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Walks inspired by myths and legends
Many of the places we care for are steeped in myths and legends that bring the landscapes to life. Embark on a walk where you'll discover folklore, local legends and magical stories that have been passed down for generations.
- Beddgelert, Eryri (Snowdonia)
- Follow this one-mile, riverside walk to find the grave of Gelert, a 13th-century hound killed by Prince Llywelyn. The story goes that the prince found a blood-stained Gelert next to the empty, bloodied cot of his son. Mad with grief, Llywelyn stabbed his dog, but soon heard a baby’s cry and found his son unharmed beside the body of a slain wolf. This circular trail takes you through a wildlife haven – past wetland meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer and along the river where you can spot dippers and heron fishing for salmon.Discover Gelert's grave at Beddgelert
- Blickling Estate, Norfolk
- Blickling Hall stands on the site of an older medieval manor, thought to have been the birthplace of Anne Boleyn. She was beheaded in 1536 on the orders of her husband, King Henry VIII, and now her headless ghost is said to return every year on 19 May, the anniversary of her execution. Legend says that, as night falls, she arrives in a coach, which vanishes the moment it arrives in front of the house, leaving a headless Anne to roam in the hall until daylight. This walk in Blickling Park takes you through woods and open land to discover a tower, a mausoleum and a lake.Wander in Anne Boleyn's footsteps at Blickling
- Croft Castle, Herefordshire
- Local legend says that the name of Pokehouse Wood is derived from ‘Puck’, the mischievous imp of English folklore. The wood’s winding paths had a reputation for leading travellers astray as they tried to get home to Aymestrey. One local resident was so concerned he donated money to employ someone to ring the bell at Aymestrey Church just before sunset in order to warn travellers that darkness was approaching. Thankfully, waymarkers now help you navigate safely through this ancient woodland.Watch out for mischievous imps at Croft Castle
- Devil's Dyke, West Sussex
- According to local legend, the Devil got so annoyed at churches springing up in Sussex that he began digging a dyke to let in the sea and drown everyone. Scared off by the cry of a cockerel, the Devil left the dyke only half finished. Legend says that the Devil was buried at the bottom of the dyke and if you run backwards round the Devil's Grave seven times holding your breath, he will appear. Look out for the ramparts of an Iron Age fort and a hidden hamlet on this walk.Walk the Devil's Dyke
- Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
- Follow the blue trail at the Giant’s Causeway and discover an other-worldly landscape of basalt columns that is truly the stuff of legend. Local folklore claims that the Causeway was built by the Irish giant, Finn McCool, in an attempt to cross to Scotland to fend off his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner. Scientists discovered the real cause behind the rock formations in the late 18th century, but a walk along the clifftops is still sure to raise a sense of mystery.Follow the folklore at Giant's Causeway
- Killerton, Devon
- Take a walk to the top of Dolbury Hill, a now-extinct volcano that was once the site of an Iron Age fort and now has views across the Exe Valley. It’s also said to be the hiding place for a huge mass of treasure guarded by the Killerton Dragon, which also watches over the house. If you do happen to find any treasure on the hill while enjoying this walk, it’s probably a good idea to leave it there. Otherwise you might wake the beast from its slumber...Find the Dragon at Killerton
- Penshaw Monument, Tyne and Wear
- Legend says that Penshaw Hill was once home to a malevolent dragon. It was fished from the river as a worm by a boy, John Lambton, who dropped it into the village well. The worm grew into a dragon that terrorised the villagers for many years, until killed by Lambton. Explore along the river and climb Penshaw Hill where the dragon is said to have lived.Explore the Lambton Worm Walk at Penshaw Hill
- Plym Valley, Devon
- Hunkered down among the trees in the Plym Valley you’ll find the Dewerstone, named after ‘Dewer’ or devil, who's said to command a pack of demonic ‘Wisht hounds’. Appearing as a figure in black, he lures or hunts travellers to the top of the Dewerstone and then disappears, leaving them to fall into the jaws of his hounds. This invigorating walk takes in woodland, moorland and follows the River Meavy, with views of Dartmoor and South Devon.Find the Dewerstone at Plym Valley
- White Horse Hill, Oxfordshire
- The chalk horse figure on White Horse Hill is one of England’s most recognisable sites, but did you know that this landscape also hides a legend? There are lots of locations all over the country which are said to have been the site of St George’s battle with the dragon, and the aptly named Dragon Hill is one of them. There's a walking route to the distinctive mound, where you can decide for yourself whether this is the true place of the legend.Look out for Dragon Hill from White Horse Hill
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