The Whole Oswald Multi-Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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A traditional Cache located on a riverside walk. The path is waymarked and information boards at the Car Park provide further details of the area and its history. The walk will take an hour to an hour and a half.
The area surrounding Auchincruive Estate is part of the ancient seat of the Cathcarts. The Estate was bought over in 1764 by London merchant Richard Oswald and his family.
Oswald was prominent in negotiating the American Declaration of Independence and was celebrated for his part. He was the chief negotiator and earned the nickname ‘Richard the Peacemaker’. It is less well known that Oswald was also a leading figure in the African Slave Trade.
Oswald Hall, the principal building on the estate includes some interior design by famous architect Robert Adam.
Robert Burns was also said to frequent this area and he found inspiration for his tribute to William Wallace, ‘Scots Wha Hae’ whilst walking in this area. Wallace is reputed to have used the nearby Leglen Woods as a hideout.
The nearby cache site ‘Ayr we go (again) 2!’ courtesy of ‘Flyfishermanbob’ is marked by a monument to both Wallace and Burns.
On your walk look out for the hanging gardens built in 1830 and the Ornamental Gardens built over the site of the ancient Hamlet of Millholm. Both these sites are very near the car park.
Walk upriver from the car park following the sign posted ‘Oswald’s Trail’. Although a fairly well surfaced track, the path can be muddy before, during and after rain!!
Remember the River Ayr meanders through this area so don’t be put off by the spurious satellite coverage under tree cover or a wee red arrow pointing across the river!
Parking: Please note that parking is available 24hours a day. If the gates at the Bridge are closed enter via the main Agricultural college entrance and turn right. This access has an automatic barrier so don’t be put off. Follow this road past Oswald Hall and the parking is at the riverside on the right. This route in gives a close view of Oswald Hall where Robert Adams work can be appreciated.
The Cache:
This cache is in two parts designed entirely to lead the willing victim on a walk through this scenic area. It adds to the walk and experience provided by ‘The Half Oswald’ so we hope you enjoy ‘The Whole Oswald’ experience.
The first ‘find’ will give you the coordinates to a nearby Cache. There is tree cover. Use the clue! Please replace the cover carefully. This is a muggle friendly area...
Tip: After the first set of coordinates, loop your walk uphill and around the very obvious feature then watch the coordinates being bamboozled by the tree cover…
After (hopefully) recovering the cache you have two options:- If you have a stroller, back track and take the obvious angled path back down to the river side.
Otherwise continue on the cliff top walk until the singletrack. Follow this along the fence line for a different perspective from your walk in. A broad diagonal path leads back down to the River Ayr and this fork has been waymarked to assist although a good sense of direction will lead you there.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Find 1]: N pbhcyr bs fgrcf qbja.
[Cache]: Qbja va gur thyyl ybbxvat onpx hc gb jurer lbh jrer.