Dunblane - Cathedral & High Street

Navigating The Route

This is a looping Treasure Hunt through the Dunblane Cathedral and High Street area, with Explorers helping twins Mandy and Naomi finish the search for the long-lost jewellery of a Victorian heiress after they find a mysterious map and hand the quest over to the Intrepid Explorers Society.

The adventure covers 1.75 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at Dunblane Cathedral, then follow the treasure trail through Dunblane, including High Street, Millrow, Bridgend, Station Road, Ramoyle and Braeport, before ending on Braeport.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route can be a little hilly in places, with pavements, clear paths and quiet roads or lanes.

Some sections along Millrow, Bridgend, Station Road, Ramoyle and parts of Braeport have no pavements, and some roads can be busy with traffic. Keep to pavements where available and take extra care near vehicles, especially with Mini Explorers in tow.

Getting There

By car: Start your quest at Dunblane Cathedral (FK15 0AQ), using ///wicket.poets.roost. Car parking is available just off The Haining opposite the cathedral, using ///wicket.poets.roost. From the car park, nip across The Haining to enter the cathedral grounds, where the first two clues can be found from the paths.

By public transport: Make your way to Dunblane Cathedral (FK15 0AQ) to begin the treasure hunt. The route loops back through Dunblane and ends on Braeport.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort stops can be found at the train station just before Clue 08, and at the library on High Street near Clue 14.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the quest, with possible restrictions. 🐾

The route includes hilly sections, quiet roads and lanes, and stretches along Millrow, Bridgend, Station Road, Ramoyle and parts of Braeport where there are no pavements. Keep canine companions close around traffic and take extra care wherever the route shares space with vehicles.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting through Dunblane can work up an appetite. There are a few places to stop and get snacks along High Street, especially between Clues 10 and 13.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Dunblane Cathedral

Dunblane Cathedral is the town's towering treasure chest of tales. Founded on a Christian site linked to St Blane, it mixes a chunky 1100s tower with a graceful 1200s nave. Inside, look out for quirky medieval woodcarvings, centuries-old tombs and the spot where local hero Andy Murray tied the knot.

The Leighton Library

Across the road from the cathedral, The Leighton Library is one of the oldest libraries in Scotland. It contains over 4,000 rare books, including a Book of Psalms from 1504, plus first editions such as Sir Walter Scott's 'Lady of the Lake'. A fine extra for Explorers who like their treasure with a few rare pages attached.

Andy Murray gold post box

Dunblane's most legendary local lad is tennis champ Andy Murray. When he won Olympic gold at London 2012, the town painted the post box bright gold, and it is still there today as a reminder of Dunblane's winning serve.

Dunblane Hydro Hotel

Dunblane earned its Spa Town status in 1878 with the grand opening of the Dunblane Hydropathic, built for a whopping £60,000. Thanks to the railway, tourists soon poured in, eager to 'take the waters', breathe the fresh air and convince themselves that a brisk walk and a soak could cure almost anything.