Saltwell Park - Ducks, Maze & Grounds

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Saltwell Park - Ducks, Maze & Grounds, where Agents must stop crazy scientist Dr Mak Hehm and his henchmen after they hide a machine in Saltwell Park, following a trail of clues around the park to crack the code before it goes off.

The operation covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll stay within Saltwell Park throughout, taking in the bandstand, the maze, the lake, the Rose Garden, the Wildlife Garden, the Komatsu Friendship (Japanese) Garden and Saltwell Towers before finishing not far from the starting point.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route does not involve crossing any roads, but there are some inclines and wheelchair users may need some help. In the Rose Garden, there are five shallow steps at the far end of the garden or a detour to the right.

Take extra care around the open water by the lake - keep away from the edge and supervise junior spies and scout dogs at all times.

Getting There

By car: Begin the mission at Gate 6 - the park gates nearest to the Crematorium and opposite a cemetery (NE9 6DT). Park your stealth vehicle behind the Crematorium, or use the on-street parking by the park on Saltwell Road South (NE9 6DT).

By public transport: Make your way to Gate 6 - the park gates nearest to the Crematorium and opposite a cemetery (NE9 6DT) - to begin the operation. The circular route finishes not far from the starting point.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are near the play area, and there are also toilets in Saltwell Towers, giving Agents a couple of handy comfort-stop options during the mission.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome to join the park operation 🐾

The route stays within Saltwell Park and does not cross any roads, but keep scout dogs close around the lake, stay away from the water's edge and supervise them at all times. There are also some inclines along the way, so expect a proper parkland leg-stretch.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-cracking around ducks, gardens and suspicious machinery calls for good supplies. There is a cafe in Saltwell Towers, and the Almond Pavilion / Coffee shop is also on the route.

There are a number of ideal spots for a picnic around the park too, so packed rations are a strong choice if your Agent team prefers an outdoor refuel.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Saltwell Park

This mission makes a fine adventure around one of the best parks in the country. Because the whole route stays within Saltwell Park, it's easy to linger after the code is cracked and enjoy the bandstand, the maze, the lake, the Rose Garden and the Wildlife Garden at a less top-secret pace.

Komatsu Friendship (Japanese) Garden

The Trail passes through the Komatsu Friendship (Japanese) Garden early on in the route. It's a lovely spot for Agents to slow down, take in the garden setting and gather their thoughts before Dr Mak Hehm's clues pull everyone deeper into the operation.

Saltwell Towers

The large grand building at the centre of the route is Saltwell Towers. Follow signs for wheelchair access to Towers as you approach. With toilets and a cafe inside, plus a memorial and plaques nearby, it's a natural pause point during the mission.

Lake and wildlife area

The Trail goes round the lake anti-clockwise and past a protected bird-feeding area. Over the years, 79 different species of birds have been seen in the park, so keep your eyes peeled for feathered suspects - while staying safely away from the water's edge.

The maze

You can explore the maze while you are here, making it a fun optional extra for junior Agents who still have energy after foiling Dr Mak Hehm's parkland plot.