About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It is a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More information can be found at the SideTracked Website.
About Manchester’s Railway Heritage
Not so long ago in the middle of the last century, the centre of Manchester boasted a total of 9 railway stations. These were used by passengers but also for the huge amount of goods traffic needed to support the many warehouses and industries in "Cottonopolis", as Manchester was nicknamed at the time.
A vast network of railway lines covered the area, built on viaducts high above the city streets. Most of these striking features remain today, some are still in use whereas some have now been converted into breweries, bakeries, gyms and escape rooms as Manchester reinvents itself in the 21st century. Still others have been brought back into use as part of Manchester’s Metrolink modern tram network.
This cache is intended to be solved while visiting the locations of the accompanying Adventure Lab
"SideTracked - Manchester Stations"
Outside of London, no city in the UK has such a large and varied railway heritage and you will see relics of Manchester’s industrial past as you visit the different stages of the Adventure Lab.
Link to the Adventure Lab "SideTracked - Manchester Stations"
The Location Of This Bonus Cache
At each location in the Adventure Labs mobile app you will be prompted to answer a simple question. Answering correctly will reveal information to help you work out the actual location of this mystery geocache.
Please note that unless you are exempt, you will need to wear a face covering at one of the locations due to current COVID-19 restrictions.
Once you have answered all 5 questions you will know the numbers for A, B, C, D and E. Use the following formula to reveal the final coordinates:
N53° 28 ● A B C W002° 13 ● D E C
The cache is hidden near Piccadilly Station in a busy area so please use the spoiler picture to locate the exact place the cache is hidden and avoid arousing suspicion.
Tweezers may be needed to extract the log sheet. Please note the cache is not at the listed coordinates and you will find nothing physical there, although the coordinates do match the "Piccadilly Station" location of the accompanying Adventure Lab. If you wish to solve and find this bonus geocache without excess travelling between the different stages of the Adventure Lab then please plan your route to end at these coordinates.
The terrain rating and the 1km–10km hike attribute reflect the need to visit all five locations of the Adventure Lab before you can calculate where this cache is hidden. If on foot you will walk approx 6km if you use the Adventure Lab map to visit the stages in a circular route, ending at Piccadilly Station as recommended.
We welcome logs highlighting any issues that detract from the quality of the cache or any suggestions you have to improve it. Good luck everyone!