Witney - Streets, River & Green

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Witney Streets, River & Green, with Agents sent to Witney to locate the clues and identify the secret deactivation code after an anonymous threat to turn the River Windrush orange.

The operation covers approximately 2.5 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll criss-cross around the centre of Witney, head from the Market Place entrance to the Woolgate Shopping Centre along the High Street, investigate West End, cross fields, tackle Corn Street's cobbles and finish back near the Woolgate Shopping Centre entrance.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route does cross some fields, so be prepared for mud after rain, and there are narrow pavements along one section, cobbles in Corn Street, a wooden footbridge, a hill to go up and busy roads and junctions to cross.

Stay alert around Witan Way and the busy junction with cars coming from multiple directions. Take extra care near the water, on narrow pavements and wherever the mission crosses roads.

Getting There

By car: Start the mission at the Market Place entrance to the Woolgate Shopping Centre (OX28 6AP). Recommended parking is in the designated parking zones off Witan Way (OX28 6AR), where you can park for up to three hours free.

By public transport: Make your way to the Market Place entrance to the Woolgate Shopping Centre to begin the operation. This is a circular Trail, and the final clue sends you straight back to the Woolgate Shopping Centre entrance.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome on this outdoor operation 🐾

The route includes town streets, fields, a wooden footbridge, cobbles, a hill, narrow pavements, busy roads and junctions, plus sections near the water. Keep canine recruits close around traffic, junctions and the riverside, and be ready for muddy paws after rain.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-breaking is hungry work, Agents, and there are a variety of options along the High Street.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, you may like to eat al fresco between Clues 09 and 10, or on Church Green near the end of the Trail. Outdoor eating is best saved for a sunny day when you are sure the enemy is not in pursuit.

Want to Make a Day of It?

West End

West End is said to be one of Britain's best preserved streets, despite actually sitting on the northern side of Witney. It even inspired the 1914 song 'In an Old Fashioned Town', written by WH Squire and sung by Edgar Coyle - perfect intel for Agents who enjoy a bit of musical misdirection with their mission.

The Buttercross

The Buttercross is thought to date back to pre-Saxon times, when it was used as a religious site. It has been renovated over the years, and its name comes from its 16th century use when farmers' wives would sell butter and eggs there.

Church of St Mary's

St Mary's is one of the oldest buildings in Witney and one of the biggest in the region. Its origins go back to Norman times, but the present building is mostly 13th century, and its 165ft spire dominates the town and surrounding countryside.

The Corn Exchange

The mission's final clue is at the Corn Exchange, where a blue plaque refers to its earlier use. Once the deactivation code has been secured, it's worth taking a moment here before carrying straight on ahead to the Woolgate Shopping Centre entrance.