Our thanks to Mike (wuthered) for acting as
guardian to this cache
***WARNING***
This is the site of a genuine lead mine. There are many open
mine shafts in the area, most not on the map, but all should be
fenced off. However, all care should be taken if walking ‘off
path’ as the ground may be unstable.
Be aware also that the area is used,
with permission of the council, by an off-road motorcycle club.
Also, the paths can be very slippery when wet. But, I’m sure
you’ll be fine!
***WARNING***
A reasonably short
walk from the car park (N 54°36.843
W005°40.925)
at the Somme museum, this cache is located at the site of the old
Conlig and Newtownards Lead Mines.
A brief history of the
site…
The earliest
development began in 1780 and lasted for six or seven years. Mining
the ore was fraught with difficulty, mainly due to the absence of
pumping machinery to deal with the constant presence of water in
the shafts.
Between the years
of 1827 and 1865, this area was the centre of the metal mining
industry in Ulster. Although it was never a major industry in the
Province, at its peak the mine employed around 400
people.
The lead mines
yielded quality ore and for many years were worked by various
companies and sets of adventurers, who held them by lease from the
late Marquis of Londonderry, and who transported the ore, via
Bangor, to Flint in North Wales, where it was smelted.
Further geographical
information can be found at;
Earth Science
Conservation Review - In depth Geological
Report
The cache
itself…
I won’t give
too much away here about the location of the cache, as it is
reasonably easy! You are looking for a small brown
ammo-box.
The cache site is
reasonably exposed, so if it's a nice day and there are a few
people about, please try not to be seen...
Be subtle, and
sneaky!
The
original contents of the cache are:
-
Lithium batteries 4 pack
-
Pen
torch with batteries
-
Pack
of post-it notes
-
Cold
weather survival guide
-
Large
paper clamp
-
24
hour rations drinks pack
-
Bob
the builder toy phone
-
Thomas the Tank Engine 'Henry' badge
Usual
rules apply - if you take something, please leave
something!
We hope you enjoy the old mines, and of course finding our
cache!
All the best,
Ratty & Son
