You don’t need the sleuthing skills of Sherlock Holmes or the nosiness of Miss Marple to take part, but if you’re willing to have a go at solving a mystery or two, then a fun day out beckons.
If you’re looking for something new to do with the family then why not try following a treasure trail.
These are self-guided trails, available as a neat A5 booklet.
There’s more than 1,000 different trails to choose from, with lots of them in the north-east and Highlands, with themes such as murder mystery, spy mission and treasure hunt available as walking, driving and cycling trails.
Places to visit include Aberdeen, Fort William, Banff, Elgin and Aviemore, with the aim of the trails being to get people outside exploring, learning and having fun.
At the outset of each trail the “mission” is given – to find the treasure, crack the spy code or discover the murderer.
You then follow an easy route and answer a series of clues involving some interesting, scenic and historical sights along the way to find the answers.
Clear symbols on the front of each trail will tell you at a glance the length of the trail, how long it should take you and whether it is pushchair and wheelchair friendly.
It’s amazing how often we walk around with our eyes closed, some-times without appreciating our surroundings.
The Elgin walking murder mystery trail has been designed with that in mind and it shows participants the best bits of this historic town in a fun and entertaining way.
With character cottages nestled along narrow closes with a long and fascinating history, which is still reflected today in the buildings and layout of the town, Elgin is a delight to explore.
There are surprises around every corner and numerous attractions to entertain you during and after the trail.
The mystery begins with Elgin residents being shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely demise of local photographer Ebenezer MacMillan.
Foul play is suspected, especially since it has been revealed that Mr MacMillan had rather a murky past and there are many suspects for the murder.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance in their investigation, but it’s up to you to help solve the mystery.
This is a circular, walking murder mystery trail which takes around two hours and as it includes one steep flight of steps is not suitable for push or wheelchairs.
These trails put a new twist on simply exploring a new town, or even your home town, and make for a fun way to spend an autumn or winter day.
Treasure trails are available for towns, cities and rural areas across the UK. All trails are listed on the website www.treasure trails.co.uk so you should easily be able to find some- where you’d like to explore. These are priced at £6.99 each.