The Rule of Six. 6 Things Black Cat likes to Find on a New Treasure Hunt Route.

So, the new `Rule of Six` comes officially into being today. You can`t meet up with more than five other people outdoors. Black Cat Treasure Hunts` routes around Sussex are well suited to being completed by groups (or teams) of less than 6 people. A personalised treasure hunt, often completed in teams, would not be suitable for more than that number in most instances anyway. Teambuilding treasure hunts would need to make strict arrangements for keeping apart from other teams at the end.

With those important issues noted, Black Cat felt it was appropriate to lighten the mood a little; on this sobering day, by listing 6 things he makes it a rule to look out for when compiling a new treasure hunt route.

1. An interesting starting point...ideally near a good value car park. Obviously if you are a local to the hunt you may not need to worry about the car park side of things, but having an interesting start point or being close to one for the first question is definitely an advantage. The new hunt in Arundel ticks these boxes with the car park 30 seconds from the first question. The Lewes hunt, although a few minutes from the nearest car park, takes you straight into the impressive Priory Ruins and notable Battle of Lewes sculpture.

2. A Good Park. I am talking about the green type here, not easy access for cars! Parks can provide variety, tranquility and historic interest on route. Chichester`s Priory Park scores well on those criteria.I had better not mention Lewes again..oh go on...Grange Gardens is an ideal place to raise spirits.

3. A quirky question or two. The main thing on a Black Cat Treasure Hunt of any type is to have fun. One of the best ways to cause a smile is the inclusion of a quirky clue/question. Aside from Brighton there are some good ones in Hastings...such as the house made of cheese! Rye is a contender here as well with a whole selection of amusingly named houses.

4. A little bit of History, but not too heavy. History gives the places where we live a bit of character and interest. Black Cat thinks that most visitors (or even locals) like to discover new things about the places they are in, but not to overdo it. Worthing has a question about warrior pigeons in World War 2. Midhurst looks at the stocks where a man was pelted with rotting vegetables for what we would consider a minor misdemeanour now. 

5. Something Unexpected. This rule can combine the other rules mentioned to an extent. For example in Petworth, towards the end of the hunt, you are directed through a tunnel from which you emerge into the stunning expanse of green that is Petworth Park. If you have not been there before you will be stunned by the contrast. The fierce looking ship`s prow in Alfriston High St springs to mind.                The driving treasure hunts that we feature, by covering a further distance, are able to include this feature a little easier. After all...Brightling in The Search for Mad Jack`s Mysterious Tower has a largish pyramid in their churchyard! 

6. Something old, something new. Visitors and tourists will appreciate routes going past well known attractions to get their bearings and to add value to the hunt. Similarly, a route which includes a street,a lane or a quick detour to take you somewhere `new` is also an idea that has gained favourable comments. Brighton`s North Laine hunt takes in the World famous Royal Pavilion, but also takes you along streets that you will not know about in advance with street art, interesting questions and a fun ending point.

Those are some of my `key wins` for any hunt, but what about some items that didn`t quite make this list?! My sister would insist on overhanging trees or failing that...impressive trees! I like a good flag or unusual war memorial! Random ,independent shops can be helpful, blue plaques about truly well known people or about interesting things are good for a question or two as well.

What are your favourite things to find on a treasure hunt route? Let us know. Contact us on info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk to arrange a personalised or bespoke treasure hunt that includes many of these things.