North Berwick - Harbour & Town Centre

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around North Berwick Harbour and town centre, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Upin Deair investigate the suspicious collapse of local rocket builder Archie Morrison and follow the trail of evidence to work out whodunnit and how.

The investigation covers just under two miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll work through the town centre, follow the waterfront and explore the harbour before the route loops back to Quality Street, near the start point.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Two Clues are not accessible for Detectives using wheelchairs or pushchairs.

The route includes a gentle climb and some steep hills, plus a grassy slope down towards the shore, steps by the harbour walls, an uneven path, and some roads and pavements. Care is needed when crossing School Road, Balfour Street and other roads along the route. Take GREAT CARE on the grassy slope to the shore, the steps towards the harbour walls and the rocky path at the harbour point, which is described as a working area.

If you want to avoid the grassy descent, retrace your steps to Clue 03 and turn right along the path to reach the shore by a different route.

Getting There

By car: Begin the case on Quality Street, North Berwick (EH39 4HJ). The closest town car parks listed for the investigation are Kirk Ports (EH39 4PL) and Lodge Grounds (EH39 4LG).

By public transport: Make your way to Quality Street in North Berwick to begin the investigation. The circular route loops back to Quality Street, near the start point.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at the start and at the harbour, giving your squad a couple of useful comfort-stop opportunities during the case.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation. 🐾

The route includes town roads and pavements, waterfront sections, a grassy slope towards the shore, steps by the harbour walls, steep hills and a rocky path at the harbour point, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic, steps, the working harbour area and the water.

Food & Drink Stops

Rocket-related detective work is best tackled with decent supplies. There are a few refreshment stops after Clue 16, but not many before, so stock up before setting off.

If you're packing your own provisions, bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach or in the green at Clue 16.

Want to Make a Day of It?

North Berwick Harbour

The harbour is a key part of the investigation and has serious history behind its sea air. There has been a harbour of sorts in North Berwick since at least 1100, and it was once the location of a ferry crossing to Elie in Fife for pilgrims on their way to St Andrews to worship the relics of Scotland's patron saint.

The Old Kirk

The Old Kirk is an important stop on the route, with church remains excavated from the sand. It is said to be the location where witches gathered in 1590 when they conspired to do damage to King James VI and his Danish bride - exactly the sort of dramatic local history Detectives can linger over once the evidence has been gathered.

Bass Rock

Keep an eye out to sea for Bass Rock as you follow the waterfront. This volcanic plug marks the spot where the Firth of Forth joins the North Sea, and from the route you can spot the island that is home to a colony of beautiful gannets.

North Berwick Law

North Berwick Law is another volcanic plug, this time inland. It can be climbed for spectacular views of the surrounding area, and the Trail map highlights the views over the Firth of Forth - a fine extra assignment for Detectives with energy left after the harbour case.