This cache is the first in my Allendale Challenge series. The complete challenge comprises of 6 traditional caches each containing information needed to find The Allendale Challenge multi-cache. If you are planning to look for the Challenge cache, don't forget to take a notebook to record the clues!
The Blackett Level was originally planned to run underground from Allenheads to this point, a distance of nearly 7 miles. Created to explore for new lead veins and as a means of removing excess water from the Allenhead mine, it was never completed. Work stopped after having reached Sparty Lea - a distance of about 5 miles. 4 shafts were dug and it may be worth noting that 3 of these have caches in the nearby area! At Peckriding (GCMV3H) the level is 88 feet below ground, at Holms Linn (GC7CA3) it is 192 feet and Sipton (GCMTJM) it is 330 feet down. It puts a different perspective on straying too far from the path in the north pennines!
The start of the level can be found next to the river, a short distance below the village of Allendale at N54 53.919 W002 15.334 Starting from the square in Allendale - N54 53.801 W002 15.312 (NY837558), take the road past the Hare and Hounds pub and drop steeply down (the peth) until a footpath can be taken to the right which leads down to the river. Follow the path until the Blackett level is reached - a barred up drift mine entrance with water running out of it. The cache is a bit further on after crossing the footbridge. Not sure what the figure carved into the bridge stonework suggests! As the cache is close by to this popular footpath, please ensure that it is out of sight before you leave.
This cache is located on two GeoHikes. Visit www.geohikes.co.uk for more information. Alternatively, click on either of the logos to take you directly to the relevant GeoHike page (free registration required).