A Treasure Trove
Keep the family entertained while exploring the beauty and history of the region with a ready-made treasure trail
WHETHER you’re eight or 80, treasure hunts are always exciting. Solving clues, following a map to where x-marks-the-spot – there is something about the mystery that is enticing to all.
One thing that kids don’t tend to find quite so exciting, however, is being dragged around historical monuments by their parents. Where we might see history and intrigue, younger visitors are often not so impressed. Luckily the company Treasure Trails came up with the perfect solution.
Treasure Trails offers the chance to take in an area’s important sights such as castles, statues and monuments, while involving kids in an adventure.
They offers many trails across Britain, all of which can be downloaded and printed at home or delivered as a pack to your door. They have eight different trails across Perthshire, from Crieff to Callander, each following a different theme – which includes murder mysteries and spy missions.
The trail packs include everything you need for the perfect treasure hunt. By solving tricky puzzles and riddles as a family you will be led on a walk that takes in all of the area’s local sites.
A popular trail in Perthshire takes the treasure hunter through the beautiful Aberfeldy. This murder mysterystyle tour will lead you through the town made famous by the Scottish Bard himself, Robert Burns. The route starts at the Visitor Centre and takes in a scenic route along the Birks of Aberfeldy, with many points of interest along the way that can be discovered by solving the cryptic clues.
Aaron Hutchens, general manager of Treasure Trails, describes the trails as a perfect family activity.
“Award-winning Treasure Trails have written 1200 awesome self-guided adventures for families and friends
to enjoy all over the UK,” he says, “whether you’re exploring somewhere new or seeing their own back yard in a completely different way.
“It’s the perfect activity to allow for social distancing and a no-stress day, as the Trails are completed in your own time. You can take in the hidden backstreets and highlights on a circular walk while cracking the answers to the sneaky clues set on features within the environment. Each Trail is themed and wrapped up in an exciting narrative.”
And if a clue really has you stumped, Treasure Trails also has you covered, as their free mobile texting service is on hand to help, and their website covers every detail of the trails from length to terrain to make sure they are suitable for all age groups.
Another popular trail in Perthshire is in Dunkeld and Birnam. Although really quite tiny, Dunkeld is packed with history, and the trail is the perfect way to uncover it. From the glorious cathedral to the Beatrix Potter garden, this route has a pirate map theme and kids will be sure to love it.
The same can be said for the Blair Atholl trail, as the town is so steeped in history it just might take a little searching to really uncover it. This trail is spy-themed so expect tough code cracking and secret messages, perfect for any aspiring James Bond.
The Treasure Trails are a truly unique day out that will keep the entire family happy. It can be tricky finding activities to keep children entertained while ensuring you also get to tick off any sites on your bucket list, but these
trails are perfectly designed to solve that issue. Not only are they challenging and fun, but they are guaranteed to get younger visitors engaged with the histories and stories of Scotland, whether they’re hidden in the leafy woodlands near Aberfeldy or amongst the bustling streets of Perth.