Welcome to Queer Quest. This geocaching trail re-imagines the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight through a queer lens, immersed in the very landscape which inspired the legend. As you follow the route, each cache marks a moment in Gawain’s legendary journey—challenges, temptations, and revelations—while also sharing local LGBTQ+ histories and folklore from the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Just like Gawain’s quest to test courage and honesty, this trail invites you to explore the countryside and uncover stories often hidden or overlooked. Inside each cache you’ll find a small piece of artwork and a short tale that links the epic myth to real queer lives and landscapes.
You are also invited to share your own reflections and post your response to be included in our archive.
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It is new year’s even when the Green Knight bursts into the court – a figure of raw, untamed nature, both alluring and terrifying. Their very existence defies simple categories, a formidable challenger who is part-human, part-mythical, part-plant, strong and ancient.
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Artist statement: focussing on the unknown, mythical figure of The Green Knight,
this piece takes inspiration from the epic poem itself as well as popular readings of this
formidable character – part human, part mystical power from the natural world, fluid in
self and potent in ability, who is The Green Knight?
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A visitor to our stall at Pride In The Moorlands described their love of this place; "Here there is a certain quiet, then crashing with sound." We felt that this summaries very well the moment of transition from known to unknown, experiencing the exhilerating fear of moving into unchartered territory, and a waterfall as a powerful example of how something serene can quickly gain an unpredictable force of its own.
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Access Information
At least 1km from the nearest lay-by parking. Uneven underfoot for a lot of the walk and sometimes slippery if wet. Occasional inclines throughout the walk. No nearby toilet facilities. Probably not suitable for mobility scooters.