Buckland Newton - Geese & Lanes

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery through Buckland Newton and the surrounding Dorset countryside, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Steve Tichup investigate what happened to goose herder Xander Gander, who was found slumped among his honking flock.

The case covers approximately 2.8 miles and should take around 3 hours to complete. You’ll follow clues from The Old Chapel Stores, along village lanes, past the school, village hall, The Gaggle of Geese, Court Farm Business Park, bridleways, countryside paths and Holy Rood Church before looping back towards the start.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route uses bridleways, footpaths, lanes, church grounds and rural tracks, with some sections that can become muddy, slippery or properly welly-worthy after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wetter weather.

There are several stretches with no pavement, plus road crossings, industrial units, possible moving vehicles and a final return route involving stiles. Keep younger Detectives close and take extra care around traffic, horses, churchyard paths and any slippery ground.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and start unravelling this feathery mystery:

By car - Make your way along the B3143 and park your squad car wherever you can find a space near The Old Chapel Stores (DT2 7DA), using ///sharpens.wiggles.fortress.

Once parked, report for duty by the shop and prepare to begin the case. Your first clue is nearby, so don’t flap off too quickly.

By public transport - Make your way to Buckland Newton village centre, then head for The Old Chapel Stores to begin the investigation.

Need the Loo?

Even sharp-eyed Detectives need a comfort break before chasing clues through lanes and bridleways. Toilets are available at the Parish Pavilion around Clue 04 and at the church around Clue 15, giving you a couple of useful stops during the case.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the outdoor investigation 🐾

This route includes village lanes, bridleways, footpaths, church grounds, road sections, stiles and rural paths. Keep dogs close throughout, especially near traffic, horses, the industrial units, churchyard areas and any livestock or wildlife. After wet weather, expect muddy paws and a strong chance of “evidence” being sniffed in entirely the wrong direction.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a goose-herder mystery can leave the whole squad peckish.

Stock up at the village shop before tackling the case, or pause for refreshments at The Gaggle of Geese near Clue 09. Check opening times before relying on it, but its outdoor space makes a handy place to compare suspicions, refuel and give everyone’s detective boots a breather.

Want to Make a Day of It?

The Gaggle of Geese

The Gaggle of Geese is the most useful day-extender on the route, especially if your squad fancies a proper sit-down refreshment stop mid-case. Its outdoor space makes it a natural pause point before the investigation heads deeper into countryside territory.

Church of the Holy Rood

The investigation includes Holy Rood Church, which has an unusual claim to fame as the only church in Dorset with a rendered exterior, added to protect the soft rubble used in its construction. Its porch sundial also sits at a jaunty angle because the building is not aligned exactly east-west.

Buckland Newton Countryside

This Trail is a proper countryside case, with bridleways, lanes, footpaths and wide rural stretches giving it a very different feel from a town-centre mystery. In dry weather, it’s a lovely way to linger outdoors and enjoy the Dorset lanes at a gentler pace.

The Old Chapel Stores

Since the case starts near The Old Chapel Stores, it’s a practical first stop for snacks and supplies before setting off. Very handy for fuelling Detectives, Mini-Detectives and anyone who takes their goose-related investigations better with provisions in their pocket.