The Kissing Tree Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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At the summit of the Fereneze Braes, there was an old thorn, well known locally as "The Kissing Tree". The story goes that if a young man could drive a nail fully into the thorn tree he would be entitled to "ae fond kiss" on the spot from his sweetheart. Success in the task was considered proof of his suitability as a good suitor for the young lady.
The Fereneze Braes lie to the West of Barrhead. East Renfrewshire Council working in partnership with Woodneuk Farm, Killoch Farm, Fereneze Golf Club and Renfrewshire Council has created a 9km walking route linking to the Glennifer Braes Country Park. Funding of the path network has been provided by Scottish Natural Heritage, The Paths for All Partnership, East Renfrewshire Council and Barrhead and Neilston Area Committee. The highest point along the new route is 219m and there are panoramic views over Barrhead, Glasgow, The Campsie Fells and beyond.
You can start from Barrhead near to the railway station, where there is plenty of parking on Graham Street, or the carpark at Brownside farm. Alternatively, park on Fereneze Road and walk up Killoch Glen, a favourite spot of the poet Robert Tannahill. The parking is quite limited here though.
There are a number of routes to the cache but if you follow the path to the reservoirs checking out the ruined steading at N55º 48.393 W004º 25.690 then you can nip through the gate at N55º 48.369 W004º 25.818. The cache is a short distance further on. Since you've come this far, you may as well carry on up to the nearby cairn which is the highest point along the route to Gleniffer Braes Country Park. There is no need to climb barbed wire fences, gates are provided, please use them.
As these paths provide access to open hill grazing expect big hairy heilan coos with horns or sheep for company. Please keep any dogs out of mischief.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre n yvggyr ebpxl bhgpebc, uvqqra jvgu fgbarf.