The following few questions were asked of Cotswold Caching members at the beginning of this year, mostly relating to the caching they had partook over the previous year in the area of the Cotswolds. Some of the regular active members of the forum have an interest in underground and extreme caching and this is reflected in one of the questions asked, and some of the answers given to other questions. The Cotswolds is, in our opinion, an area of Outstanding Caching, and as well as some superb adventurous caches, there are many other quality caches to be found. Along with the caches that were given the most votes, some of the others that members have put forward are detailed below, so that if you are reading this and live in, or are intending visiting, the Cotswolds this will help you pick out some good caches to do.
What was your most favourite cache find of 2013 within the region of the Cotswolds?
The cache that was mentioned the most in the survey was Below Above – Gruidae. It is probably of little surprise to us that this particular cache came out on top. A number of the regular forum members attempted this underground 5/5 cache of epic proportions on a group outing, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves doing so. It was clear to all who took part that an immense amount of effort had been put into setting the cache. Well done to the CO, JestersMagpie. Other adventurous caches were also named, these include There And Back Again, Playing around in Kingsdown and h4ck3r by the CO abanazar, and last year’s voted Geocache of all time Fallen Monarch originally set by Bareclawz. Some of the other caches enjoyed by our members were Paxford Bridge, Cache LORAN, Hare of the Dog, and Pinswell Loop (10) - The Butler Did It.
*photo by DizzyPair - On route of Gruidae
What was your most favourite series of caches found in 2013 within the region of the Cotswolds?
The Great Cotswold Walk by CO Rooster72 was named the most. The series includes over 130 caches made up of 3 loops covering approximately 37km. The route takes you via footpaths, bridleways, and country lanes, through the villages including Quenington, Ablington, and others.
*photo by beemerboxer1 - Along route of The Great Cotswold Walk
What is your favourite caching series found of all time within the Cotswolds region?
So many great series in our area, but not one particular series came out top. Series that were named include, in no particular order North Stoke Circular, Many steps through old times, Sisters Wood, Youthful Wanderings, Westcote Wander, Calling..., CacheWalker Challenge, Great Cotswold Walk, Below Above, and Harebushes Wood.
*photo by ChippyBloss - Along route of Many steps through old times
The current Below Above series of caches are located in, or near to, the southern area of the Cotswolds. A number of new caches were added to the Below Above series during 2013. If you completed any of the new caches which one was your favourite?
Two of this series received an equal amount of votes. These were Below Above – Gruidae, a Letterbox Hybrid cache of epic proportions, and Below Above - 165 Eaton Place, Mr Hudson’s Pantry.
Other new Below Aboves were named as favourites included the easiest of the series The Ugly Duckling, and another one of epic proportions, the aptly named Mega Breakfast.
*photo by pig,dog,boyandgirls - Mega Breakfast. "Still 4 hours to go!"