Spoor
(Published on 13. July 2025, 18:36 by mathpesto)
Rules:
Normal sudoku rules apply.
Dutch Whisper Loop: Draw an orthogonal loop that goes through some cells in the grid. The loop cannot branch or overlap. Adjacent digits on the loop differ by 4 or more.
Crossings: Plus signs (+) represent where the loop crosses itself. The loop cannot cross itself elsewhere.
Stations: Squares represent train stations, with each station containing a different digit. The loop cannot turn while visiting a station and stations are visited in ascending order.
Sweepers: Circles count the amount of loop cells in the (up to) 8 surrounding cells, plus itself if applicable.
For those unfamiliar with train stations, here is a link to an explanation/example on puzzlink.
Solve online:
Solution code: Digits in Rows 3 and 4 on the loop (left to right).
Comments
on 14. July 2025, 20:46 by Exigus
Very cool, some tricky bits in the middle but I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks!
on 14. July 2025, 19:37 by Snookerfan
Beautiful puzzle! Except for a few tricky steps in the middle quite approachable. Really fun. Thank you
on 14. July 2025, 17:17 by Franjo
Amazing idea, clever setting! Thank you very much for creating and sharing this beautiful railway.
on 14. July 2025, 14:39 by erml
Brilliant twist on the Loop theme, interesting from start to finish!
on 14. July 2025, 04:11 by Dave Brenn
I haven’t even finished yet but I had to come here to say this is really fun and challenging! Well done
on 13. July 2025, 23:53 by wuc
Great fun solve. To me 2.5*. Clever setting.
on 13. July 2025, 23:33 by madhupt
Nice flow and logic. Thanks a lot for sharing this great puzzle!
on 13. July 2025, 22:42 by Calvinball
That was super interesting, really enjoyed how everything played together.
on 13. July 2025, 19:52 by damo_89
Really interesting hybrid, not brutal, do give it a go.
