This cache is the sixth 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!
Ladle Well forms part of the water supply for the Hexham area. A series of springs at a natural geological boundary feed year round into the water system via underground pipes - no surprise then that you may come across manhole covers on this part of the moor! Like most moorland walks in this area, a number of route possibilities exist. My recommendation is to approach from Allendale, in keeping with the theme of the cache series - Parking is no problem at N54 53.179 W002 14.533 (NY845546) Follow the track up and onto the open moorland passing Stobb Cross (Walker Dan cache GC54B2) en route. This area is still recovering from a substantial underground peat fire of a number of years ago. The fire raged for weeks often just under the surface, requiring constant attention of the Allendale fire crew. Eventually trenches were dug to stop the fire in its track. A consequence of the destruction is that a stretch of the path just past the crossroads which you reach is often now very boggy! Cross Knights Cleugh and you may still be able to spot the change in the moorland surface brought about by the installation of a 4 foot gas main nearly 30 years ago. This gives an indication of how long it takes for moorland to recover from disruption. Keep your ears and eyes open in this area for birds of prey which frequent the moorland.
The cache is just off the track before reaching Ladle Well. Please note that the cache is not in or on the stone wall. Now you have got this far, you may like to 'go the extra mile' (literally) and pick up another Walker Dan cache on Watson's Pike (GC889B).
This cache is located on a GeoHike. Visit www.geohikes.co.uk for more information. Alternatively, click on the logo to take you directly to the relevant GeoHike page (free registration required).