Ivybridge - Watermark & Woods

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Ivybridge Watermark & Woods, with Detectives helping DCI Hugh Dunnit solve the suspicious death of Freddy 'Fourteen Fingers' Thompson, a prisoner who was released after 53 years and then died five days later.

The investigation covers 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll patrol through Ivybridge town centre, examine evidence around the shops and streets, take in the viaduct and Ivy Bridge itself, then head through Longtimber Woods near the end before returning to the start area at The Watermark.

This Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The route follows footpaths and pavements through the town centre and around the viaduct and Ivy Bridge, but there are some steep hills towards the end.

Take care crossing the main road and at road crossings on the route. There is also a blind corner just up ahead after the churchyard section, so keep your junior Detectives close while the case is hot.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at The Watermark, Erme Court (PL21 0SZ). Parking for your squad car is available here as well. If The Watermark is full, try Leonards Road car park (PL21 0RU).

By public transport: Make your way to The Watermark, Erme Court to begin the investigation. The circular route returns to the start area at The Watermark once the final evidence has been gathered.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at Clue 02, making this a useful early comfort stop before DCI Hugh Dunnit's case really gets going.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged investigators are joining your team, keep them close while you work the case. 🐾

The route follows town centre pavements and footpaths, includes the main road and other road crossings, and has some steep hills towards the end. Take extra care around traffic, the blind corner after the churchyard section and any busier stretches through Ivybridge.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a suspicious death after 53 years in prison is hungry work.

There are a few chances to stop for refreshments and stock up at the start and around Clues 07-09. If you'd rather bring your own provisions, Victoria Park, just after Clue 17, is the picnic spot on the route.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Ivy Bridge

The investigation takes you to Ivy Bridge itself and later crosses it, so it's well worth pausing once the clues allow. First recorded as 'Ivybrugge' in 1292, it was originally a packhorse bridge, was painted by J M W Turner in 1813, and was used by monks crossing the River Erme on the way to Buckfastleigh Abbey.

Longtimber Woods

Near the end of the route, the case leads Detectives through Longtimber Woods. It's a greener change of pace after the town centre evidence trail, and a good moment to enjoy the woodland surroundings before closing in on the culprit.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park appears just after Clue 17 and is the route's picnic spot. Pack a few supplies and it becomes a handy place to pause, refuel and let younger Detectives reset before the final stages of the investigation.

Ivybridge town centre

The route takes in the bustling town centre, with clues around the shops, streets and central areas. Once the mystery is under control, it's worth taking the pace down and enjoying the town without having to treat every detail as potential evidence.

The viaduct

The viaduct is part of the route and one of the places you'll examine evidence around as you patrol through Ivybridge. It makes a strong local landmark to look back at once your squad is no longer busy interrogating every suspicious feature nearby.