Hartlepool - Historic Headland

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Hartlepool Historic Headland, with Agents helping a team of HARTLEE code-breakers intercept coded messages from REEL and stop them building a new observation post called Monkey Mount.

The operation covers 2 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll set off from the free Headland car park between Middlegate and High Street, near Borough Hall and next to St Hilda's Church, investigate The Town Walls, explore the old seawalls along Historic Headland, follow seafront promenades and clear paths through parks, and return to the car park.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route uses pavements, seafront promenades and clear paths through parks, with a raised pavement, a short section of cobbled road, some road crossings and steps at the end of the route. Step-free users should exit where they entered rather than go down the steps at the final clue.

Take care when crossing roads, including Town Wall and Durham Street. Parts of the route run beside the sea wall and harbour area, so keep Mini Agents close near the water.

Getting There

By car: Begin at the free Headland car park, between Middlegate and High Street, near Borough Hall and next to St Hilda's Church (TS24 0JE). HARTLEE suggest leaving your spy-mobile here whilst on this mission.

By public transport: Make your way to the free Headland car park between Middlegate and High Street, near Borough Hall and next to St Hilda's Church, to begin the operation.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available in the gardens near the start and finish points, and also near Clue 15, giving your squad a couple of handy comfort-break options during the mission.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged Agents are joining the operation, keep them close throughout. 🐾

The route includes road crossings, a raised pavement, a short cobbled section, seafront promenades, the sea wall and harbour area, plus steps at the end of the route. Leads are sensible around traffic and anywhere near the water.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-breaking is hungry work, so stock up on provisions before setting off. There are several pubs on the route and a cafe just after Clue 08.

If your agents are packing their own supplies, a good picnic point comes after Clue 16 - ideal for a tactical pause before Monkey Mount gets any closer to completion.

Want to Make a Day of It?

St Hilda's Church

The mission starts next to St Hilda's Church, which is over 800 years old and stands on the site of the abbey and monastery led by Hilda. The abbey was ransacked by Vikings in 800AD, and the church itself has vast buttresses to keep it from falling into the sea. Look out for the tower too - it has three 'un-ringable' bells because it is too weak to take them.

The Town Walls

Your first pieces of intel come from The Town Walls, including information with a map of Hartlepool from 1535. The route then continues along the old seawalls of Historic Headland, making this a cracking stretch to slow down and absorb the setting once the coded messages are under control.

Heugh Battery Museum

Heugh Battery Museum is worth a visit while you're in the area - check online for opening times before planning your stop. The nearby Heugh Battery was one of three gun batteries built in the 1800s to protect the town, and in 1914 it was called into action when German ships attacked the area. It was the only gun battery on British soil to fire in anger during Word War I.

Town Moor

Town Moor adds another layer of wartime history to the operation. This large area was used during both World Wars to house, feed and train new gunners, with trenches and pillboxes built here, along with anti-aircraft defences near the beacon which were never used.

Fairy Cove Gun Battery

Optional detour: From Story Trail 3, follow the coastal path for 200 metres to reach Fairy Cove Gun Battery, where the naval gun is from World War II. Fairy Cove takes its name from the natural and man-made caves in the area once used by smugglers, and Steetley Pier can be seen in the distance. You can also check out the pier with the lighthouse, but it is not part of the assignment.