This cache was originally set up by
Leoness and has since been adopted by
Mailboxmonty. The cache can be approached from several
directions, either along Public Footpaths or across the Ashdown
Estate. (Please note that the Estate is closed on Fridays so access
on Fridays is by Public Footpath only).
Please also note that the cache container is small and as such, can
only contain small items. It is also in a camo
bag.
Ashdown House is a bizarre 17th-century house,
closely resembling a lifesize doll's house, situated on the
Berkshire Downs and surrounded by beautiful walks in the
neighbouring Ashdown Woods.
The House is open from April to the end of October, on Wednesday
and Saturday afternoons and by guided tours only at 2.15, 3.15 and
4.15. The Garden is open from 2pm to 5pm (no dogs).
The woods are open daily from dawn to dusk EXCEPT Fridays. Please
keep to the mown rides and keep dogs under control. There is a herd
of Fallow Deer on the Estate which you may catch a glimpse of in
the woods.
Nearby is Alfred’s Castle, an Iron Age hill fort which has
been a Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1958 and was purchased by
the National Trust in 1992. There is no direct evidence connecting
the site to King Alfred and it seems that the name Alfred's Castle
is an 18th century attempt to romanticise the place and connect it
with Alfred who had his capital at nearby Wantage. Records tell of
a battle he fought against the Danes in AD871 at Ashdown although
the exact location is unknown.
Access to the cache through the woods involves crossing two stiles
which are not very dog-friendly i.e. you may need to lift your dog
over! Access from the alternative parking place is a bit more
dog friendly.
There are two recommended parking places - either in the National
Trust car park for Ashdown House at N51 32.343 W001 35.527 (but not
on Fridays) or N51 31.966 W1 35.837 where you can park off the road
at the start of the bridleway.
Part 1 – The coordinates take you to Alfreds
Castle. As you stand on the castle look towards Ashdown House and
answer the following questions:
How many chimneys can you see on Ashdown house = A
How many golden balls can you see on the top of the house = B
How many windows can you see on the 3rd floor = C
How many windows can you see on the 4th floor = D
Part 2 – Now work out the final location, a
short walk from the castle.
N51 32 0(AxA)(C-B) W001 35 (C-B)0(D+D)
Part of the Estate is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
due to the unusual geology in the form of Sarsen stones.
THIS CACHE HAS BEEN PLACED WITH THE KIND PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL
TRUST.