Aberfeldy - River, Watermill & Parks

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Aberfeldy River, Watermill & Parks, with Detectives helping Detective Chief Inspector Holly Wood investigate the slumped soap actress Emma Dale and work through clues around Aberfeldy to help unmask the culprit before the credits roll.

The investigation covers approximately 1.25 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll begin at Chapel Street Car Park, just off the village square, then follow the case through Aberfeldy, taking in the village square, Bridgend, Victoria Park, riverside sections by the River Tay, The Watermill and the route's parks before returning towards the start area.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to steps and country paths. Some parts may be muddy or slippery, and there are no pavements on part of Mill Brae. On the riverside section, if the ground is very wet or steps cannot be managed, you may proceed along the roadway instead.

Cross the road at pedestrian crossings and use the left-hand crossing at Crieff Road. Watch out for unfenced sections of riverside, and take care on roads, especially where there are no pavements.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Chapel Street Car Park, just off the village square, Aberfeldy (PH15 2AS). This is also the recommended car park for your squad car.

To return to your squad car at the end, with the Information Centre behind you, head left and left again at the mini-roundabout to go back down Chapel Street to where you began.

By public transport: Make your way to Chapel Street Car Park, just off the village square in Aberfeldy, to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort-stop intel, Detectives: toilets are available at The Birks cinema, after Victoria Park, and in the Locus Centre at the end.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome on this case. 🐾

The route is dog friendly, and one cafe at the start and end is specifically dog friendly too. Keep canine colleagues close around roads, especially where there are no pavements, and take extra care beside unfenced riverside sections. Steps, country paths and muddy or slippery patches may also mean mucky paws after wet weather.

Food & Drink Stops

A good investigation runs on snacks as well as evidence. There are cafes at the start and end of the route, and Aberfeldy has plenty of shops, cafes and pubs to enjoy.

If you'd rather pack provisions, bring a picnic to enjoy by the River Tay at Clues 12 and 13.

Want to Make a Day of It?

The Birks of Aberfeldy

Robert Burns visited Aberfeldy in 1787 and the Den of Moness, a wooded gorge on the edge of town. Inspired by its natural beauty, he penned his popular poem, The Birks of Aberfeldy. You can visit the natural rock seat where Burns sat, known as Burns' Cave, and explore some of the paths around the Birks of Aberfeldy area.

The Watermill

The Watermill is a cracking extra stop for literary Detectives. It combines an award-winning bookshop, gallery, cafe and homeware shop on three floors of a converted oatmeal mill. It was opened in 2005 by Michael Palin, less than two years after its owners first viewed the derelict listed mill building.

Aberfeldy Golf Course scenic detour

For an optional scenic detour, there is public access at Aberfeldy Golf Course. Keep to the rough paths and you can enjoy a lovely stroll, including several bridges over the river.

Aberfeldy war memorial

The route passes the Aberfeldy war memorial after heading through the village square and along Bridgend. Pause here to find the memorial to those who died after 1945 before continuing the investigation through town.