Hartington - Village Green & Gardens

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Hartington Village Green & Gardens, with Detectives helping DCI Rick Otter follow the clues to work out which suspect is guilty after residents of Hartington are shocked by the death of local dignitary Simon Cheese.

The investigation covers 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll explore the footpaths and roads of Hartington, investigate the pretty village centre and duck pond, enter the churchyard, tackle a steep hill in the middle section and cross fields towards the end.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route has some steep hills and may include muddy fields at certain times of year, so sturdy footwear is a wise choice for your squad.

Cross the road carefully at the start, stay away from the water's edge near open water, and take particular care on the steep hill.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation in Hartington, off the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne road along the B5054, near the village centre (SK17 0AN). The recommended parking is Mill Lane (SK17 0AN), where you can park along this road near the village centre. Parsons Field Car Park is an alternative option. The route returns to the squad car parked near the village centre on the main road.

By public transport: Make your way to Hartington village centre, off the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne road along the B5054, then head to the start near the village centre to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found at the beginning and end of the Trail, so plan your comfort breaks around the start and finish of the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation. 🐾

Supervise dogs at all times near open water and keep them from running too far ahead. The route includes roads, a steep hill and fields towards the end that may be muddy at certain times of year, so leads and close control are sensible throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

Detective work is hungry business, and there are plenty of opportunities to purchase snacks or stop for refreshment along the way.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, you can picnic at Clue 18 before pressing on with the final stages of the case.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Hartington village centre and duck pond

The Trail explores this pretty village, complete with a duck pond in the middle. Hartington grew up around the market, which was granted a licence in 1201, and the mere in the village centre. The village was a source of water for livestock and people, which was difficult to maintain in limestone conditions.

The Old Cheese Shop and Hartington's cheese-making heritage

Hartington has serious cheese credentials. Cheese was produced here for over a century from 1900, and at one time almost 25% of the world's Stilton was produced in the village. The factory closed in 2008, and one of the few places to produce this cheese was lost.

Hartington churchyard and memorials

The route enters the churchyard and loops around the church, passing gravestones and memorials including the gravestone of Reverend Gilbert Macduff Cooper and the war memorial. It's a quiet spot to take a respectful extra look once your Detectives have gathered the evidence they need.

Pilsbury Castle

Just north of the village lies Pilsbury Castle, overlooking the River Dove. The clear motte-and-bailey earthworks date back to the 11th century and once guarded the valley before being abandoned in the 1200s. Local folklore tells of a ghostly White Rider on misty evenings - suitably suspicious material for any Detective squad.

Arbor Low

For an optional detour by car, head to Arbor Low, a well-preserved Neolithic henge of 50 limestone slabs. Follow brown signs from the village centre and park in a designated parking area. The detour is £1 per person.