Coltishall - Gateway to the Broads

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Coltishall, with sleuths following clues through the village, along the River Bure, over uneven paths and past historic village features to uncover who brought the curtain down on Mike Raffone of The Norfolk Coast Boys.

The investigation covers approximately 2.8 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. Detectives will be patrolling village roads, riverside areas, a bridle path, the Bure Valley Walk and churchyard surroundings as the evidence starts to sing.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. You will encounter a couple of stretches of uneven ground, plus a steep path near the Bure Valley Walk. If that slope is too slippery, there is an alternative route available using the nearby roads instead. There are also some busy roads along the route, so keep younger Detectives and canine colleagues close at all times.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and strike up the investigation:

By car - Park your squad car alongside the King’s Head (NR12 7EA), where the investigation begins.

Your first clues are found in the car park area, so gather everything you need before setting off. Later in the route, take great care along the B1150, as this can be a busy road.

By public transport - Make your way into Coltishall village, then head for the King’s Head to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Even top Detectives need a comfort break before tackling a musical mystery. The only public toilets on the route are at the start and end, in the block to the rear of the King’s Head, so it is well worth making use of them before you set off.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

This route includes riverside areas, village roads, a bridle path, churchyard surroundings and uneven ground, so keep canine colleagues close throughout. Take extra care near the water, along busy roads and on rougher sections. Dogs must be kept on a lead along the bridle path section.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a rhythm heist can leave any squad feeling peckish.

Refreshments are only available at the start and end of the route, so it is a smart idea to plan ahead. If you bring your own supplies, there is a good chance for a picnic by the water around Clues 03-04, which makes a lovely little pause before the investigation heads further into the village.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Riverside Green and the River Bure

The early part of the investigation follows the riverside, giving Detectives a scenic start beside the water. Coltishall marks the start of the navigable section of the River Bure, so it is a lovely place to pause, enjoy the Broads atmosphere and watch the river life drift by.

Bure Valley Walk and Railway

Part of the route joins the Bure Valley Walk beside the train line. The Bure Valley Railway runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, with Coltishall as one of its intermediate stops, making it a great extra for families or anyone who enjoys a railway-themed add-on to their day.

Coltishall Church

The investigation also takes you into the church grounds, where you can enjoy one of the village’s oldest and most historic corners. The church has roots stretching back many centuries, making it a peaceful final stretch before the case is wrapped up.