Skipton - Castle & Canalside

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Skipton Castle & Canalside, with Agents sent by Spy HQ into Skipton to stop evil butcher Scott Cheggs and his 'Puffinator' from ruining rival pork pies by finding the de-activation code.

The mission covers 2.1 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll start by the canal near Coach Street car park, investigate the scenic canalside and Spring Canal area, head through historic town streets, tackle Chapel Hill, pass behind Skipton Castle and loop back towards the canal and car parks.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes clear footpaths, pavements, potentially muddy towpaths, cobbles and some steps, plus a steep hill up Chapel Hill.

Take care on the towpaths as there are no railings along the water's edge. One clue is reached by stepping into the churchyard up the steps, and the churchyard is locked after 6pm. Busy roads and crossings are used through town, and you should avoid crossing the 1999 bridge mentioned in the route.

Getting There

By car: Start your operation at the small grassy area next to the canal, opposite the vehicle entrance to Coach Street car park (BD23 1LQ). Park up in either Bridge Street long stay car park (BD23 1LQ) or Coach Street long stay car park (BD23 1LQ), both on Coach Street.

By public transport: Make your way to the small grassy area next to the canal, opposite the vehicle entrance to Coach Street car park (BD23 1LQ), to begin the mission. The circular route returns to the start area and finishes back near the canal and car parks.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets can be found in the car park near the start and end of the Trail, and in the town centre towards the middle. The route also passes toilets in the bus station, giving Agents a few handy comfort-stop opportunities during the operation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents can join the mission 🐾

The route includes town pavements, busy roads and crossings, cobbles, steps, a steep hill up Chapel Hill and potentially muddy towpaths. Keep canine recruits close near traffic and take extra care along the canal, where there are no railings along the water's edge.

Food & Drink Stops

Stopping a pork pie catastrophe is hungry work. Refreshment opportunities are plentiful towards the second half of the Trail in the town centre, and Skipton has a wealth of pubs and cafes offering great food.

If you'd rather pack your own spy rations, picnic spots are suggested along the canal at the start or near Clues 17/18.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Skipton Canal

The mission explores the scenic canalside and the Spring Canal area, with towpath sections alongside the water. You'll also pass under and around several bridges and canal junction areas, making this a cracking stretch to enjoy at a slower pace once the de-activation code is safely under control.

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle is one of the main landmarks on the Trail. The route passes behind the castle before returning to the town, putting this historic stronghold close to the canal and Skipton's old streets - ideal for Agents who like their operations with a hefty dose of castle atmosphere.

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church has had a pretty turbulent past, being ransacked by troops during the Civil War and struck by lightning at least three times. The 1925 strike split the organ in two, making such an almighty wail that it scared the local residents.

Craven Court Shopping Centre and the Market Cross Bell

The old market cross was once used to mark the start and end of trading by a bell at the top, and it was also used to publicly punish sheep and cattle rustlers. The Market Cross Bell now lives in Craven Court Shopping Centre, so keep your eyes peeled for a bit of town-centre history between mission moves.

Skipton Castle Woods

If you have time, why not explore Skipton Castle Woods? This optional detour heads off Chapel Hill, giving your squad an extra wander once the main operation has been cracked.