Ashbourne - Historical Market Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Ashbourne Historical Market Town, with top Detectives sent to investigate the suspicious death of champion pancake racer Ron Fast and work out which member of local football club The Shovers was behind it, while following clues around Ashbourne during the Shrovetide mystery.

The investigation covers approximately 1.8 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin at Shawcroft Car Park, search through the nearby park, investigate the churchyard at St John's Church, weave around the Market Place, Smiths Yard and The Channel, then continue through the Market Hall area before looping back to Shawcroft Car Park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is mostly within the urban area of the town, but it includes one very steep section, a narrow gap on Smiths Yard, a steep and sometimes slippery section on The Channel, plus road crossings and pavements along town streets.

Cross the main road and other roads carefully, especially where the route highlights busy traffic. Market days are Thursdays and Saturdays, so plan your detective work with that in mind.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Shawcroft Car Park, in the centre of the car park (DE6 1RT). Park the squad car here and begin from the centre of the car park.

By public transport: Make your way to Shawcroft Car Park in Ashbourne to begin the case. The circular route brings you back to Shawcroft Car Park at the end of the investigation.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are located at the start and finish of the Trail, so this is a good place for Detectives to make a comfort stop before heading out on the case.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

The route includes town pavements, road crossings, a park, a narrow gap on Smiths Yard and a steep, sometimes slippery section on The Channel. Keep canine colleagues close around traffic and take extra care on the steeper ground.

Food & Drink Stops

There are many bars, restaurants, cafes and shops along the bulk of the route, so hungry Detectives should have plenty of chances to refuel while the evidence piles up.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, pack a picnic to enjoy in the park around Clues 01 - 03. The Flower Cafe is also mentioned on the return to the car park.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Ashbourne park at Clues 01 - 03

The early part of the investigation passes through a nearby park, with the bandstand used as a route marker. It's a clear picnic opportunity and a handy family pause before the suspicious death of Ron Fast starts pulling everyone deeper into town.

St John's Church

The route goes through the churchyard at St John's Church and notes that, if the church is open, it is well worth a visit. It's an easy optional extra for Detectives who like a little quiet exploring between clues.

The Market Place

The case leads you through the Market Place and surrounding shops and alleyways, making this a good area to slow down and enjoy Ashbourne's town-centre atmosphere once you're not busy observing every suspicious detail.

The Market Hall area

Further down Buxton Road, the Trail points you towards the vicinity of the Market Hall and a plaque about Jimmy and Charlie. It's part of the town-centre route through Ashbourne and a neat extra spot for curious Detectives to inspect after the clues have done their job.