Silverdale - Village, Lanes & Views

Essential Intel

Whilst this Trail is dog friendly, there is a section that passes through fields containing livestock, so dogs will need to be kept on leads for this part.

The car park used at the start of this Trail can sometimes be covered by very high tides, so please check tidal times and conditions before attempting to solve the case.

As the Trail encounters a wide variety of terrain and is not all paved, suitable, waterproof footwear is strongly advised.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Silverdale village, lanes and views, with Detectives asked, on the eve of the Silverdale Summer Fete, to solve the case of local favourite Cherry Bakewell, who has come to a sticky end, and identify the culprit by following the clues around Silverdale.

The investigation covers approximately 1.7 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the car park on the shore at the end of Shore Road, explore Silverdale's coastal scenery and village lanes, follow footpaths and field paths, pass gates, steps and a gravel path, and loop back towards the shore once the evidence has been gathered.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes a mix of footpaths, a hill, steps, field paths, gates, a gravel path, lanes and pavements. It is not all paved, includes uneven terrain and has a section with no pavements.

Take care on lanes and roads, crossing only when it is safe to do so, and keep Mini Detectives close wherever the route leaves the pavement.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at the car park on the shore at the end of Shore Road in Silverdale village, signposted from the junction of Stankelt Road and Emesgate Lane (LA5 0TS).

Shore Road car park (LA5 0TS) is the recommended place to park. Pay by phone parking is available here, with free roadside parking on the approach to the car park. The car park can be covered by the sea at very high tides, so check tidal times and conditions before setting off.

By public transport: Make your way to the car park on the shore at the end of Shore Road in Silverdale village to begin the case. The route is circular and finishes by returning to the shore.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort-break intel: toilets are available near the Village Hall, around Clues 16 and 17.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome on this case 🐾

There is a section through fields containing livestock, so dogs need to be kept on leads for that part. The route also includes lanes, roads, gates, steps, uneven terrain, a section with no pavements and time near the shore, so keep canine colleagues close throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

Clue-cracking can be hungry work. There is a pub and village shops close to the end of the Trail near Clues 16 and 17.

If you are bringing your own supplies, the grassed area with amazing views over the Bay between Clues 03 and 04 makes a great picnic stop.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Silverdale Village and Morecambe Bay Views

The investigation explores the delightful village of Silverdale and its coastal scenery, with views across Morecambe Bay. The name Silverdale originates from the Anglo-Saxon Selredal, meaning silver valley, while a more recent theory says it was named after the discovery of Viking silver in the area.

The Silverdale Hoard Story

Silverdale has a properly dramatic local treasure tale. Found in a field near Silverdale by a metal detectorist in 2011, the Silverdale Hoard is one of the largest Viking hoards ever discovered in the UK. It is believed to date to around 900AD, with 201 items including rings, arm-rings, ingots, brooches and coins from as far away as Baghdad, and is valued in excess of £100,000.

Gaskell Memorial Hall

Near the later part of the case, look out for Gaskell Memorial Hall. It is named after renowned 19th century novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, who frequently spent her holidays in Silverdale. The village's serene landscapes and coastal beauty provided inspiration and respite for the author, known for works like 'Cranford' and 'North and South'.

Leighton Moss Nature Reserve

If your Detectives still have energy after the case is closed, nearby Leighton Moss Nature Reserve is home to amazing wildlife, with trails and hides around its reedbeds.