1. Dartmoor, Devon: The Phantom Black Dog
This wild, open moorland is said to be haunted by the “black dog” of Dartmoor, whose glowing eyes have terrified travellers for centuries. Walkers can enjoy the beauty of Wistman’s Wood – a twisted oak forest shrouded in mist, while keeping their real dogs close by.
2. Bodmin Moor, Cornwall: The Beast of Bodmin
Legend tells of a mysterious big cat that roams the granite hills of Bodmin. The moor’s rugged trails make for a hauntingly beautiful dog walk, especially at dusk when the mist rolls in.
3. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire: Dracula’s Seaside Lair
Perched above the harbour, the ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s a stunning, dog-friendly coastal walk where sea mist, history and myth combine for a spooky seaside adventure.
4. The New Forest, Hampshire: Ghostly Riders
This ancient woodland is home to eerie folklore, from phantom horses to ghostly monks. Visitors and their dogs can wander the forest trails or heathlands, enjoying autumn colours and a hint of mystery.
5. Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire: Eerie Echoes
Dogs on leads are welcome at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the remains of a 12th-century abbey create a hauntingly peaceful backdrop for autumn walks.
6. Dunwich, Suffolk: The Town Lost to the Sea
Once a thriving medieval port, Dunwich was swallowed by the sea, and locals still claim to hear the tolling of its church bells beneath the waves. The coastal paths make for a haunting yet beautiful dog walk.
7. Galloway Forest, Scotland: Whispers in the Woods
One of Scotland’s most remote forests, this vast landscape is linked to ghostly travellers and eerie lights that flicker between the trees. It’s perfect for adventurous walkers and dogs who love wild, open space.
8. Exmoor, Somerset & Devon: Ghostly Hounds
Exmoor’s rolling moors are said to be haunted by spectral hounds that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. It’s one of the UK’s most atmospheric dog walking spots, especially on misty mornings.
9. Blythburgh, Suffolk: The Devil’s Footprints
This small village is home to a chilling legend, the marks of the devil’s claws burned into the church door after a storm in 1577. Walkers can explore nearby marshes and coastal paths steeped in spooky history.
10. Anglesey, North Wales: Spirits of the Shoreline
This island offers dramatic coastal walks where myths of spectral monks and ghostly dogs linger among ancient ruins and sea cliffs.
“As Halloween approaches, Britain’s countryside and coastlines take on a special atmosphere,” says Josh Williams, Founder of Dog Friendly Retreats. “These walks are ideal for dog owners looking to explore somewhere new this autumn. You’ll find stunning scenery, peaceful paths and maybe even a few friendly ghosts along the way.”
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
