The Mean Old Dog of Clachtoll
Clachtoll's main road can be a lonely stretch, especially at night. It's said that a phantom hound, known as the Mean Old Dog, roams this route, causing quite a fright for those who encounter it. This ghostly canine is easily recognisable by its pair of horns, a feature that sets it apart from any ordinary dog. The fact that it's a shuck, a type of ghostly hound, adds to the intrigue. While there's no record of when these sightings first began, the locals seem to be aware of its presence, and it's become a part of the village's folklore.
Historically, ghostly hounds like the Mean Old Dog are often associated with omens or protection. In this case, it's unclear what the presence of this phantom hound might signify, but its reputation for harassing travellers suggests it might be more of a malevolent entity. The description of the dog, with its distinctive horns, is consistent across accounts, which lends some credibility to the claims. Without specific dates or times of the sightings, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact circumstances surrounding these encounters, but the fact that it appears to be a nocturnal phenomenon adds to its mystique.
The area has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age, with several brochs and ancient settlements nearby.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Rothesay Mermaid Sighting
Shoreline within a mile of town, Rothesay
Rothesay's scenic shoreline has witnessed many a curious event over the years, but few have been as captivating as the reported mermaid sighting back in 1826. On a warm summer's day, 19th or 12th July to be exact, three men were enjoying the coastal scenery when they spotted a mysterious creature. She was combing her long, black hair along the shoreline, and it's said that her appearance was that of a mermaid. The witnesses were undoubtedly taken aback by this unusual sighting, and one of them even reported seeing a large sea monster nearby, which had the body of a man but with the head of a brute.
Royal Windsor Castle Hauntings
Windsor Castle, Windsor
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, is said to be haunted by the spirits of four British monarchs and a legendary hunter. Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth, Charles I, and George III have all been reportedly seen within the castle walls after their natural lives ended. The library is said to be a favourite haunt of Queen Elizabeth, while Charles I is often spotted in the Canon's House on the night of 26 June. George III, who was declared mad and bound in certain rooms, is also believed to haunt the areas where he was held. Meanwhile, the sound of Henry VIII slowly dragging his bad leg down the corridors is a reported phenomenon.
The Grey Lady of Eton
Eton College, Eton
Eton College, one of the UK's most prestigious schools, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. The tower of this historic institution is said to be haunted by the spirit of Jane Shore, a woman who met her untimely demise within these very walls back in 1526. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of a grey lady wandering the tower's corridors, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this restless soul.
The Bottom Pincher Ghost
Black Horse Public House, Windsor
The Black Horse Public House in Windsor has a rather cheeky resident, known only as George. This phantom is blamed for pinching barmaids' bottoms when there is no one else around. The incident occurred in 1977 and has become a well-known anecdote among locals and paranormal enthusiasts. It's not clear what George's motives are, but his actions have certainly left a lasting impression on the staff.
Phantom Policeman of Eton
Waterworks, Eton
Waterworks in Eton, Berkshire, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A local policeman used to stop by the night watchman's office every evening for a cup of tea. One evening, the watchman heard the policeman arrive on his bike and walk towards the office, but he didn't actually appear. This strange occurrence happened for two consecutive nights. It wasn't until the watchman mentioned this to a coworker the following day that he learned the policeman had passed away a couple of nights prior to these events.
Frozen Handprint Ghost
Royal Stag Public House, Datchet
The Royal Stag Public House in Datchet, Berkshire, is home to a chilling and unexplained phenomenon known as the Frozen Handprint. On a cold winter's day in February 2000, a tour guide and fifty-three other people witnessed a small handprint appear on the outside of a window when it became covered in ice. The handprint is said to belong to a small child who froze to death outside the pub. This bizarre occurrence has left many questions unanswered and has become a popular ghost story among paranormal enthusiasts.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Main road through the village

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

Easthampstead Park
Bracknell, Berkshire