The Allendale Challenge is also 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).
Introduction
The complete challenge comprises of six traditional caches and one multi-cache which requires the clues to be collected from the other six. All of the caches are on, or near, the route of the 25 mile (40 Km) Allendale Challenge walk / fell run (does anybody actually combine running and geocaching??). The real challenge is to get all seven by walking in one day! A further four caches are on, or near, the route to you could end up grabbing eleven in one day - that's less than 2.5 miles per cache - can't be bad! I know most people won't want to do it like this however, so you can get round just however you like (drive, bike, microlight, lawn mower etc etc) whichever way you like in as long as you like!
Three of the caches are 'low level' and close to the road whilst the other three are 2.5, 5 and 6 mile round walks from the road on moorland paths.
All of the caches have been placed so as to be easy to find - you will have enough on your plate without having to struggle to find them!
Note regarding access
Public access is available over existing rights of way to all sites as described in the individual entries, but after May 2005 when access to common land under the Countryside Rights of Way (CRoW) Act is permitted in this area, more direct means of connecting the caches is possible resulting in a 25 mile circular walk which is the real challenge! I will be publishing the route on www.geohikes.co.uk in the Challenge Walks section for anybody interested after access is permitted and access points published. You will need to check access availability as it is probable some of this moorland will be closed for access at certain times of the year (this does not affect public rights of way however). In the meantime, this route is only possible by taking part in an organised walk (email me for details) or the caches should be accessed individually using the directions included in each cache description. Access maps are available on-line at the Countryside Agency website
Instructions
The position given above is for the start / end of the full Challenge walk, not the cache! The cache however is within 2 miles of this point and I'm not making you walk any more than necessary!
Each of the six caches includes a co-ordinate digit and a phrase to make up the cache clue.
- The co-ordinates are as follows: N54 53.ABC W002 14.DEF
- The cache clue is as follows: A B C D E F
Each caches includes a laminated card with the clues on - please do not remove them! The clues are also written in the logbook inside covers. Slot the entries picked up from the 6 finds into the lines above to get both the actual cache co-ordinates and a clue to help find it. Please log how long it took you to do the challenge when you log the find!
The caches which make up the Allendale challenge are:
If walking the challenge (see access note above) then you will also pass:
Be aware
In order to safely complete the longer walks, you should be adequately prepared for the variable weather conditions that can occur at anytime of the year in the North Pennines. Take spare clothing, plenty of drink and water, don't just rely on a GPSr for navigation, take a map + compass and know how to use it!
If you are tackling the whole route in one go without support are you fit enough! The route includes over 3000 ft of ascent through the 25 miles. The only public transport is the bus from Hexham which crosses the route near Allenheads and that only a few times on a Sunday!
FTF
I figure this one could have three 'Firsts'...
- First to find by any means.
- First to find in one day.
- First to find walking the Challenge route.
A prize is included for the traditional FTF - whether you want it after all this is up to you!
Finally...
If you have any problems, missing cache or just want help in how to do the challenge, please email me and I'll help out. You may come across me some days somewhere on the challenge route - I'm the one with the black dog and yellow Geko GPSr attached to my rucksack shoulder strap! -(er... that's just the Geko, not the dog on the shoulder trap!)
Good Luck!
littlejim