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**** Notice to the next cacher who visits this cache ****
I really don't have the time to get up there any more to maintain this cache, and I've had no offers to take it over, so will the next cacher PLEASE REMOVE THE TWO CACHES! You may keep the containers and contents (although it would be nice to have pics of the log, if that's possible)
Let me know when the cache has been removed, and I will disable it.
Thank you!
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The Original parking is no longer available, so please use lots of common sense to park. Please do NOT drive down the lane any further: it is clearly marked as *Private Road - Footpath Only*.
There are several ways to get to the old railway line, where you'll find the cache... the first is the "public path" route, but noone seems to mind you walking down the actual line at any point.
The official public path runs down the private road, along the edge of the field, behind the garages, and runs fairly close to western side of the railway line, going south-ish for about 500 mtrs. At that point it goes over the old line on a bridge, and runs a bit to the east of the line for about another 600 or so mtrs, where there is a second bridge. From there, the path follows the path of the old railway line.
If you prefer, you can walk in front of, and past, the garages, and you'll find a (slightly overgrown, probably getting worse!) path in the right corner, that goes through the trees & joins the above path.
Another route is to go to the back of the "yard" where you parked, and onto the line there.
Alternatively, you can walk down the private road, through the large gap between the cottages, then turning right (south).... you are now walking on the old railway line.
Whichever way you go, the terrain is pretty easy-going and fairly level, and certainly safe for children & dogs, although you might find push-chairs rather difficult along the official paths. Take wellies in anything other than dry weather...it may be flat-ish, but there are PLENTY of large puddles along the line! In total, the whole round-trip is just under 3km.
You could probably cycle along the old track without any problems (well, except for the deep puddles in winter!)
There are 2 caches to be found. The first is a small container which is hidden at the given location (N51 18.685, W001 19.807). This will give you the location of the second, which WAS a small ammo box - now a plastic box -, located further along the old line. MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS BIT: Well, it *WOULD* if I could type correctly! The note in the cache has ".101" as part of the final location: this SHOULD read ".010"... so don't forget to adjust that figure before going looking!
Whilst there is the never-ceasing background noise of the adjacent main road, you can still enjoy the wonderful views of the rolling Hampshire hills.... in fact, you'll easily see Beacon Hill less than a km to the west.
On your way back, you could follow the line northwards, back into the "yard" (where maybe you parked the car) where there is the remains of the old signal box.... and a few more yards north you can follow the line behind the old station (now a private house) where the platforms are still clearly visible. (Whilst the line does continue northwards, if you look at an OS map, you'll see that it's actually private land for a way.)
PS: whilst I tried to choose areas without too many nettles, there are loads around, so you might wish to take gloves with you.... I'm sure it will get worse as everything grows!
PPS: Please do NOT put any food or drink into the cache.