Newton Stewart - Gardens & Riverside

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Newton Stewart Gardens & Riverside, with Explorers joining DCI Ivanta Catchcrooks to follow a map and cryptic clues left behind by the late Bernie Evidence and track down his hidden loot.

The quest covers approximately 2.5 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. You'll begin at the Main Riverside Car Park on Riverside Road, follow the riverside walk, explore Newton Stewart and Minnigaff, investigate the town centre, Memorial Gardens, McMillan Hall and the Public Garden area, then finish back at the Main Riverside Car Park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route uses pavements, clear paths and quiet lanes, but there are some steep hills, country paths and a steep path near Victoria Lane.

Take care near parts of the water courses, which are not fenced off. Cross roads carefully, use the pavements as directed and keep Mini Explorers close wherever the loot-hunting route meets traffic or water.

Getting There

By car: Start your treasure hunt at the Main Riverside Car Park on Riverside Road (DG8 6NQ). This is a free car park and is the start and finish point of the Trail.

By public transport: Make your way to the Main Riverside Car Park on Riverside Road to begin the quest. The circular route brings you back to the same riverside spot once Bernie Evidence's hidden loot has been tracked down.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are in the Riverside Car Park at the start and finish points, so this is the best place for a comfort stop before and after your riverside investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the treasure hunt 🐾

The route includes pavements, clear paths, quiet lanes, country paths, steep hills and sections near unfenced water courses. Keep canine companions close around roads, water and steeper sections, and be ready for a proper leg-stretch along the way.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting is hungry work, but supplies are close at hand. The route passes shops and cafes, and the town centre offers plenty of opportunities to pick up provisions.

If you'd rather bring your own rations, picnic benches are passed along the riverside walk - a handy place to pause while your Explorers compare theories about Bernie Evidence's missing loot.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Riverside Walk

The Trail begins by the river and follows a riverside walk with picnic benches, making this a lovely place to slow the pace before or after the quest. It's part of the route through Newton Stewart and Minnigaff, with the river kept on your right as you go.

Newton Stewart Museum

Newton Stewart Museum is a natural extra stop for curious Explorers. It's described as a place to step inside and uncover Galloway's past, from natural wonders to everyday tales, and is packed with exhibits gifted or lent by locals, with new items added each year.

Memorial Gardens

The quest turns into the Memorial Gardens to pick up a clue, making this a scenic stop rather than just another point on the map. The route also passes the memorial here, so it's worth allowing a few extra minutes to take in the surroundings once the treasure trail pressure eases.

Historic Town-Centre Buildings

Keep an eye out for Newton Stewart's notable town-centre buildings as you explore. The white Old Town Hall dates back to 1800 and is passed on the route, while the imposing McMillan Hall sits close to the Public Garden area and is another main town-centre landmark on the Trail.