Oundle - Water Meadows & Mill

Please Note: It is not recommended to attempt this Trail after prolonged periods of heavy rain, as the river can burst its banks, making sections of the Trail impassable.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Oundle, with Explorers following clues to uncover the truth behind old sailor Jack Tar and his mysterious map to Inca gold.

The quest covers approximately 2.2 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. You’ll begin at Barnwell Country Park, head into Oundle town centre, explore Market Place, West Street, Church Street, North Street and St Osyths Lane, then venture out across the water meadows towards the River Nene, the locks and Oundle Mill.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs. The route is suitable for pushchairs, but you’ll need to tackle one kissing gate and steps up to the river bridges, so be ready to lend a hand if needed. Sensible footwear is recommended, especially after wet weather, as the water meadows and riverside sections may be muddy or slippery.

You’ll also walk along and across some busy roads, and later follow paths beside the river and locks, so keep Mini Explorers and canine companions close throughout.

Getting There

Time to gather your crew and begin the search for Jack Tar’s hidden gold:

By car - Your adventure begins in the Barnwell Country Park pay and display car park, off Barnwell Lane (PE8 5PB).

The first clue is found in the car park area, so don’t let your Explorers charge off towards town before the treasure hunt has properly begun.

By public transport - Make your way to Barnwell Country Park, off Barnwell Lane, then head for the pay and display car park to begin the quest.

Need the Loo?

Even the hardiest treasure hunters need a comfort break before chasing Inca gold. Public toilets can be found in Barnwell Country Park at the beginning and end of the quest, so it’s worth using them before setting off towards Oundle town centre.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the adventure 🐾

This route includes park paths, town pavements, busy road crossings, a kissing gate, riverside paths, water meadows and lock-side sections. Keep canine companions close throughout, especially near traffic, the River Nene, footbridges, locks and any muddy or slippery stretches.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting can give even the bravest crew rumbling tummies.

Refreshments are available in Barnwell Country Park at the start and end of the quest, and there are more chances to pick up food and drinks in Oundle town centre between Clues 03 and 16. For a picnic, Barnwell Country Park is a handy choice, or you can save your rations for the canal and riverside stretch from Clue 17 onwards.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Barnwell Country Park

Since the quest begins and ends here, Barnwell Country Park is the easiest way to stretch out your adventure. There are public toilets, refreshments, a children’s playground and plenty of green space for a picnic before or after the hunt.

Oundle Museum

Oundle Museum is free to visit and gets a special mention early in the route. It’s a neat extra stop for curious Explorers who want to dig into local history, though it’s best to check opening hours before you set sail.

Oundle School and Historic Town Centre

Oundle’s handsome streets and school buildings make the town centre worth lingering in once your clues are cracked. Oundle School traces its roots to Laxton Grammar School, founded in 1556, and the surrounding streets are packed with historic details.

The Talbot Hotel

The Talbot Hotel is one of Oundle’s oldest buildings, first built in 1626. Its name comes from an extinct breed of small white hunting dog, which gives this grand old inn a curious little heraldic tale to go with its historic setting.

River Nene and Oundle Mill

The later stretch heads out towards the River Nene, locks and Oundle Mill, giving the Trail a proper countryside-and-water finish. It’s a lovely area to enjoy more slowly after the clues are solved, especially if your crew likes riverside wandering with a dash of treasure-map drama.