Winchcombe series

W (Winchcombe) Series, 25 caches, 9 miles, starting nr. Farmcote

Hello!

I really wanted to go caching this weekend but the weather didn't look promising. As the week progressed, it seemed as if it was, in fact, going to be sunny on Sunday morning, so we decided to be up and walking by 9am at the latest so that we could complete this new series before the forecasted rain began.

We were glad that the forecast seemed correct on the morning, and we set off with high hopes for a good walk in an area we know is beautiful. It was surprisingly chilly once we stepped out of the car, and we were already captivated by the great view before us - and we hadn't even gotten our boots on yet!

The views were even greater once we were on the footpath, it was stunning how the landscape was lit by the early morning sunshine.

Fantastic views; Dumbleton Hill and Bredon Hill visible in the distance

There was also plenty of sheep to be seen right from the beginning, which signalled that we were in proper Cotswold country.

Sheep and the view behind them

There were some super cache placements, all of which were in sensible, purposeful locations. Also, the caches were all well-stocked, which is a rarity these days. For this reason, it felt like a real back to basics series.

The views continued; after walking around a farmyard and along a quiet lane for a few hundred metres, we turned right to battle a strong westerly wind. The views towards Cleeve Common, however, more than made up for it.

View towards Cleve Common 

The superb views and good caches continued right down into Winchcombe. We could see dark clouds in the distance, which we reckoned were two hours away, and we were only just nearing the half way point - we hoped that we could continue the walk in the lovely sunshine, which was enhancing our already breathtaking surroundings.

Just before entering Winchcombe, we saw some lambs, the first I've seen this year.

Lambs

Winchcombe itself was filled with muggles. There was a newly completed path which welcomed plenty of dog walkers and runners, so we had to be patient and stealthy at the locations for the caches along this stretch.

We then walked along a section of the Cotswold Way known as the Pilgrims Way, which was a historical causeway, with many of the residences named after monasterial terms.

We knew that having walked down the hill into Winchcombe, we'd have to go back up at some point. It was worth it, though, as we enjoyed even more views which were emerging all around us. It's always great to feel elevated on a walk, and that's exactly what we felt along this stretch.

Even more great views as the walk uphill begins

As we continued uphill, we spotted a familiar name in one of the logbooks: castleferrets - they must be out walking in the area as well... would we bump into them? Once at the top of the hill, some of the best views of the day could be enjoyed as the sun continued to shine.

The views remain, even better on top of the hill again

We were then nearly at the end of the series, with just a couple more caches to go and a Church Micro - if 'Church Micro Awards' existed, I think that this Farmcote one would easily win 'Best location'! We chuckled at the sign on the stile, and then crossed the ploughed field to the final cache of the series which was quickly found, a unique container in another good spot.

We bumped into castleferrets on the way back to the car. After a quick chat, we went our separate ways as they had another cache to do and we needed to head off to the Bonus, which was a large, well-stocked container and a fitting end to a fantastic series just as it began to drizzle.

I cannot fault this series; the landscape was beautiful, the views consistently superb and the caches were all well stocked and of high quality. There was also a wide variation in terrain, which always makes a walk all the more enjoyable. I definitely recommend this series, a simply stunning walk on a sunny Sunday morning.

So, I think that's it from me! Unfortunately, I won't be able to go caching until the end of May (although I may find the odd cache from time to time), so until then... happy caching!

Griff Grof

New Years day on Fan y big and Cribyn

Hello,

A couple of days have gone by, but this is my account on my New Years Day trip to the Brecon Beacons with caching friend tarmacjohn and my dad. A fine way to start a year, and we picked up two super caches on the way, on two high peaks - Fan y big, and then Cribyn. We battled the bitter winds, and the steep terrain for these, and due to time had to leave Corn Du and Pen y fan for another day.

We set off in the dark from Worcestershire, and were welcomed into the Welsh mountains by a bitter cold wind- and we were only just in the car park!

It was a two mile walk to the first cache at the first peak, BBC7 The Diving Board, and to get there we were walking along a relatively flat track, but it was by no means easy terrain! It was rocky wet, and we even had to cross a river at one point!

It was a steep climb up Fan y Big, and at the top there was even snow - the wind chill must have dropped the temperature to -10!  At the diving board we each had a photo taken, whilst working out the caches final location. It was then off to GZ, where we found the cache in its resting place. A super find and one of my all time caching highlights!

Next it was off to Cribyn, the next peak, after deciding that it would be our last due to the freezing temperatures - we'd be back to climb the other two soon! There was an Earthcache near the summit of Cribyn too!

An even steeper climb up to this one, but the views were well worth it at the top! The Earthcache was easy enough, and actually answered a question about the landscape that I was pondering upon as I came up.

Overall a very, very good day and a great way to start 2013 - apologies for the short and snappy post, but I'm tight on time, and I didn't want to postpone writing this any longer - I may come back and edit it soon though!

Happy new year!

Griff Grof