Duthie Park - Exotic Floral Paradise

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt through Duthie Park in Aberdeen, where, in spring 1879, local builder Russ T. Hinge discovered a chest of gold coins on the grounds of Arthurseat Estate, and Explorers must follow the old map and clues to pinpoint where he re-buried the hidden hoard.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll start outside the main entrance to the David Welch Winter Gardens, near the entrance of the park on Polmuir Road, off Riverside Drive, then explore wholly within the park grounds before looping back to the Winter Gardens.

This Trail route is suitable for pushchairs and assisted wheelchairs. Assistance is needed at Clues 5 and 12.

The route includes a hill, steps, a steeper path down towards the car park, and a route through a car park. Take great care when walking through the car park as there are vehicles, both moving and stationary, and supervise children and dogs closely.

Getting There

By car: Start your treasure-hunting expedition outside the main entrance to the David Welch Winter Gardens, near the entrance of the park on Polmuir Road, off Riverside Drive (AB11 7TH). There is plenty of parking available on nearby roads for your expedition vehicle.

By public transport: Make your way to the main entrance to the David Welch Winter Gardens, near the entrance of the park on Polmuir Road, off Riverside Drive, to begin the quest. The circular route loops back to the Winter Gardens once the hoard has been tracked down.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are in the park. They are paid entry, so bring some loose change before you set off on the hunt.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the adventure 🐾

Dogs should be supervised closely, especially in the car park. The route also includes a hill, steps and a steeper path down towards the car park, so keep canine companions close around moving and stationary vehicles and take care under paw on the trickier sections.

Food & Drink Stops

There is a cafe in the park, and you can also stock up on snacks there. If you prefer to bring your own provisions, you can enjoy a picnic anywhere along the route.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Duthie Park

The whole quest takes place within Duthie Park, so it's worth leaving extra time to enjoy the setting without having to inspect every suspicious detail for treasure-map purposes. The park was designed by surveyor William R McKelvie and gifted to the city by Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie to perpetuate the memory of her uncles and brothers. She purchased the estate of Arthurseat by the banks of the River Dee for £30,000, and the first turf was cut in 1881.

David Welch Winter Gardens

Your adventure begins outside the main entrance to the David Welch Winter Gardens. If you have time to explore, the wheelbarrow used by Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie can still be seen within the Winter Gardens - a lovely extra clue to the park's generous origins.

Old Deeside Railway Line

Near the main gates, the Old Deeside Railway Line offers an easy extra wander or cycle. The line ran from Aberdeen to Ballater, although it was originally meant to end in Braemar. Queen Victoria was concerned about the 'hordes of tourists' disturbing her privacy, so she bought the land along the route between Ballater and Braemar to prevent it.

Model Boating Pond

The route goes past the corner of the Model Boating Pond near the car park, making it a natural place to pause during or after the treasure hunt. Just keep your young Explorers close as you move through the car park area nearby.