Whether you’re climbing Whitby’s atmospheric stone steps or braving the windswept paths of Dartmoor on your ramble, there’s plenty on offer for anyone who’s a fan of the macabre this Halloween.
From mist-shrouded moorlands and haunting coastal paths to hamlets steeped in supernatural legend, Britain boasts countless atmospheric walks with spine-chilling histories, making autumn the perfect season to trade your cosy sofa for goosebump-raising adventures.
With Halloween approaching, FitFlop has researched and compiled a list of the 10 most haunted walking trails across the UK and put together a genuinely eerie collection.
Whether you’re climbing Whitby’s atmospheric stone steps or braving the windswept paths of Dartmoor on your ramble, there’s plenty on offer for anyone who’s a fan of the macabre this Halloween. Read on to sort out your Halloween plans.
Pluckley, Kent
Why it’s spooky: Set within the Kentish countryside, Pluckley holds a Guinness World Record as Britain’s most haunted village, boasting over a dozen spectral tales connected to its winding lanes and historic sites.
What to do: An easy self-directed walk encompasses St Nicholas’ Church, where legend says the “Red Lady” still wanders; Fright Corner, supposedly frequented by a phantom highwayman; and the historic Black Horse Inn, notorious for its ghostly patrons. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric route that costs nothing to discover – although you’ll probably want reliable footwear and a torch if you’re brave enough to venture out after nightfall.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Why it’s spooky: Bram Stoker drew inspiration from this location — the crumbling abbey, clifftop burial grounds and tales of maritime disasters all contribute to the town’s gothic mystique. Perfect for moody twilight wanderings.
What to do: Ascend the renowned 199 steps to St Mary’s churchyard and marvel at the ruined Whitby Abbey, which sparked Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A harbour walk and cliff top stroll complete this spine-chilling route, where sea mist, tales of shipwrecks and windswept gravestones create a truly gothic scene. With Google searches for Whitby Abbey reaching 49,500 last October, it’s a favourite spot for Halloween-inspired visits.
Pendle Hill, Lancashire
Why it’s spooky: Pendle Hill’s wild moorland is drenched in the dark history of the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials that resulted in several women being hanged for witchcraft.
What to do: Today, you can trace sections of the Pendle Witches Way, passing villages where the accused once resided and the bleak hills that sealed their fate. It’s a hauntingly beautiful walk where legend lingers in the landscape. Alternatively, you can wander up to Black Moss Reservoirs and Aitken Wood to see the wonderfully crafted sculpture trail. Interest in Pendle Hill has surged 22% in the past year, according to Google searches, making it an ideal visit for those intrigued by the occult.
Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh
Why it’s spooky: Greyfriars and the Old Town’s closes have long been associated with eerie tales, including reported ‘attacks’ by the Mackenzie Poltergeist, said to haunt the tomb of George Mackenzie. The attacks apparently intensified after a homeless man disturbed Mackenzie’s tomb in 1998.
What to do: Stroll from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile with a stop at Greyfriars Kirkyard, infamous for spooky occurrences connected to the notorious “Mackenzie Poltergeist” — a ghost thought to haunt the burial place of George Mackenzie. During daylight hours, it’s a moody ramble amongst crooked headstones and Gothic graves, but after dark, the kirkyard and surrounding closes are rumoured to spring to life with spectral figures. Google searches for Greyfriars have actually surged 83% over the past year with ghost-hunters descending on the location hoping to catch sight of a phantom.
Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Why it’s spooky: Bodmin Moor boasts windswept walking routes that feel completely untouched and mystical. The notorious Jamaica Inn calls this place home — once a den for smugglers and still connected to phantom encounters, though the Inn’s reputation comes largely from Daphne du Maurier’s bestselling work of fiction “Jamaica Inn” chronicling a villainous landlord’s deadly involvement in shipwrecking and contraband. 18-year-old domestic servant Charlotte Dymond was also murdered on the moor in 1844 and her body was found in a horrific condition – with her throat slashed in what many believed to be a crime of passion.
What to do: Begin your journey at the notorious Jamaica Inn to absorb tales of smuggling and establish the atmosphere. While you trek across the striking moorland, the quietness and sudden fog banks make it simple to picture mysterious figures drifting between the rocky outcrops. A quick caution though; keep an eye out for the mythical ‘Beast of Bodmin Moor’ — a panther-like massive, dark feline with luminous eyes. You can also visit the haunting memorial below Showery Tor and Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor, which is said to mark the spot where Charlotte Dymond was murdered in 1844.
Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
Why it’s spooky: Towering over the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor stands as a dramatic hill crowned by St Michael’s Church, a Grade I listed structure. Appearing otherworldly, it’s drenched in legend and folklore — legend has it that King Arthur once travelled here and the Holy Grail rests within.
What to do: A brief but steep climb to the Tor from the town will reward you with panoramic 360 views of the landscape as well as tales of fairy folk and sacred energies. If you’re in the mood to explore, try discovering the hidden cave that can transport you to the realm of Annwn to meet Gwyn ab Nudd, the lord of the Celtic underworld. The Tor is an ideal destination for atmospheric sunset walks if you can time it just right! Fairy-lovers should add a detour if they don’t want to miss out on the sacred Chalice Well Gardens for an even more mystical atmosphere.
Execution Dock, London
Why it’s spooky: Execution Dock was once the gruesome stage for hanging pirates. After execution, their bodies were secured to the riverbank and left to be cleansed by the tide three times before removal. The surrounding alleys remain steeped in dark maritime lore and tales of ghostly condemned souls.
What to do: A riverside stroll east from Tower Bridge to Wapping takes you past Execution Dock, where a noose still hangs in remembrance of its grim history. The Thames Path winds through narrow alleys, old warehouses, and historic pubs — including the nautical-themed Captain Kidd, named after the infamous pirate hanged there in 1701. Designed to resemble a ship’s hulk, the pub features a terrace overlooking the river — perfect for keeping watch for any would-be intruders approaching by water.
York
Why it’s spooky: York is frequently dubbed the UK’s most haunted city thanks to its “bloodstained history,” boasting tales of violence, torture, and reports of over 500 hauntings contained within the ancient city walls.
What to do: This stroll crams plenty into a small space. Wander through the Shambles and concealed narrow “snickelways” threading between the structures, ensuring you pass Lund’s Court which was, according to local legend, formerly known as ‘Mad Alice Lane’ after Alice Smith murdered her husband there. Nearby, York Theatre Royal is rumoured to be haunted by the spirit of the Grey Lady, whilst the Treasurer’s House is said to be visited by a legion of Roman soldiers. Complete your journey by walking the medieval city walls for truly atmospheric panoramas.
Dartmoor, Devon
Why it’s spooky: Bleak, beautiful Dartmoor has long been linked to otherworldly folklore and provided inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’, a tale of a supernatural hound that stalks Dartmoor.
What to do: Choose a public footpath or brief circular route on Dartmoor to experience the untamed countryside. Buckfastleigh or Postbridge reveal sinister bogs, ancient crosses and legends of phantom hounds, ghostly horsemen and cursed graves. The moorland walking trails range from gentle to challenging, so ensure you verify the route accessibility before departing. A stunning walk on a foggy day.
Beachy Head, East Sussex
Why it’s spooky: This iconic lighthouse is rumoured to be haunted by the spirit of a former keeper who met an untimely end under mysterious circumstances. His ghost is said to still roam the cliffs, sometimes making an appearance inside the lighthouse itself.
What to do: Take a stroll along the South Downs Way, taking in Beachy Head’s dramatic cliffs and sweeping sea views for a coastal walk you won’t forget (and might find a bit unsettling). Despite the brisk coastal weather in October, Beachy Head is still Googled 33,100 times this month, but do heed any strong wind warnings if you decide to visit. Alternatively, venture inland to East Dean where The Headless Horseman is said to wander, or to Friston, where The Phantom Coach of Friston, a spectral horse-drawn carriage complete with a coachman, reportedly races along the old roads before suddenly disappearing into thin air.