Kingussie - Woodland & Centre

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Kingussie Woodland & Centre, with Explorers tracking down the hidden stash of booty left by Dr Phil MacAvity, a local dentist who also lived a secret life as a smuggler.

The quest covers approximately 1.75 miles and should take around 1.75 hours to complete. You'll start at Ardvonie Car Park on Gynack Road just off the High Street, follow the route through the town centre, explore paths, pavements and single track roads, enter the grounds of Kingussie Parish Church and the old graveyard opposite Royal Court, pass the former courthouse on High Street and enjoy fine views towards Ruthven Barracks in the distance.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs. The route mainly follows clear paths, pavements and single track roads, but there are steps involved, steep hills and one section with very narrow or no pavements at all.

Take extra care when crossing roads and car parks. Where the pavement narrows or disappears, watch for passing traffic and move in single file before pressing on with the treasure hunt.

Getting There

By car: Start your quest at Ardvonie Car Park on Gynack Road just off the High Street (PH21 1ET). The start point and parking are here, and the first clue can be found near the toilets.

At the end of the adventure, follow the route back via High Street and Gynack Road to reach Ardvonie Car Park.

By public transport: Make your way to Ardvonie Car Park on Gynack Road just off the High Street (PH21 1ET) to begin the quest.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found in the car park at the very start of the quest, so this is the best moment for a comfort stop before the Explorers head off after Dr Phil MacAvity's smuggled booty.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the treasure hunt 🐾

The route includes roads, car parks, steps, steep hills and a section with very narrow or no pavements, so keep canine companions close around traffic and move carefully where the path tightens.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting is hungry work, and there are plenty of places to pick up provisions in the town centre. Stock up before or during the quest so your crew has enough supplies for the 1.75-mile adventure.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Ruthven Barracks Views

Keep watch for fine views of Ruthven Barracks in the distance as you explore. The Highland Army gathered there in 1746 after the Battle of Culloden, only to be told to disband, bringing an end to the last Jacobite rising - a dramatic backdrop for any band of modern-day treasure seekers.

Kingussie Parish Church Grounds

The route takes you into the grounds of Kingussie Parish Church, giving Explorers a quieter spot to pause between clues and take in one of the town's historic corners.

The Old Graveyard Opposite Royal Court

The quest also leads into the old graveyard opposite Royal Court. Explore respectfully among the gravestones and trees before continuing the hunt back towards the town centre.