Ross-on-Wye - Riverside Pubs & Views

Please Note: After prolonged periods of heavy rain, the riverside can get flooded and difficult to walk without proper footwear. We recommend stout shoes or wellington boots at these times.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Ross-on-Wye, with Detectives helping Farmer Sam Sharp discover who freed his hibernating hedgehogs and what tool they used to pop open the little hog houses.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You’ll follow clues from Wilton Road Car Park up into town, through High Street, St Mary’s Churchyard, The Prospect, Pigs’ Alley, The Market House area, Broad Street and down towards the River Wye.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There are two small flights of steps, which can be bypassed if needed, plus a short section that may be muddy. Sensible detective footwear is recommended, especially after rain.

The route also passes through car parks and across roads, so keep your squad together and take care when moving between clues.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and begin this hedgehog-housing whodunnit:

By car - Park at Wilton Road Car Park, just outside the town (HR9 5JA), using ///myself.kiosk.vast.

Look out for the car park beside Ross-on-Wye Sports Club (HR9 6AD), on your right as you head into Ross. The car park entrance is just before the right turn into Wye Street.

From the car park, follow the signs to the pedestrian underpass for Riverside, Town Centre and Toilets. This leads from the bottom of the car park, with the skate park on your right, under the road. If the underpass is flooded, leave via the car park entrance and head right instead.

By public transport - Make your way into Ross-on-Wye, then head for Wilton Road Car Park, just outside the town centre, to begin the investigation.

Need the Loo?

Even sharp-eyed Detectives need a comfort break before poking around a prickly case. Public toilets are available after Clue 02, so it’s worth using them before the investigation heads further up into town.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join most of the case 🐾

This route includes town streets, churchyard paths, car parks, riverside paths, road crossings and a short muddy section. Dogs must stay on leads, and they are not allowed to join in for Clue 09, so one member of your squad will need to wait with them patiently during that part.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a hedgehog-house break-in can leave the whole squad feeling peckish.

After Clue 04, you’ll head into the town centre, where there are good chances to stock up on snacks, drinks and supplies. Save a treat for later if you fancy finishing with a riverside picnic, and there’s a pub nearby if your team is ready for a proper post-case victory pause.

Want to Make a Day of It?

St Mary’s Church and The Prospect

St Mary’s Church is packed with hedgehog links, including at least 14 representations in different guises. The route also takes you to The Prospect for wide views over the surrounding countryside, so don’t let the evidence distract you from a proper look around.

The Market House

The Market House is one of the town’s standout landmarks and sits right in the middle of the investigation. If it’s open, it’s worth popping in for a browse before heading back to the clue trail.

Pigs’ Alley

The route slips into Pigs’ Alley to admire the artwork, adding a colourful and properly Ross-flavoured twist to the case. Keep your eyes moving along the walls, because this little tucked-away stretch has more going on than first appears.

River Wye and Riverside Walk

The final stretch follows the River Wye, bringing a peaceful riverside finish to the investigation. The river runs for about 150 miles from mid Wales to the Severn Estuary, with Ross sitting beautifully along its winding route.

Riverside Picnic and Pub Stop

Once the final clue is cracked, the riverside makes a lovely place to pause, picnic or toast a case well solved. Farmer Sam may be waiting for answers, but even the best Detectives deserve a breather after a full hog hunt.