Explore Shardlow Differently
Discover somewhere new - or rediscover somewhere you thought you knew.

- Follow a carefully planned self-guided route through the area
- Use real landmarks and features to crack around 18 clever clues
- Notice fascinating features you'd normally walk straight past
- Great fun for everyone from 6 to 106
- Around 2 hours of exploring
Around 3.5 miles of walking - One trail is perfect for up to 5 people
How it Works
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1. Choose how you want to explore
Use the App, print your Trail at home, or let us print and post it to you.
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2. Access it
instantlyYour App and PDF are ready immediately, whichever option you choose.
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3. Explore
& solveFollow the route and crack the sneaky clues along the way.
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4. Submit
your answerEnter your final
answer online to
reveal the ending.
Great detectives needed!
A mystery is waiting to be solved in
Shardlow
Holly Day, a well-known resident of Shardlow, has recently gone missing. Rumour has it that she was kidnapped by an unknown suspect. As the top detectives in the area, it's up to YOU to follow the trail of evidence and solve this mystery.
Discover the Secrets of Shardlow
Join in on the adventure as you explore the charming village of Shardlow on this self-guided detective mystery themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the trail, keep your eyes peeled for sneaky clues hidden in plain sight on existing buildings, permanent features, and monuments.
Your journey begins in the Wilne Lane car park, just off the main A6 road. From there, you'll make your way around the village, following the canal and river Trent as you discover over 50 Grade II Listed buildings, narrow boats, warehouses, and other historical artifacts that will spark your imagination.
DCI Hugh Dunnit has taken on this case and has entrusted YOU with solving it. Will you be able to eliminate the suspects and discover the truth behind Holly Day's disappearance?
Every clue brings you closer to the truth...
Piece together the evidence, identify the culprit and discover how the case ends.
Trail Information
Trail Information
Trail Location
The Shardlow Treasure Trail starts at:
Wilne Lane
Shardlow
Derbyshire
Derbyshire
DE72 2HA
England
Trail Details:
- A Detective Mystery themed walking Treasure Trail around Shardlow
- Ideal for discovering more about where you live or exploring somewhere new
- Trails are done in your own time at your own pace
- This Trail is approximately 3.5 miles long and takes 2 hours to complete
- This Trail is suitable for all ages from 6 - 106 (no children necessary!)
- One Trail booklet is enough for 4-5 people
- Circular loop Trail
- Mobile phone text service for clue answers if you get stuck, ensuring that no mystery goes unsolved
- This Trail can be sent to you in the post or downloaded today for instant Trailing fun!
More Information:
Navigating The Route
This is a circular Detective Mystery through Shardlow village, canal towpaths and riverside areas, with sleuths following roads, pavements and waterside paths as they track down the culprit behind Holly Day’s kidnapping.
The investigation includes canal towpaths that can be muddy and uneven, along with road walking sections, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
⚠️ Important: You will be travelling along roads, narrow sections and canal paths close to open water, so detectives should stay alert at all times, walk carefully and keep younger team members under close supervision.
Getting There
By car:
Park your squad car at the free car park on Wilne Lane (DE72 2HA), just off the B5010 near The Navigation Inn.
By public transport:
Public transport options to Shardlow are limited, so travelling by car is the most practical way to reach the start of your investigation.
Need the Loo?
Even top detectives need a comfort break during a long case! There are no public toilets available along the route, so it’s important to plan ahead before setting off on your investigation and be prepared to give your custom to a pub or cafe along the route if needed.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾 With a mix of village streets and canal paths, it’s a great outing for canine companions - just keep leads handy near roads, livestock and along the water.
Food & Drink Stops
Cracking this case is hungry work! There are limited opportunities for refreshments along the route, so it’s best to bring plenty of snacks and drinks with you before heading out. There are some lovely picnic spots along the canal and riverside if you fancy a break mid-investigation.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Canal Walks and Waterside Views
Shardlow’s historic canal network provides a scenic backdrop to your investigation, with narrowboats, locks and quiet towpaths at every turn.
Riverside History and Hidden Trade Routes
Once a major inland port, Shardlow played a key role in transporting goods between river and canal - the perfect setting for a mystery with plenty of movement and disguise.
Village Charm and Quiet Corners
With tucked-away lanes, old buildings and peaceful surroundings, Shardlow is full of places where a suspect could stay hidden in plain sight…
Mini Detective Club
Mini Detective Club
We have three super duper themed Clubs for your child to enjoy as part of their Treasure Trail experience.
Perfect for 4-8 year olds, the concept behind the Clubs is that your child will get a bundle of goodies to excite
them about their forthcoming Trail experience, something to keep them entertained whilst travelling to and from
the Trail, and something to be given on completion of the Trail as a keepsake.
Show more »
What is a Treasure Trail?
What is a Treasure Trail?
