Tidal Millpond
This is a short Cache & Dash series of mostly simple Caches in mostly traditional hides. Some are a little trickier, the final one is a tad different and is a Diff 3.5. We set the trail as a reason to approach the open bank of the Tamar by a relatively unused route, which includes distant views of Dartmoor, a clear view of Pentillie Castle, and several unusual views of the river as it meanders past Weir Quay, and the Hooe Peninsula. The actual drive takes you firstly down two very quiet remote Cornish lanes, as you approach the original Pentillie Castle gatehouse, then down a fairly busy and fast lane, until the final quiet lane and the start of the old road along the river to Cargreen. You will be able to park alongside all the Caches apart from #11, which lists a parking Waypoint. If possible, time completeing the series to within an hour or so either side of high tide at Cargreen, as the Tamar around Cache #11 will then be relatiely high, and the Millpond there fairly full.
Well, this is the reason for creating this series. We originally came down here by finding an alternate route to a recently placed FTF. Enjoyed the journey, and the FTF, but couldn't understand why this silted up pond had been created. The second of the two houses across the inlet is called Salters Mill. So OK, back in the day, there must have been a Water Mill here, but as there is no obvious inland water supply, how was the water to drive the Mill supplied? Fortunately, while placing this series we caught up with a ciouple of dog walking local ladies, one of whom lives in the first cottage across the inlet, now called Quay Cottage, although we were assured by said lady that her house was the original Mill building. For us, this kind lady supplied the answer to where the Mill water supply came from, as this silted up pond was the original Tidal Millpond, which filled on the rising tide, and discharged to drive the Mill on the falling tide. The only remains of the Mill Leat to be seen today are the two upright timbers sticking up out of the mud. This haunting location was crying out for a Cache to be placed and here it is.
The Cache itself is one of our special antique artifacts, and as it islocated within the Tamar - Tavy Estuary SSSI, we are grateful to Natural England for their permission granting placement for placement at this GZ.
The track here can be followed on past the cottages, it is not private, and is in fact the old riverside road to Cargreen. It is only around a quarter mile walk along this track to where the river bank opens out completely, revealing a rare and peaceful access to the foreshore. There's even a bench, and a large log standed just above the high tide level, ideal for a post Cache and Dash Picnic.
Quay Cottage - The Original Water Mill
