About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. It's 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 Shandon Station
Overview
Shandon railway station was a modest yet significant stop on Scotland’s West Highland Railway, serving the village of Shandon on the eastern shore of the Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute. It opened on 7 August 1894 as part of the original West Highland Railway route between Craigendoran and Fort William.
Design and Facilities
The station featured an island platform, accessed via a pedestrian subway at the north end. Its buildings were constructed in the distinctive Swiss Chalet style typical of the West Highland Line. A signal box with 15 levers was located at the south end of the platform. The station included a crossing loop and a siding with a loading bank on the east side.
Wartime Role and Community Impact
During World War II, Shandon station supported military logistics. Nearby Faslane Platform station was established in 1945 to serve the Loch Sloy hydroelectric project and local prisoner-of-war camps. German POWs were transported via Shandon and nearby stations to work on the project.
In peacetime, Shandon station earned recognition for its upkeep. In 1959, it received a First Class award in a national competition for best-kept stations, reflecting the staff’s dedication and the local community's pride.
Closure and Legacy
Shandon station closed to passengers on 15 June 1964, following the Beeching Report’s recommendations. The signal box and loop remained active until 2 April 1967, after which the line was realigned through the former station site. Today, little remains except the loading bank and the former station cottages.
There have been proposals to reopen Shandon station as part of initiatives to improve access to the nearby HM Naval Base Clyde via temporary 'pop-up' stations.
Further Reading
About this Cache
This cache is NOT located at the site of the former station. You can still walk up past the former station cottage and to the bridge, but you won't see much to indicate there was once a station.
If it's been wet prior, wellies are hearty recommended, as it can get qutie muddy!
The Puzzle
A = How many letters are in the first station mentioned that the West Highland Railway ran between?
B = What date in April did the signal box and loop remain active until?
C = How many letters are in the station name?
D = How many levers were in the signal box?
E = In which World War did the station support military logistics?
F = How many letters are in the word that describes the project at Loch Sloy?
N56° 02.(A - 3) B (C - 1)′ W 4° 48.(D ÷ 5) E (F - 4)′
Checksum: 31
Please replace exactly as found!
There is no need to climb up the fenced-off embankment!