Earlier this year, three of the oldest
caches in Bedfordshire needed major maintenance. Sadly, the CO's
were no longer active and the necessary updates could not be made
and the caches were archived. It seemed a shame to lose this great
mini-series in such a nice location so, in conjunction with other
local cachers, I have relisted the caches in as close to their
original form as possible.
A Clappers Caper
(Final Part - Delectable Mountain)
This cache is the final part in a series
of three. You will need to complete parts 1 and 2 in order to get
the proper co-ordinates for this cache. The waypoint co-ordinates
above represent the general area only (parking) and will not help
you find the cache. Each of the three have their own standard cache
container to find and are set within the area known as Sharpenhoe
Clappers. The terrain is generally good (can get muddy in heavy
winter) with a few gentle climbs/scrambles and is great fun for the
kids.
Owned by the National Trust, Sharpenhoe
Clappers is an attractive chalkland spur crowned by a graceful
stand of beeches and an Iron Age fort. The hill rises to 525 feet,
providing excellent views, and is fringed by Clappers Wood. Trails
lead through the wood, and wildflowers abound in summer. It is in
the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Parking is
available at N51˚ 57.266 W000˚ 27.054 and 'refreshments'
are available a little further down the road.
Final Part - Delectable
Mountain
The views from the top of the Clappers
explain why John Bunyan took this site for his 'Delectable
Mountain' in "Pilgrim's Progress."
To find the cache you will need to complete A
Clappers Caper - Part 1 (Indian Outpost?). Inside this cache you
will find the latitude that you will need. You will also need to
complete A Clappers Caper - Part 2 (Robertson Remembered). In this
cache you will be given the longitude. Put them together and you
will have the co-ordinates that lead to this cache. I'm sure that
being a religious person, John Bunyan would have been proud of your
pilgrimage to this HOLY (well almost) hiding place. Please make
sure that the cache is well hidden as many people pass along
here.
There is considerable tree cover during the
summer months, but you can still get a GPS signal
(just).
As well as the wonderful views on the way to
this cache you will be rewarded with a better than average
selection of goodies for the final cache of the series. Please feel
free to take something but do leave something of a similar quality
so that this cache remains a good reward for completing all three
caches. The cache is a 2 litre container.
Cache placed with the kind permission of the National
Trust.