Newcastle Emlyn - Castle Remains & River

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Newcastle Emlyn Castle Remains & River, with Agents racing to stop Professor D. Ragons-Claw and his henchmen, who have planted a device to open a secret vault beneath Newcastle Emlyn Castle, by solving the intel around town and deactivating it before the ruins are destroyed.

The operation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the Mart pay and display car park, move through the King George V Playing Fields, follow the Teifi riverside walk and picnic area, investigate Holy Trinity Church grounds, then continue along pavements, Bridge Street and Castle Street before looping back towards the start.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes pavement walking, church grounds, a route around the playing field and a riverside walk, which can get a bit muddy in the wet.

Keep a close watch when crossing busy roads. The route follows part of the fast-flowing River Teifi, so stay well back from the water's edge and keep younger children under close supervision.

Getting There

By car: Begin the mission at the Mart pay and display car park, off New Road opposite ATS (SA38 9BA), using ///blurs.trunk.positives.

The circular route returns to the start by following the road beside the Ivy Bush, New Road, then turning right back into the Mart car park.

By public transport: Make your way to the Mart pay and display car park, off New Road opposite ATS, to begin the operation. Once the final intel has been gathered, the route loops back to the same car park.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are in the car park at the start, so Agents can make a tactical comfort stop before heading out on the two-hour mission.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If you have a dog with you, plan carefully before setting off. 🐾

This Trail passes through the King George V Playing Fields at the start of the route, from which dogs are unfortunately banned. The mission also includes busy road crossings, pavements, a riverside stretch beside the fast-flowing River Teifi and potentially muddy ground in wet weather, so keep any four-legged operatives close wherever they are able to go.

Food & Drink Stops

Covert work is easier with supplies. Refreshments and snacks are available in Market Square towards the end of the route, and the Trail also passes the Bunch of Grapes pub and The Plough Hotel.

If your squad prefers packed rations, enjoy a picnic by the riverside after Clue 13, around the Teifi riverside walk.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

The castle has been guarding the Teifi since around 1240 and is the only stone castle in this part of Wales built by the Welsh. Its defensive days ended in 1648, when Parliamentary forces blew it up with gunpowder. After solving the clue at the dragon's egg, Agents can enter the gates and explore the castle if they like.

Teifi Riverside Walk and Picnic Area

The mission follows the Teifi riverside walk and picnic area, with views from the footbridge and a picnic stop after Clue 13. It's a great place to pause the operation and refuel, while keeping well back from the fast-flowing water's edge.

Holy Trinity Church Grounds

The route heads towards Holy Trinity Church, where there are three clues to pick up in the grounds. Once your Agents have extracted the necessary intel, take a moment to enjoy this quieter part of the route before heading back into town.

Teifi Valley Railway

Just outside Newcastle Emlyn, the Teifi Valley Railway is a narrow gauge line following part of the former Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway. It is run and maintained by volunteers, and the text says the railway is continuing to expand - a strong extra for Agents who like a little steam-powered backup after the mission.