Although the Su Doku appears to be a recent craze, it can be traced back to a game called Latin Squares which was invented by an 18th century Swiss mathematician called Leonhard Euler. It was introduced into Japan in 1984 where, as crosswords were unknown because of the pictogram style of the alphabet, the Su Doku flourished. In Japanese
su means number and
doku means solitary.
The object is to complete the grid in such a way that each number from 0-8 appears just once in each row, column and block. NB these figures differ from the ones usually used in a Su Doku.
The letters that appear in the grid should be ignored in the first instant but once you have completed the puzzle, transfer the digits from the lettered squares to complete the coordinates below.
Originally the coordinates lead you to an unconventional cache, but this was stolen in 2007 and since then the cache has been a 35mm container. I am pleased to report that as from today 16/4/10 the cache is now back to its former glory, ie. a small pot bird. Well what else would you expect to produce a Pseudo Coo !!
The headline coordinates are a random spot within 5 miles of the cache. When you have solved the puzzle you will see that there is a clearly defined parking place for the cache. Regretably, since 2007 the National Trust have now started charging non members for parking here. One hour should be sufficient for the full circular walk and the cache.
From the Car Park, there is the easy route and the hard route. For the easy route, take either of the two obvious paths even though your GPS may disagree. Walk until you find another obvious and fairly gradual uphill path ( it is the same one whichever way you go) and, from then, you are on your own. For the hard route,follow the GPS.
This is a popular area but few people venture to this part of it. Take a picnic and a nice bottle of wine and enjoy some peace and quiet.
As the GPS signal may be intermittent, please regard the clue as a spoiler.
You will find the cache at N 50.4a.bcd--W002.5e.fgh
Please ensure that the cache is concealed by bark when you leave.