This cache is placed within the community woodland of Langass Woods. Originally laid out by the Forestry Commission in 1969 as part of an experimental project to examine the growth of conifer trees in an exposed coastal environment, the principal species planted at Langass were Canadian and Alaskan varieties of Lodgepole Pine and Sitka Spruce, which were known to grow well in similar climates. The wood was extended in the 1990s by the North Uist Estate. In 2002 the Forestry Commission had no further use for the woodland and management passed to the North Uist Woodland Trust (Urras a Craobh Uibhist a'Tuath) in 2005 who have given us their permission to place the cache.
On an island with no native woodland, Langass Woods provides a unique environment for trees and wildlife to flourish. During late summer and early autumn, you will spot many of the classic red-topped toadstool (Fly Agaric) under the trees. The North Uist Woodland Trust has worked to provide access to the woodland for recreational and educational purposes for locals and visitors alike. The Woodland is the last resting place of Hercules, a 'pet' grizzly bear which ran free for 24 days having escaped while filming a television commercial on the island in 1980 before being recaptured and having achieved international celebrity status.
The cache is a multi to encourage visitors to explore all parts of the woodland.
The first stage, the location of which is provided by the cache coordinates, is where you will find two mysterious ancient monuments (graves) that possibly date back to the bronze age. The graves are known as Beistean's Grave and Leac Alasdair. The walk to these graves from the main footpath is like something out of Lord of the Rings with an expectation that the Black Riders might suddenly appear requiring one to hide and hopefully avoid them! You are seeking, not a ring, but an information board which unfortunately is falling into disrepair but will tell you that the "not-so-standing stone" is p.qr metres long.
The second stage is at the location of Hercules' grave. There is marvellous life-sized statue of Hercules here. There is also further information which will be needed to locate the final stage. You will need to note that Hercules went missing on xy August 1980 and was born in 197z
The cache container itself is not near either the ancient monuments or Hercules' grave but is within the woodlands and easily accessible. It is a small box which is large enough to hold small trackables. The container is hidden in a camo bag. At placement there is a gift of a log winder for the first to find. Please ensure you place the cache back where you found it so that it is not visible. Also, although hardly a thoroughfare, be aware that the woodlands are well used by locals and visitors so beware of muggles!
The final stage is can be found at:
N 057 34.(r-y)(r+y)(p+q+x) W 007 16.(x+y)(p+z)(p+q)
There have been reports that the above calculation is incorrect. We can confirm (November 2024) that it is correct. Make sure you pick the data on the information board and bear statue in the woods - not through an internet search.
We would like to thank Ada Campbell of Urras Nan Craobh Uibhst a'Tuath for the very kind permission to place this cache in this wonderful community asset.
While in the woodlands, please act responsibly, clean up after your dog (if you have one), respect the graves (both ancient and ursine) and enjoy the walk! Note that the Langass area is a hot-spot for ticks, so please take the usual precautions to avoid you (and your dog) from getting bitten.
Many thanks to reviewer Lorgadh for publishing so promptly. This cache is published for our first ever meet, Uist Meet Number 1, to be held on 29th May 2019
Thanks to fellow geocacher, Druimisla, who pointed out an error in the calculation which has now been corrected (8th June 2019)