Exploring Nottingham’s Favourite Geocache
Key Information About The Geocache
Name of Geocache: Cold War Cache
Geocache Code: GC32REK
Difficulty: 5 out of 5
Terrain: 5 out of 5
Size: Other
Recommended Footwear: Hiking Boots
Special Requirements: Bring A Torch
Hint: No Hint Left By The Cache Owner
Introduction
Right here in the heart of Nottinghamshire is probably our most famous cache. It’s so famous we get Geocachers travelling here from all over England to search for it. It’s a crazy cache and well worth the adventure and it’s great for history buffs too!
Cotgrave Country Park Circular AllTrails Map
Explore this route for yourself! Check the full details and map on AllTrails. Click here! 🥾
Next to the Trig Point
There are several routes to the Trig Point and the hidden cache. Following the Geocache directions on the app we walked up a muddy field towards some small trees. Hidden in the trees we came across an old and weathered concrete box about a metre high. Note: The farmer requests that explorers walk along the edge of his fields rather than straight across. Walking up you’ll notice little planes flying over…but more about this later!
The Cold War
This strange concrete box is the hidden entrance to a 1950’s underground nuclear bunker. It was built during the Cold War when we were afraid of a nuclear attack from the Russians. The British government built lots of these secret bunkers all over the country. This one was used by volunteers to record data on nuclear strikes and radiation levels, and a crew of three could live down there if necessary. This one at Clipston on the Wolds next to Cotgrave closed in 1968, and was later damaged by fire. These bunkers were abandoned after the breakup of the Soviet Union on 26 December 1991.
Looking for the Cache
The entrance to the bunker is on top of the concrete cube which was tricky to clamber over and onto the long ladder fixed to the inside wall. I managed to climb down the very long ladder, must be about 15 struts. It’s very narrow and a bit grubby so wear old clothes. The ladder is slippy – be careful!
Inside the Bunker
This is a creepy and abandoned place. I had my phone torch, but I’d recommend a proper torch too. Shining the light around the room the first thing I could see were very rusty metal bunk beds and the walls were covered in graffiti. There are lots of bricks scattered over the floor, so you need to be careful of trip hazards.
Where’s the Cache?
No Spoiler! I’m not going to tell you where the cache is hidden that would ruin your fun and sense of achievement. I managed to find it so keep on looking! There’s so much rubble and mess I didn’t think I’d be able to find it…but I did.
Don’t go alone!
There’s a green metal lid lying on the ground next to the bunker and I was scared that someone might lock me down there forever! If you are claustrophobic don’t go down the ladder.
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Conclusion
This is an exciting cache in Nottingham, are you brave enough to find it? Once found you can head over to Nottingham City Airport – a tiny airfield at Tollerton and grab a coffee and watch the little planes take off and land. Flying is mostly on Thursdays and at the weekend.
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FAQs About Clipston on the Wolds Nuclear Bunker
The bunker was part of a network of underground structures used during the Cold War by the Royal Observer Corps to monitor nuclear fallout and attacks.
The bunker is situated in a farmer's field near Clipston. It's recommended to use geocaching apps or GPS for precise location details, and to respect the property by sticking to the field edges.
Yes, Nottinghamshire is dotted with several Cold War bunkers, each with its unique history. These include the Nottingham War Room, Edwards Lane Civil Defence Bunker, and others.
To find a geocache near you, create a free account on Geocaching.com or through the Geocaching® app. View a map of geocaches near you and use the app to navigate to a geocache. Bring a pen for the logbook.
Geocaches are hidden but not buried. Respect the environment and do not disturb the natural area. Geocaches are meant to be cleverly hidden and can be disguised, but not typically buried underground.
