Thorley Loop Traditional Cache
HorsellHunter: closing cache as moving from area
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This traditional cache has been hidden on a footpath at the western end of the Isle-of-Wight. It makes a 20 minutes loop walk.
This traditional cache can be found by exploring beautiful countryside at the Western end of the Isle of Wight. It has been hidden off the Yarmouth Y8 footpath and makes a splendid 20 minute loop walk across a mixture of footpath and quiet country lanes. You will enjoy fine views of farmland, St Swithin’s church and Afton down.
The recommended starting point is in main road Thorley by the bus stop (route 7) and beside a telephone box (N50.41.745 W001.28.066). Buses can be boarded at Yarmouth if arriving by Wightlink ferry. Thorley is a small hamlet and on the popular round-the-island cycle route. Cycles or cars will need to be parked in the village before starting the hunt on foot. The ground can be muddy in winter and is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. In spring, vegetation grows rapidly and may need wading through.
Beside an old barn take the Y8 footpath signed to Hill Place Lane (you may prefer to enter the first field via the 5 bar gate -normally unlocked, 20 metres further down Thorley main road). You go straight across this meadow and cross a small bridge over Thorley Brook and take the footpath through a field with young saplings. You can either take the path through an old copse or walk beside the edge of the field if it is muddy! Both are equally convenient to find the cache.
This traditional Tupperware cache has been hidden just off part of the old Freshwater to Newport railway line. But this part of the line is now unrecognisable as a disused railway line and nothing like the Yarmouth section which is a popular and highly recommended cycle and walking path right beside the Yar estuary which is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
After finding the cache you can continue on Y8 across a nearby stile along the edge of a farmer’s field (often planted with wheat) to Hill Place Lane. Then walk down this single-track quiet lane and turn left into Thorley village. You pass St.Swithin’s church with its multitude of wild flowers and bells that date back to 1260.
Initially constructed in 1886 – 1888, the railway started full passenger use in May 1889. It was never the most successful line and operated in bankruptcy for many years. The final axe fell, along with many other rail lines, with the last train running on 20 Sept 1953. Slow_loris has placed a series of caches along the path of the old railway line and these are all recommended if you are wanting to hunt out a series of caches.
If you fancy refreshments before or after your travels, the Horse and Groom in Ningwood (N50 42.050 W001 26.1) or the New Inn in Shalfleet (N50 42.1 W001 24.893) are close by and popular with locals and tourists. Both have good food with the former also having excellent outdoor children’s play facilities. They are located on the main Newport/ Yarmouth road. Alternatively you can visit the ancient village of Yarmouth which is well worth exploring. It has a number of unusual shops, a fortress from Henry VIII period and some great pubs, restaurants and tea rooms.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Onfr bs n gerr