For those with a taste for the supernatural and nerves of steel, Britain's countryside holds dark secrets and ghostly inhabitants along some of its most scenic walking trails. From phantom highwaymen to weeping children, these ten haunted routes offer more than just beautiful views—they promise encounters with the other side.
The Pluckley Dering Walk: Kent's Screaming Woods
Pluckley proudly holds the title of England's most haunted village, and the Dering Walk lives up to this fearsome reputation. Wanderers report hearing the ghostly screams of a schoolmaster who burned to death centuries ago, while the phantom of a highwayman emerges from an ancient oak tree to startle unsuspecting hikers.
Grey Mare's Tail: Scotland's Cursed Waters
This dramatic Scottish waterfall trail conceals a tragic tale of forbidden love. Legend tells of a young couple who plunged to their deaths here, and their restless spirits are said to appear during stormy nights. Many walkers report feeling an invisible presence pushing them toward the treacherous edge.
Dark Entry and Tears Point: Dover's Headless Horror
Dover's most haunted path is home to the terrifying spectre of a headless drummer boy. The unfortunate youth was beheaded centuries ago, and his ghost now patrols this route, beating an eternal drumroll that echoes through the darkness.
Jubilee Greenway: London's Phantom Highwayman
Even modern London isn't safe from supernatural residents. Along this urban trail, the ghost of a 19th-century highwayman emerges to terrorise walkers. Multiple witnesses have described seeing his translucent form before he vanishes into thin air.
Arthur's Seat: Edinburgh's Ancient Spirits
This iconic Edinburgh landmark is haunted by more than just stunning views. Hikers frequently report encountering ghostly figures from various historical periods, including Roman soldiers and medieval townsfolk, all going about their eternal business on the volcanic slopes.
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay: Coastal Phantoms
This dramatic coastal path is stalked by the grief-stricken ghost of a young woman searching for her fisherman lover lost at sea. Walkers report hearing her desperate cries carried on the sea wind, particularly during stormy weather.
Hound Tor: Dartmoor's Demon Dog
Dartmoor's legendary black dog, a harbinger of death in local folklore, is frequently spotted along this trail. The massive spectral hound appears with glowing red eyes before mysteriously disappearing, leaving walkers shaken to their core.
Grasmere Coffin Trail: Lake District Mourners
This historic route once used for funeral processions now hosts ghostly mourners who appear as misty figures carrying a phantom coffin. Many walkers report sudden temperature drops and overwhelming feelings of sadness along certain sections.
Glastonbury Tor: Somerset's Spectral Monk
The famous tor is haunted by a ghostly monk who paces the winding path, his robes whispering against the stone. Visitors often report hearing chanting and smelling incense where no living person stands.
Chingle Hall: Britain's Most Haunted House Trail
While not a traditional walking route, the path approaching this Lancashire hall is frequented by numerous spirits, including a weeping child and a mysterious grey lady. The air grows cold and heavy as visitors approach, warning of the supernatural activity within.
Whether you're a sceptic seeking beautiful scenery or a believer hoping for a supernatural encounter, these haunted trails offer unforgettable experiences—just don't walk them alone after dark.
