Ashby Canal - Appleby to Shackerstone

Navigating The Route

This is a driving Spy Mission along the Ashby Canal from Appleby Magna to Shackerstone, with Agents helping Agent Sandy Bottom follow Dr Mudinya Eye's trail, solve the clues and crack the deactivation code before the doctor drains the canal into a forgotten mineshaft.

The operation covers 2.5 miles walking or 12 miles driving, so allow 3+ hours to complete it. You'll investigate village sections including Appleby Magna, Newton Burgoland, Congerstone and Shackerstone, with country lanes, canal-side stretches and a few historic surprises along the way.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs. It is pushchair accessible, but the route includes fairly level country lanes, some hills in Appleby Magna and steps up to the road near the canal.

Avoid the main roads, and take care on the left hand side of a road that can get busy, on the narrow road with no pavement, along the canal towpath and when crossing the canal bridge. There is also an optional peek at the Sir John Moore Foundation grounds, but no clues are there.

Getting There

By car: Begin in Appleby Magna and park your undercover vehicle close to The Crown Inn on Church Street (DE12 7BB). For the Newton Burgoland section, use The Belper Arms car park (LE67 2SE). In Shackerstone, park opposite The Rising Sun (CV13 6NN). In Congerstone, park up by the triangular green with the war memorial (CV13 6NF).

By public transport: Make your way to Appleby Magna, close to The Crown Inn on Church Street (DE12 7BB), to begin the mission.

Need the Loo?

There are no other toilets apart from those in the villages, so make village comfort stops part of your tactical plan as you move between mission zones.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged recruits are coming with you, keep them close and under control throughout. 🐾

The route includes country lanes, a road that can get busy, a narrow road with no pavement, a canal towpath, a canal bridge crossing and steps up to the road near the canal, so leads are sensible around traffic, water and tighter sections.

Food & Drink Stops

Espionage along the Ashby Canal is hungry work. There are playgrounds and inns in all the villages for you to enjoy, plus a few picnic spots along the way if your Agents prefer to bring their own field rations.

Want to Make a Day of It?

The Moat House

The original part of the Moat House was first built around 1166 and was occupied by the de Appleby family until 1560. Now only the gatehouse still remains. In 1935, some Americans tried to buy and transport it to the USA, but local historians thwarted the scheme - excellent counter-intelligence work.

Sir John Moore Foundation

Sir John Moore, a local boy who became Lord Mayor of London, commissioned Christopher Wren to design the Free School here in 1697. The building now serves as the local primary school and a heritage centre and museum, and it is well worth a visit if it's open. You can also take an optional peek at the grounds during the mission, though no clues are hidden there.

The Belper Arms

The Belper Arms is said to be the oldest pub in the county, dating from 1290 when it was The Shepherd and Shepherdess. It is also said to be haunted by the troublesome ghost '5 to 4 Fred', who appears often to pinch female customers - a suspect worth keeping under surveillance.

Battlefield Railway Line

To the left of the road is the entrance to the Battlefield Railway Line, which runs from Shackerstone through Market Bosworth to Shenton. It offers all the sights, sounds and smells of a world gone, but not quite forgotten, and is well worth exploring after the mission.