Alresford - Centre & Riverside

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Alresford Centre & Riverside, with Super Spies sent to track down clues around Alresford to crack the code and deactivate a toxic device set by the Plotters, who plan to poison the area's water sources and damage the local environment.

The operation covers 1.6 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll start at Alresford Watercress Line train station, investigate the town centre and Broad Street, follow the riverside path, pass through the playing fields and church grounds, use the walled footpath through the churchyard, and loop back to the railway station car park beyond the medical centre.

This Trail is pushchair accessible. Although this Trail is marked as wheelchair friendly, wheelchair users should note that assistance may be required in some places. The route includes pavements, road crossings, a footpath by the river, a gate into the playing fields and a walled footpath through the churchyard. The riverside path encountered along part of this Trail can be muddy at times in wet weather, so please wear suitable footwear.

Keep Mini Agents close around road crossings, including the main road pedestrian crossing and other careful crossings along the route. Take care near the river on the riverside path too.

Getting There

By car: Your mission begins at Alresford Watercress Line train station (SO24 9JG). Park there to start the mission.

Alternatively, park at Alton railway station and travel to Alresford on the Watercress Line, then make a swift and discreet getaway back to Alton by train when you have completed your mission.

By public transport: The Mid-Hants Watercress Line runs between Alresford and Alton, where it connects to the National Rail network. Make your way to Alresford Watercress Line train station to begin the operation.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available next to Alresford Surgery, between Clues 02 and 03 and at Clue 20. You'll also pass an unassuming toilet block on the route.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome to join the operation 🐾

The route includes pavements, road crossings, the riverside path, playing fields and churchyard paths, so keep canine recruits close around traffic and near the river. Expect muddy paws on the riverside section in wet weather.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-cracking is hungry work, but there are plenty of places to grab a bite along the route, including quaint shops and cafes on Broad Street.

If you prefer to bring your own field rations, there are picnic opportunities beside the river at or beyond Clue 07, or in the park at Clue 10.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Broad Street

Broad Street is described as the prettiest street in Hampshire, and the mission sends you right along it. With quaint shops and cafes to investigate, it's a pleasant part of Alresford to linger in once the Plotters' trail has gone quiet.

Mid-Hants Watercress Line

The heritage railway runs 10 miles from Alresford to Alton, where it connects to the National Rail network. It got its popular name because it was used to transport locally grown watercress to markets in London - useful intel for any Agents arriving by steam-powered transport.

Riverside Walk, Fulling Mill and Eel House

The route follows signs towards Riverside Walk, Fulling Mill and Eel House before heading down Mill Hill. For a short optional detour, continue along the riverside path to see the old Eel House - the round trip is only about 10 minutes.

Alresford Churchyard

The mission enters the church grounds and churchyard, then follows the path to the right of the church and out along the walled footpath. Take a little extra time here if you can, especially to look out for the French gravestones passed on the route.