Matlock - Town & Riverside

PLEASE NOTE - This Trail includes a pretty steep climb up to the war memorial which is not for the faint of heart or those with any mobility issues. Once up there though, the views are well worth it!

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Matlock town, riverside paths and hillside viewpoints, with Agents working to stop rogue Derwent Valley spies, the DeValls, from auctioning off a time-bending discovery found deep in Matlock’s historic lead mines.

The mission covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You’ll investigate around the station, follow town paths and pavements, cross the River Derwent, explore Hall Leys Park, climb to the war memorial, pass through churchyard paths, sneak along hillside walkways and return towards the town centre.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There are sections that may be muddy, uneven ground, a steep incline, steps, a narrow gap and busy road crossings. Suitable footwear is strongly recommended, along with sturdy spy legs for the climb.

Some clues may be trickier to spot on Wednesdays, as that is market day.

Getting There

Time to assemble your Agents and begin the race to stop the portal auction:

By car - Your mission begins near Matlock station (DE4 3NA). The nearest car park is close to the start, making it a handy base for your spy-mobile.

Be alert from the off - your first clue is in the station area, and enemy surveillance may already be watching.

By public transport - Make your way to Matlock station, then begin the mission in the area outside the station entrance. From there, the route loops through the town, park, riverside and hillside sections before returning towards the station.

Need the Loo?

Even elite Agents need a tactical comfort break. Toilets are available at the start and finish, with further facilities around Clues 04 and 05, so you’ve got a few chances to regroup before the DeValls drag you into unknown territory.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents can join the mission 🐾

This route includes riverside paths, parks, churchyard paths, roads, steps, narrow sections, muddy ground and steep climbs. Keep canine recruits close throughout, especially near open water, busy roads, the river bridge and any uneven or slippery sections.

Food & Drink Stops

Saving the timeline is hungry work.

There are shops selling snacks and drinks throughout Matlock, but it’s worth making sure your squad has supplies before heading into the quieter stretch around Clues 07 to 10. Picnic spots can be found around Clues 04, 07 and 09, ideal for a covert sandwich stop while pretending not to guard a time portal.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Matlock Station and Station Master’s House

The mission begins near Matlock station, giving Agents a handy arrival point and a strong railway-flavoured start. Keep an eye out for the Station Master’s House too, where one of the early clues brings a famous designer into the operation.

Hall Leys Park

Hall Leys Park gives the mission a greener riverside stretch, with gardens, paths, picnic spots and clues tucked among the scenery. It’s a good place to pause, refuel and check nobody has swapped your sandwiches for classified documents.

River Derwent

The route crosses and follows sections near the River Derwent, bringing waterside views and a splash of danger to the mission. Matlock’s Boxing Day raft race also takes place on the river, supporting the RNLI and attracting thousands of spectators.

War Memorial Viewpoint

Agents will need to tackle a steep climb to reach the war memorial, but the reward is a cracking vantage point over the area. There are resting places on the way, so take the hill at a sensible pace and let your spy muscles earn their badge.

Churchyard and Secret Paths

The mission passes through churchyard paths and then slips off-grid along a secret-feeling route near Matlock Green towards Denefields and Lime Tree Road. Expect steps, narrow sections and undercover hillside wandering as the DeValls try to shake you off.

Matlock Town Centre

Later clues bring Agents back towards the town centre, Bakewell Road and the park area. With shops, cafes, historic buildings and plenty of places to pause, it’s a good spot for a post-mission debrief once the auction has been properly scuppered.