Witch Hauntings at Cumrew
Dunwalloght Castle, a long-abandoned fortress in Cumbria, is said to be a hotspot for witch activity. The locals have a deep-rooted belief that witches would periodically gather at this very spot, casting a spell of unease over the surrounding countryside. Although the castle no longer stands, its haunted legacy lives on in the whispers of the local community. They say that on certain nights, when the moon is full and the wind is howling, you can still sense the presence of these witches, their malevolent energy lingering in the air.
The history of witchcraft in Cumbria dates back to the 17th century, a time when fear and superstition ran high. The notion that witches would meet at Dunwalloght Castle to conjure and cast spells is rooted in the folklore of the area. While there's no concrete evidence to support these claims, the sheer number of reported sightings and experiences suggests that something unusual is at play. The fact that the castle is no longer standing only adds to the mystique, leaving many to wonder if the witches' spells still hold sway over this haunted landscape.
The castle was likely built in the medieval period, but little remains today.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Maggie Stobbart's Ghostly Apparition
Blacksmith's Arms Public House, Talkin
The Blacksmith's Arms Public House in Talkin, Cumbria, has a long history of paranormal activity centred around the ghost of Maggie Stobbart, a former landlady. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of her spirit since her death, which is believed to have occurred sometime in the mid-twentieth century. Maggie's presence is often felt throughout the pub, with many claiming to have seen her apparition wandering the rooms and corridors.
Screams of Gelt Bridge
Gelt Bridge, Hayton
Gelt Bridge stands as a rural crossing point in Cumbria, its tranquil setting a stark contrast to the brutal events that allegedly took place there. It's said that several troops loyal to Bonnie Prince Charlie were executed and tortured here, their screams echoing through the years. Locals claim that the cries can still be heard, particularly around midnight, a chilling reminder of the bridge's bloody past.
Talkin Tarn Sunken Town Legend
Talkin Tarn, Talkin
Talkin Tarn, a serene lake in Cumbria, is said to be the final resting place of a small but wealthy town that once stood here. The residents of this town were known for their greed, which eventually led to their downfall. According to legend, an angel disguised as a beggar was sent to investigate the town's ways but was driven out by its residents. Only an old woman who lived on the outskirts showed the angel kindness, offering him help. This act of kindness spared her from the town's fate, but the town itself was punished by being submerged in the lake.
Shepherd's Stone Haunting
Unidentified stone in the village, Appleby
In the quaint village of Appleby, Cumbria, a large stone is said to be the unlikely home of a restless shepherd. Legend has it that this ghostly figure was once banished from a nearby home, forced to take up residence within the stone. For years, the shepherd lay dormant, undisturbed. That was until a lively party was held close by, shattering the peace and stirring the entity from its rocky slumber. As the story goes, the shepherd floated out of the stone and into the nearby river, a sight that would have sent shivers down the spines of any who witnessed it.
Tebay Railway Ghost Figure
Railway tracks, Tebay
Tebay's railway tracks have been the scene of a bizarre and unexplained encounter. In 1967, a steam train enthusiast named David Johnson was capturing the essence of a locomotive in the village on film. As he snapped away, he accidentally caught something entirely unexpected - a ghostly figure clad in a cloak, which has since become a source of fascination for paranormal enthusiasts. The exact location of the sighting remains a mystery, but its impact on those who've heard the story has endured.
Rebel Ghosts of Capon Tree
Capon Tree, Brampton
Deep in the Cumbrian countryside lies the Capon Tree, a spot steeped in dark history and paranormal legend. This was the site where six supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie were hanged in 1746, their executions a grim reminder of the brutal suppression that followed the Jacobite rising. Locals believe that the ghosts of these rebels return once a year, in October, to relive their final moments. A memorial stone now marks the location, a poignant tribute to the men who lost their lives in a cause that would ultimately prove futile.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Dunwalloght Castle

