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Geocaching on the Oxford Canal

Route facts

Waterways:
Oxford Canal »

Difficulty: Easy

Starts at: Cache One

Ends at: Cache Three

The canals of Oxfordshire have long been loved for their hidden pathways which give locals and visitors an insight into another side of the county. We like the way you can discover a whole new aspect of well trod places by taking to the towpath and this has inspired us to create our 'curios of the canal trail'.

Geocaching

We’ve also been enjoying geocaching on and around the canals this year. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. Caches are hidden and tracked down using grid coordinates listed on the geocaching website, and hiders and seekers can feedback on their successes online. There are lots of caches to be found on the canals and rivers across the country and if you have a satellite navigation system either for your car or on your phone it's a great way to explore the waterways near you. Find out more on the Geocaching site.

We’ve listed our curios of the canal caches on the geocaching site too so you can go out and find them that way. However, if you prefer your trails a little more low-fi you can use the map and clues below to track down our hidden stashes.

What to do when you come across a cache
Our caches are the traditional variety which contain an item which cache-hunters can either just check out, or replace with an item of their own. If you are intending to do this, remember the cache containers are quite small so taking along something suitably sized (about 5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm) would work best. The cache also generally includes a log book, so please use this to record your visit and any other thoughts you want to share with fellow cache-finders.

The Oxford Canal
The Oxford Canal is an idyllic rural waterway and is one of the most peaceful in the county. The canal stretches for 77 miles from the centre of Oxford to the outskirts of Coventry and is a great place to enjoy a circular walk, a relaxing boat trip or even take part in a bit of nature spotting.

 

Waypoints

1. Canal curio cache 1

Hop onto the canal towpath and follow the canal south from Banbury towards Oxford. As you walk along the canal you'll pass the delightful Mill Arts Centre where you can catch a show or just enjoy cup of tea and a tasty cake in the cafe.

When you get there: look to the side of the bridge behind the bushes.

Easting: 445844, Northing: 240690

2. Canal curio cache 2

As you walk along heading into the Cherwell Valley the canal quickly becomes more rural and leaves the bustling town of Banbury behind. You'll pass the industrial area of this vibrant town which clearly demonstrates the link between the canal and its industrial past.

When you get there: check under the bridge where it meets the grass embankment

Easting: 446037, Northing: 240073

3. Canal curio cache 3

Follow the smell of warm bread as you head north along the canal past the moored boats. The Warburton bakery is located alongside the canal and its appetizing aroma can be smelt from miles away.

When you get there: look under the bridge

Easting: 445666, Northing: 241346