Blind Harry's Hill Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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A brisk climb to the top of a dramatic hill, with great views over most of East Ayrshire - including Wallace's battlefield, the Pub and the gravel pits!
The A71. Don't you just hate it? Get behind a big tanker at Galston and you'll still be behind it at Strathaven. Try to overtake, and you will find some crazy in a Renault Meganne coming straight towards you out of a blind dip or a hidden corner. Its only saving grace is the looming presence of Loudoun Hill, appearing out of the mist as you drive eastwards down Darvel hight street.
Another of these geat dramatic volcanic plugs, the hill marks the eastern end of the Irvine Valley. From its summit there is an extensive view over Ayrshire to the Firth of Clyde and Arran. The hill has witnessed the passage of history from the earliest times. An iron-age homestead is located at the foot of the south-east slope. Nearby at Allanton Beg a Roman fort was built. The current A71 is probably the line of the Roman road as it left the fort. Sir William Wallace defeated an English force at Loudoun Hill in 1296 and King Robert the Bruce inflicted greater punishment on the English in 1307. A large Conventicle (outdoor religious service) held in the vicinity in 1679 led on to the humiliation of Claverhouse by the covenanters at the battle of Drumclog. The Viaduct which crossed the valley from Allanton carried the line of the Caledonian Railway Company. It was opened in 1905 and was a very visible monument to the railway age until it was considered “unsafe” and demolished in 1986. The “unsafe” viaduct took several attempts to blow it up before it finally succumbed. All in all, a great wee walk.
There is parking for three cars at N55 37.077 W004 12.865. Walk a little bit up the road to the style and obey the sign that says dogs must be on leads. Yes, Bob, this means you. follow the white markers over two more styles then follow your nose up the hill. There are steep drops at the top of the hill, so keep those pesky dogs on their leads and watch young children.
After finding the cache you may find it hard not to nip across the road to the Loudoun Hill pub for a refreshing drop of Bellhaven's Best. Cheers!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre n clenzvq funcrq ebpx. Lbh jvyy arrq ybat nezf.
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