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This cache has been places so as to be
accessible to wheelchair users. Please ensure that you replace and
disguise it exactly as you found it. Thank you. Handicache
rating = H52112. |
This cache has been moved from its original position
(< 5 meters) and the regular container has been downgraded to a
35mm film canister micro cache. I use the term ‘downgraded’ as I
personally feel that rural caches should be housed in regular
containers unless there is a specific overriding reason for a
micro. However, following 2 recent mugglings of the cache and
wanting to keep it wheelchair accessible, I have had to resort to a
micro as I have been unable to find an alternative accessible
hiding place at this location. As a micro it has a stubby pencil
but I would recommend you take your own biro. I am still working on
a ‘real cache’ option so if, like me, you are not a micro fan then
put this on your watch list and visit this one when I‘ve
succeeded.
This cache can be done on its own or with the 3 other accessible
caches in the Line of Strawberries
series:
A Line of Strawberries – Mini Multi - (1 Ltr
regular)
A Line of Strawberries - Biddle Street - (1
Ltr regular)
A Line of Strawberries - Mischievous Micro -
(micro, but you’ll see why when you find it!)
Cyclists can complete this series then follow the Strawberry
Line via Winscombe (7 miles), where Shrubbery Man has placed 3
further accessible caches along the cycle track (1. Red Dot Nano 2. Brer Rabbit 3. Strawberry Tunnel), then on to Cheddar
for a cream tea (10 miles). There are also several other caches
near to the cycle path.
Access
The access route follows the Cheddar Valley Railway, known locally
as the Strawberry Line. This branch line of the Bristol and Exeter
Railway Company was built in 1869 to connect with ‘Gods Wonderful
Railway’. It was used to export the world famous Cheddar
strawberries grown on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills. The
line was closed in 1963 and is now a public footpath currently
being upgraded to open as part of the National Cycle Network in
2007. The track bed is firm and cycle/wheelchair friendly in all
but the wettest weather.
The recommended start point is at Yatton station N51°23.3929'
W002°49.6540' (British Grid ST 42516 66089). This station is now managed by Wessex Trains and can
be used by those not wishing to travel by car - click here for train times . There is also car parking
here. The cache is just over 1 mile from the station.
An alternative start is via Chescombe Road, Yatton, park at
N51°22.9599' W002°49.3832' (British Grid ST 42729 65223) though
access from here can be muddy for wheelchairs following heavy rain.
The cache is ½ mile from here.
The Area
The walk along the trackbed to the cache takes you over Somerset
levels wetlands and is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife
enthusiasts. Many of rhynes and ditches fall within the Biddle
Street SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) because of their
associated aquatic and marginal plants and invertebrate
communities. Much of the farmland surrounding the cache is open
access under the Country Stewardship Scheme and provides excellent
walking country for the more mobile. Looking South West from the
cache location two large nest boxes can be seen in the second
field. Both Kestrels and Barn Owls have nested in these - the best time to view
Barn Owl activity is at dusk - take binoculars!
Further information links:
The
Cheddar Valley Railway Walk Society
National Cycle Network (Sustrans)
To see an Ordnance Survey map showing the parking options copy
the coordinates (below) and paste them into this
website
