Hebden Bridge - Canalside & Town

Essential Intel

Hebden Bridge can be very busy in summer time and there is very limited parking around the town. If you can, arrive in Hebden Bridge by public transport, preferably by train, where you have the option of starting the Trail from the station.

The Trail route can occasionally be interrupted by the Arts Festival, so check the Arts Festival website to see when the next event takes place before you travel.

If you are using Station Road car park or arriving by train, start at Clue 11.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Hebden Bridge Canalside & Town, with Detectives helping Detective Chief Inspector Brock O'Lee investigate the collapse of Artie Choke, owner of the new vegetarian cafe Nutbean Herbivore, and work through the clues around Hebden Bridge to find out who was behind it.

The investigation covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin in St George's Square in the centre of Hebden Bridge, explore the town's streets, head through New Road Memorial Gardens, follow the canal towpath past Bridge 16, pass the train station around Clue 11, then continue through more quirky town centre territory before looping back to St George's Square.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is mainly along pavements around the town, a gravel path along the canal and some steps, with towpaths next to the canal, a pedestrianised street, cobbled areas, a steep cobbled lane up the hill opposite the bridge, road crossings and a footbridge over the canal.

Take extra care when detecting next to water, especially the riverside area, as the paving stones can be very slippery when wet. Watch out when crossing side streets, and look out for open water after the canal footbridge.

Getting There

By car: The investigation starts at St George's Square in the centre of Hebden Bridge (HX7 8ET). The nearest car parks to the start are Market Place (HX7 7BL), St. Pol Square (HX7 8EX) and Garden Street (HX7 8AQ). Station Road car park (HX7 8AU) is another option - if you park there, start at Clue 11.

By public transport: Arrive in Hebden Bridge by public transport if possible, preferably by train. You can either make your way to St George's Square in the centre of Hebden Bridge to begin from the main start point, or start the Trail from the station at Clue 11.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort stops can be found between Clues 04 and 05, and also at the train station around Clue 11.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route includes town pavements, road crossings, cobbled areas, a gravel canal path, towpaths beside the water, steps and a canal footbridge. Keep canine colleagues close around traffic, beside the canal and riverside, and anywhere the paving stones are slippery when wet.

Food & Drink Stops

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs at the start and after Clue 14, so your squad should have good opportunities to refuel. There's also a cafe at the train station.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Hebden Bridge town centre

The case explores the wonderful and quirky gem of Hebden Bridge, with lots of independent shops and cafes on the way. The town has been labelled the 'greatest town in Europe' and was named one of the quirkiest places in the world in 2005. It was also famous in the 19th century for making corduroy and fustian clothing, especially trousers, earning nicknames including 'Trouser Town' and 'Fustianopolis'.

New Road Memorial Gardens

After the Picture House, the investigation heads into New Road Memorial Gardens. They were opened by Miss Muriel R. Holt, and there is a stone placed to commemorate the Silver Jubilee in 1977 - a neat little pause for Detectives who enjoy their evidence with a side of local history.

Hebden Bridge canal towpath and locks

The route follows the canal towpath with the water on your left, passes under Bridge 16, and later comes back alongside the locks. If your Detectives fancy a quick extra look, you can pop a little further along the canal to see the houseboats and locks before returning to the case.

Heptonstall

For an optional add-on, the steep cobbled lane up the hill opposite the bridge is The Buttress, and at the very top is the pretty village of Heptonstall. It has a ruined church and the grave of poet Sylvia Plath, and exploring its streets is like going back in time - though driving is suggested because of the steep climb.