach.
Finding the cache is pretty straight forward, but you’ll need some information to open the cache!
At Virtual Stage 1, Add the miles to Newburgh to the miles to Cruden Bay (A)
Please note that as of September 2022 the sign has been damaged and removed. So I can give this answer here: There are 4 miles to Newburgh and 4 miles to Cruden Bay, so the answer to A is 8
Around the centre,
How many big stompy boot prints are there? (B)
A plaque outside, next to the living wall, commemorates the purchase of how many hectares of the reserve in 2003? (C) (Please note that if you Google this you may well find an incorrect answer where one digit is missing and your final answer will be a factor of 10 out!)
How many portals (not holes!) are there on the Tillycorthie? (D)
According to the legend, how many sisters cursed the village of Forvie? (E)
A windmill outside powers the centre. How many blades does it have? (F)
to open the cache, (A – B) x (D + E + F) x C