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Unmask the Wonky Maestro!
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Follow the rhythm of the clues and catch the noisy culprit!
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Explore Loughton Differently
Discover somewhere new - or rediscover somewhere you thought you knew.
- Follow a carefully planned self-guided route through the area
- Use real landmarks and features to crack around 18 clever clues
- Notice fascinating features you'd normally walk straight past
- Great fun for everyone from 6 to 106
- Around 2 hours of exploring
Around 2 miles of walking - One trail is perfect for up to 5 people
How it Works
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1. Choose how you want to explore
Use the App, print your Trail at home, or let us print and post it to you.
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2. Access it
instantlyYour App and PDF are ready immediately, whichever option you choose.
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3. Explore
& solveFollow the route and crack the sneaky clues along the way.
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4. Submit
your answerEnter your final
answer online to
reveal the ending.
Great detectives needed!
A mystery is waiting to be solved in
Loughton
Something strange is echoing around Loughton... and it's not the sweet sound of smooth jazz. Each evening, a mystery musician strikes up with a rhythm so wobbly it could start a feud with a metronome. The tempo lurches, the notes wobble and the whole town is treated to an encore of ear-splitting, off-key chaos. Residents are frazzled, the local cat has packed its bags, and even the experts at the National Jazz Archive are horrified that someone might give jazz a bad name.
DCI Scatman Doowop has had enough. The culprit always disappears before anyone can catch them mid-scat, leaving nothing but complaints and confusion behind. Is it a prank? A musical meltdown? Or someone with a score to settle?
Top detectives (that's YOU!) are needed to gather the clues, rule out suspects and crack this toe-tapping case before the rogue performer strikes up again!
Detective Mystery Around Loughton and the Edge of Epping Forest
Looking for a family adventure with a musical twist? This self-guided Detective Mystery Trail leads you around the lively streets of Loughton and out towards the leafy edge of Epping Forest. You'll start at Loughton Underground Station and patrol along the bustling High Road, around historic churches and landmarks, and even near the famous National Jazz Archive as you piece together the evidence.
Along the way, you'll be solving sneaky clues hidden on signs, buildings and memorials while eliminating suspects from your investigation. With scenic forest paths, plenty of cafés and shops for pit stops, and bags of quirky local history to uncover, it's the perfect case for super sleuths of all ages.
So, can YOU follow the rhythm of the clues, identify the noisy culprit and restore harmony to Loughton before jazz's reputation takes another hit?
Every clue brings you closer to the truth...
Piece together the evidence, identify the culprit and discover how the case ends.
Trail Information
Trail Information
Trail Location
The Loughton Treasure Trail starts at:
Loughton Underground Station
Old Station Road
Loughton
Essex
IG10 4PD
England
Sainsbury's Pay & Display Car Park
Old Station Road
Loughton
Essex
IG10 4PD
England
Detective
Mystery
Hours
miles
Not
Accessible
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
Trail Details:
- A self-guided Detective Mystery themed walking Trail around Loughton, Essex.
- Ideal for kids aged 6 - 106!
- 2 mile 'loop' Trail (takes 2+ hours to complete at your own pace).
- Start and finish at Loughton Underground Station.
- Text message service with clues if you get stuck.
- Learn more about where you live or explore somewhere new.
- Download your Trail now for instant fun (or receive your copy in the post)!
More Information:
Navigating The Route
This is a circular Detective Mystery through Loughton’s town centre and forest edge, with sleuths following pavements, clear paths and a short countryside section as they track down the musician behind the offbeat racket.
The investigation includes some steep stretches and a short country path section, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs, but sturdy pushchairs should manage with care.
Important: You will be travelling along busy roads (particularly along High Road) as well as quieter paths and forest-edge sections, so detectives should use crossings where available, stay alert to traffic and keep younger team members under close supervision at all times. Paths may also become muddy or uneven in places, especially near the forest.
Getting There
Time to assemble your squad and open the case file:
By car: Use the long stay car park on Old Station Road (IG10 4PE) - just a short walk from the start point.
By public transport: Your investigation begins outside Loughton Underground Station (IG10 4PD), which is served by the Central Line - making this an easy case to reach by Tube.
Need the Loo?
Even top detectives need a comfort break during a long case! Toilets can be found near Clue 04 and in the supermarket close to the start and end of the Trail.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾. With a mix of town streets and forest-edge paths, it is a great outing for canine companions - just keep leads handy near roads and in busier areas.
Food & Drink Stops
Cracking this case is hungry work! There are plenty of cafés, shops and places to grab refreshments along High Road (Clues 04 to 06 and again near the finish), making it easy to refuel during your investigation.
If you fancy a break, you could also pick up supplies and enjoy a picnic in Epping Forest for a slightly more scenic pause in proceedings.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Scenic Detour - Hilltop Views
If you take the optional detour up York Hill, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Loughton and beyond - a great spot for a breather before diving back into the investigation.
National Jazz Archive - Loughton is home to the National Jazz Archive, a fascinating collection of recordings, memorabilia and documents celebrating the history of jazz. Music lovers might enjoy exploring this treasure trove of musical heritage after completing the case.
Epping Forest Adventures - Right on Loughton's doorstep lies the vast expanse of Epping Forest, once a royal hunting ground and now protected woodland covering around 6,000 acres. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic or explore woodland trails after your detective work is done.
Lopping Hall & Local History - Lopping Hall is one of Loughton's historic landmarks, built after locals fought to keep their traditional 'lopping rights' in the forest. Today it hosts community events and performances – hopefully none quite as chaotic as the mystery musician you're tracking down!
Mini Detective Club
Mini Detective Club
We have three super duper themed Clubs for your child to enjoy as part of their Treasure Trail experience.
Perfect for 4-8 year olds, the concept behind the Clubs is that your child will get a bundle of goodies to excite
them about their forthcoming Trail experience, something to keep them entertained whilst travelling to and from
the Trail, and something to be given on completion of the Trail as a keepsake.
Show more »
What is a Treasure Trail?
What is a Treasure Trail?
