Wadebridge - River, Bridge & Centre

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Wadebridge’s town centre, river, bridge and park areas, with Detectives helping DCI Penny Farthing investigate what happened to up-and-coming cyclist Una Sickle, who was found slumped beside the Camel Trail.

The case covers approximately 1.7 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You’ll follow clues through the town centre, along paved streets, beside the river, through Jubilee Park, across the old bridge, around Harbour Road, past the museum and back towards The Swan Hotel.

This Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The route mostly follows paved roads and relatively level terrain, but there are road crossings, town-centre streets, riverside areas and car parks to navigate, so keep younger Detectives and canine colleagues close throughout.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and get this wheely curious case rolling:

By car - Start making inquiries in the area next to the roundabout in Wadebridge town centre, near the hexagonal shelter opposite The Swan Hotel (PL27 7DD).

The nearest recommended parking is Jubilee Road car park (PL27 7AQ). When it’s quiet, free street parking may also be available on Fernleigh Road, beyond the John Betjeman Centre.

By public transport - Make your way into Wadebridge town centre, then head for the roundabout area near the hexagonal shelter opposite The Swan Hotel to begin the investigation.

Need the Loo?

Even top Detectives need a comfort break before chasing a cycle-based culprit. Toilets are available opposite Clue 08 and in the town centre next to The Swan Hotel, so there are handy chances to pause during the case.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the outdoor investigation 🐾

This route includes paved streets, park paths, riverside sections, road crossings, bridges and town-centre areas. Keep dogs close throughout, especially near traffic, the River Camel, car parks and busier pavements. Any sniffer dog trying to chase a rogue tandem should be firmly kept in the peloton.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a unicycle mystery can leave the whole squad properly peckish.

There are plenty of chances to stop for refreshments and pick up snacks at the beginning of the route and again after Clue 12. If you’ve packed supplies, Jubilee Park after Clue 07 makes a good picnic stop while your Detectives compare theories and pretend not to be suspicious of anyone in Lycra.

Want to Make a Day of It?

The Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is the standout extra for this route. It follows the line of the old railway and offers 18 miles of mostly traffic-free cycleway, making it a brilliant add-on if your squad wants to turn Una Sickle’s mystery into a fuller cycling or walking adventure.

Wadebridge Museum

The Trail passes the free museum, which makes a great extra stop for Detectives who like to know the background of their investigation patch. It’s a handy way to dig into Wadebridge’s local story before continuing the clue hunt.

The Old Bridge

Wadebridge’s famous old bridge gives the case a strong landmark moment. Local legend says bales of wool were placed in the muddy riverbed to help form its foundations, giving rise to the name Bridge on Wool, though it may really link to wool-trade profits.

St Petroc’s Church Detour

There’s an optional detour of around 400m to St Petroc’s Church in Egloshayle. A church has stood here since Norman times, and the Egloshayle bell ringers feature in a Cornish folk song. The nearby Earl of St Vincent inn also offers a handy break.

Jubilee Park

Jubilee Park is a useful family-friendly pause in the middle of the investigation. It’s a good spot for a picnic, a breather and a quick check that nobody has swapped your evidence bag for a bicycle pump.