ABOUT THIS CHALLENGE
The Location... Built on Roman foundations and crowned by a Norman castle, Newcastle rose from frontier fort to industrial powerhouse, its shipyards once shaping the world. Today it’s all iconic bridges, bold culture, and the grit, humour, and warmth of the Geordie personality. Affectionately known as The Toon, this spirited city mixes history, humour, and a touch of rebellion—where medieval streets meet modern swagger, and every corner feels like it’s daring you to explore just that little bit further.
The Challenge... For months, post-grad student Evan Elphus lived on coffee, takeaway pizza and sheer grit while writing his final dissertation. Then, after one heroic night out in Newcastle, he managed to lose his laptop, which contained the only copy. Can you work out where Evan's prescious laptop is located?
The Charity... 18 Clues proudly supports animal and environmental charities at home and abroad. Each time we add a new set of Challenges to our portfolio, we select an additional inspirational charity to donate to on a quarterly basis. In this instance we chose to add FOUR PAWS UK to our list of charties. Founded in Vienna in 1988, FOUR PAWS is a global animal welfare organisation that reveals animal suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Via worldwide campaigns, sanctuaries and advocacy, it delivers rapid aid and long term solutions for companion, farm and wild animals.
USEFUL INFORMATION
The Walking version will enable you to explore central Newcastle. It is around four miles long and will take up to three and a half hours to complete. Allow longer for refreshment stops, picnics, and/or taking in points of interest along the way. The Challenge is circular, with Clues 1 and 18 within a stone's throw of Newcastle's Central Railway Station. As with all Challenges, you can start and finish at any clue, and may split it over two or more days if you wish. NOTE: Most of the route is flat, apart from one or two gradual upward and downward slopes. Be aware that there are short flights of steps along the way, plus a significant upward stairway between Clues 15 and 16. Expect some cobbles as well.
The Virtual version will take up to two hours to complete, although you can, of course, start and stop whenever you wish. You never know where you will pop up next to find and solve a clue!
Clues, facts and solutions for the two versions are completely different, so if you live near or are visiting Newcastle, we highly recommend purchasing both the Walking and Virtual versions. You’ll discover even more about the city, and you’ll have two opportunities to submit correct entries into our skill‑based prize competition.