Box - Waterside & Railway

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Box's waterside, railway heritage and historic village centre, with Detectives helping DCI Digger Tupp investigate the mysterious attack on Shuvlyn Pick, who vanished while following a trail of coded notes through Box, and following the clues to work out what happened before the truth disappears into the dark.

The investigation covers approximately 1.25 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll search around the heart of Box, from the Bybrook River to the Box Railway Tunnel, through picturesque streets with Cotswold stone buildings.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes some steep hills, slippery steps at the start, an uneven lane and unprotected waters along the way.

Take great care on the slippery steps at the start and along unprotected waters. Traffic is minimal in village lanes but can be fast and heavy on the main road, so use the suggested pedestrian crossings. After times of heavy rain, some of the Trail route may be inaccessible due to flooding.

At the stream, you can either follow the path with the stream on your left, or cross the bridge and take the path along the opposite bank and cross back further along.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at the free car park near Box Library, along Valens Terrace (SN13 8NT). The route loops back to the car park near Box Library on Valens Terrace once the case is cracked.

By public transport: Make your way to the free car park near Box Library, along Valens Terrace, to begin the investigation.

Need the Loo?

Plan ahead, Detectives - there are no public toilets in the village, so it is worth making a comfort stop before you begin.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If you choose to bring four-legged Detectives, keep them close throughout the investigation. 🐾

The route includes steep hills, slippery steps at the start, an uneven lane, village lanes, a main road with fast and heavy traffic, and unprotected waters. Leads are sensible around roads, water and the trickier sections underfoot.

Food & Drink Stops

Even the sharpest Detectives need supplies while following coded notes through Box.

There are a few chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks along the High Street.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Box Tunnel

Brunel's Railway Tunnel is a dramatic feature of the Trail. In 1841, Isambard Kingdom Brunel completed the Great Western Railway between London and Bristol, blasting Box Tunnel through the hill at Box. At nearly two miles (3.2km) long, on a relentless 1-in-100 gradient, it was then the longest and steepest railway tunnel in the world ever built.

Church of St. Thomas A Becket

This unusual 13th century church is built from Bath stone and has been tweaked over centuries. In the churchyard, look for the pyramid-shaped gravestone known as the Pinnacle Stone, with a local legend explaining its pointed design.

Lorne House

Railway-minded Detectives should keep watch for Lorne House, the childhood home of Reverend W. Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine. Here he dreamed up Edward's Day Out, the first tale in a series where hard-working railway engines gained names, tempers and friendships.

Lacy Wood

The Trail enters this small copse for a short wooded detour, where your squad can look for a sculpture and the 44 species planted nearby. It is a quieter green pause in the case rather than a major attraction, but a pleasant extra moment off the village streets.

Box's Historic Centre

The investigation explores the heart of Box, with picturesque streets, Cotswold stone buildings, Market Place and The Wharf, plus local landmarks such as the Gothic fountain, the Blind House and the village's railway heritage. Once the mystery is solved, it is worth slowing down and enjoying the village without interrogating every suspicious-looking detail.