Ruthin - Gem of the Vale of Clwyd

Essential Intel

One shortcut on the route was closed at the time this Trail was recorded, so be prepared to continue your investigation without using it if it remains unavailable.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Ruthin, Gem of the Vale of Clwyd, with Detectives helping Ruthin lawyer Cybil Wrights prove that Swedish barman Lars Torders is innocent of the suspicious disappearance of pub singer and dancer Carrie Oakey.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll search around the town centre and quiet byways, gather evidence near Market Street, Cae Ddol Park and St Peter's Square, and uncover historic corners including Ruthin Castle, Nantclwyd Y Dre and Siop Nain along the way.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There are some steep hills and narrow, occasionally non-existent pavements in places, so sturdy footwear and steady feet are recommended.

Care is needed when crossing Market Street, and keep your junior Detectives close around the castle gates, Church Walks and anywhere pavements become narrow or disappear.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at the short stay Pay & Display car park on Market Street (LL15 9ZY). As this is a circular Trail, the case returns to the start area in Market Street.

By public transport: Make your way to the short stay Pay & Display car park on Market Street to begin the investigation. The circular route brings you back to the Market Street area once the evidence has been gathered.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available right at the start in the short stay car park on Market Street, with another opportunity in Cae Ddol Park at Clue 10.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation, with a few route conditions to bear in mind. 🐾

The case includes steep hills, narrow and occasionally non-existent pavements, plus care points around Market Street, the castle gates and Church Walks. Keep canine colleagues close wherever traffic and tight pavements make the evidence trail a little busier.

Food & Drink Stops

Suspicious disappearances are best tackled with snacks within reach. There are opportunities for a cuppa or a break between Clues 02 and 03, and again around St Peter's Square between Clues 18 and 21.

For supplies, supermarkets are off the A525. If you'd rather pack provisions, the route includes a park, and the park beyond the car park is described as one of Lars' favourite picnic spots.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Nantclwyd Y Dre

Nantclwyd Y Dre is reputedly the oldest dated timbered town house in Wales, with the present house dating back to the 15th century. Now owned by Denbighshire Council and run as a historic museum, it even has a 'bat cam' so visitors can observe a colony of bats in the attics - excellent extra evidence for curious Detectives.

Ruthin Castle

Ruthin Castle sits on a red sandstone ridge above the Clwyd valley, overlooking the river of the same name. The first documented castle was known as the 'red castle in the great marsh' because of the redness of its sandstone walls, and today it is a hotel and spa.

Cae Ddol Park

Cae Ddol Park makes a handy pause point during the investigation, with public toilets at Clue 10 and space to take a break. The Trail also notes the park beyond the car park as a picnic spot, so it's a good place to regroup before heading back onto the evidence trail.

St Peter's Square

The investigation spends time around St Peter's Square during the final stretch, where there were once nine pubs. It's also a useful place to pause, review your findings and enjoy one of the route's break opportunities before closing in on the truth.

Siop Nain

Keep an eye out for Siop Nain, a magnificent listed building dating from the 15th century. It has a particularly proud claim to fame too - the Welsh National Anthem was first printed here.