After analysing Tripadvisor reviews which mentioned terms like ‘spooky’ and ‘ghost’ alongside reports of paranormal activity, the team at Go Outdoors has identified the scariest walking spots across the UK.
Pendle Hill in Lancashire is a walking route popular with visitors all year round and it’s thought to be connected to the witch trials in 1612.
What were the witch trials at Pendle Hill and why is it bewitched?
Visit Lancashire explains: “Most famous for its links to the now notorious witch trials of 1612, Pendle Hill and its surrounding towns and villages are a truly bewitching area of Lancashire.
“History and legend has woven a spell over Pendle. Pendle Hill rises above this ancient hunting ground, once the home of wolves and wild boar and to this day dotted with tiny hamlets and farms.
“It is still an untamed place, full of mystery and infamous as the home of the Pendle Witches who were tried and executed for witchcraft in 1612.”
Pendle Hill named among scariest walks in the UK
The research by Go Outdoors revealed that the walk has 288 reviews with 85 (29.5%) of them containing ‘spooky’ words.
The total number of paranormal activity reports was 384, equating to three paranormal sightings per 10,000.
Overall, the walk received a total score of 8.31/10.
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Natalie Wolfenden, author and hiking enthusiast at GO Outdoors, said: “With darker evenings approaching and Halloween just around the corner, many people will be planning to get outside and enjoy some ‘spooktacular’ walks. While a spooky stroll is a great way to connect with nature and soak up the Halloween atmosphere, it is essential to take extra precautions to stay safe.
“Always wear reflective clothing to remain visible to others and dress in warm, insulated jackets to ensure you are prepared for cold weather. Investing in the right walking footwear can also help with grip on damp and uneven terrain.
“Bringing a torch or head torch will help with visibility, but you should also still stick to well-marked paths to avoid getting lost.
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“Make sure your phone is fully charged before setting off and download an offline map app beforehand so you can navigate even if you lose signal. You might also want to share your live location with a trusted contact for added peace of mind.
“Finally, while walking through a spooky setting can be exciting, remember that many of these locations are steeped in history. Whether it’s ancient woodlands or historic battlefields, make sure to be respectful and leave no trace.”
Other walks in the list include Wistman’s Wood in Devon, Avebury Stone in Wiltshire and Culloden Battlefield in the Highlands.
