#1 Sidney's Stroll - Viaduct Traditional Geocache
#1 Sidney's Stroll - Viaduct
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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No.1 out of 7 caches in a straightforward linear family-friendly series, following the cycle/footpath from Caerphilly to Taff's Well. The series is just over 2 miles in length, and can be attempted in either direction. Car parking is available near the start of the trail in the nearby housing estate - see separate co-ords. Or, if you do the series in reverse order, parking is available near the final cache, at Taff's Well station.
The other caches in the series are:
#2 - Wall
#3 - Junction
#4 - Ivy
#5 - Fence
#6 - Cottage
#7 - Bridge
This cache is sited near an old railway viaduct, known as the Penhros viaduct, which was built at a time when the South Wales coal industry was thriving and at its peak. This viaduct carried the old Barry Railway over two other local railways. At its busiest this viaduct would have seen numerous steam trains carrying coal from local valley’s mines down to Cardiff docks for export.
The viaduct was dismantled in the late 1930’s, leaving only 3 sets of brick archways remaining. Following the final closure of the railways that passed through this spot, the route of the rail lines was abandoned and forgotten, with the tracks finally removed in the mid 1980's. However, in the mid 1990’s the route was developed as a popular and well used cycle route and footpath. Instead of coal trains, this spot now sees numerous walkers, runners and cyclists.
The cache is a small clip-lock box in a camo bag containing: pencil, log book, pencil sharpener as well as a few swappables. There is room here for trackables. When returning the cache, please remember to cover it carefully with the additional natural covering. Cache has had to be moved a couple of times since it was placed originally - mainly because trees keep getting chopped down! There has been lots of tidying up activities in the vicinity and the area is much improved, with a couple of new benches.
Note that due to heavy tree cover and brick viaduct structures nearby, GPS signal is VERY erratic, and it will be best to rely on the hint and cacher's instinct! The co-ords have been updated, but could be a few feet out. Wellies or sensible footwear are advised since to get to GZ involves negotiating a short climb which gets wet and muddy in bad weather!
Congrats to Canalcruisers on their FTF!
footnote: photo below shows the last ever train to pass this viaduct
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Svir-gehaxrq gerr, arne srapr.