Thomas West Bassenthwaite Lake Stations (Cumbria) Multi-Cache

This cache uses 4 of 21 stations or viewpoints that Thomas West describes in the first popular guide book to the Lake District, 'A guide to the lakes, Cumberland and Westmorland', first published in 1778. Copies available to read in most Cumbrian libraries. West's book was reprinted by Cumbria University in 2008. Apply direct to them for a copy.

Peter Crosthwaite, curator of Keswick museum, first published in 1794, outline maps showing these stations around the four major lakes West described. Crosthwaite's locations have been used here.

Coniston Water has 4 stations, Windermere has 5, Derwentwater has 8 and Bassenthwaite lake has 4. There are two bonus stations elsewhere. All stations were chosen for scenic view and charm, making ideal geocache locations. Nowadays trees have matured to obstruct some of the views.

By visiting all the Thomas West geocaches you will have seen the best views the Lake District has to offer.

Although these stations are described in the order West uses, you can visit them in any order. Spend some time looking at the views.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THOMAS WEST'S STATIONS.

• Station One is Armathwaite Hall, now a 4 star hotel. Rather than tramp around their grounds, we can still appreciate the view from location given. Waypointed Webcam WMBY0 at Armathwaite Hall
  Parking in lay-by 250 metres west.
• Station Two is Scarness headland at above co-ords, but no public access, so next nearest headland instead. May be flooded in very high lake levels. A gentle stroll through fields, fairly level.
• Station Three is the top of a mound near Broadness farm for Thomas West's readers. Nowadays a farmer's field with stock in. Once again as close as we can get but still on the path. Signs on gates warn path may be flooded, and path is between water's edge and winter strand line, with superb views. In places there is duck boarding. Many stiles with dog gates in fence.
• Station Four is location of final cache. It has nearby, easily found parking, and is within few metres of lake.

LAUNCHING INFO
Before launching onto lake, a permit "should" be got from LDNPA on 017687 79633. Cost £3 per boat day, launch free at Peel Wyke. Pheasant Inn, CA13 9YE (very close to Peel Wyke) and Keswick Tourist Information centre in Moot Hall, Keswick for permits on the day. Lake is not patrolled. Rather it is left as a wildlife refuge, especially south end. Keep a look out for osprey, and other nearby caches (Fairy Glen) and waymarks.

NOTES
Map of Bassenthwaite and shore including places of interest and LDNPA contact details. PDF document (1.6 Mb download)

Download multiple waypoints using GRABBER page.

QUESTIONS

1. At Station 1. How many trees ruin the present view towards the lake? This is P.
   How many chimney stacks at Armathwaite Hall have chimney pots? This is Q
   How many chimney stacks at Armathwaite Hall have not got chimney pots? This is R
   
2. At Station 2. How many Allerdale District Council rescue life rings are there? This is S
3. At Station 3. How many concrete slabs are there? This is T
   These slabs are supported on breeze blocks. How many big holes are there in these breeze blocks, in total? This is U

   Divide U by R to get W (U/R=W)

   Add P and Q to get W (P+Q=W)

   Add P and T to get X (P+T=X)

4. Station 4 is at N 54 TW.QXX W 03 PT.STT

You can check your final coords for this cache on Geochecker.com.

CACHE and CONTENTS
Cache is sparse as a SOTAcache, containing:

• Log book
• Pencil
• eraser
• Pencil sharpener None of which are swaps.

Cache was BIOKIPS clear plastic container. Size 12 x 8 x 5 cm internal. Room for small swaps and calling cards.

BONUS CACHE
Four of the Thomas West geocaches contain information to find a bonus Thomas West location and cache.

FACILITIES

• Parking. Dodd Wood Forest Enterprise car park, Scarness hamlet, Bassenthwaite village.
• Toilets. Dodd Wood Forest Enterprise car park.
• Refreshments. Excellent tea shop at Dodd Wood. Castle Inn A591. Pheasant Inn. Pub in Bassenthwaite village. All facilities in Keswick and Cockermouth.

1. GCVVGF Thomas West Bassenthwaite Lake Stations (Cumbria)
2. GCWAW0 Thomas West Bonus Station (Cumbria)
3. GCVTDK Thomas West Brant Fell station (Cumbria)
4. GCWZY0 Thomas West Coniston Water Stations (Cumbria)
5. GCVZYX Thomas West Derwentwater stations (Cumbria)
6. GCWVCW Thomas West Dunmallard station (Cumbria)
7. GCVPHG Thomas West Rawlinson Nab (Cumbria)
8. GCVPGK Thomas West Windermere on Water Station (Cumbria)

Things to remove from a cache and not to swap in the first instance. Food stuff, sweets, batteries, coins, plasters (Band-Aid) anything in a sachet, anything liquid, marker pens.