Dartmoor's Mysterious Black Hound
Deep in the rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park, a legendary creature is said to roam, striking fear into the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The Large Black Hound, a phantom dog of enormous size, has been linked to the famous 'Hound of the Baskervilles', the fictional creature that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel. Several theories surround the origins of this ghostly hound, with some attributing it to the misdeeds of Sir Francis Drake, who was rumoured to have made a pact with the devil, and Richard Cabell, a notorious figure said to now hunt children with his devil dogs.
The story of the Large Black Hound is steeped in local folklore and legend, with its roots in the dark history of Dartmoor. During the Victorian era, tales of this ghostly creature began to circulate, with reports of a massive, black dog said to be seen roaming the moors. While its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, the hound is often associated with Drake and Cabell, two historical figures with reputations for wickedness. Their alleged dealings with the devil and cruel actions have led some to believe that they are now doomed to roam the moors, accompanied by their hellish hounds.
The legend of the Large Black Hound dates back to the Victorian era, with roots in local folklore and dark history.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Calling Stones Haunting
Rowbrook, Dartmoor
Deep within Dartmoor's rugged landscape lies the eerie Calling Stones, also known as Broad Stones, where an unsettling legend has taken hold. It's said that the River Dart, which flows gently through the area, has a sinister reputation for claiming one life a year. The method of claiming these lives is as chilling as it is unusual - the river is believed to call out to its victims by whispering their names until they are drawn into its waters, where they ultimately meet a tragic end by drowning.
Dewer's Ghostly Huntsman Terror
Dewerstone Woods, Dartmoor
Deep within Dewerstone Woods on Dartmoor, a spine-chilling legend has long been whispered about. They call him Dewer, a Wisht huntsman with a malevolent spirit. His ghostly form is said to appear to unsuspecting travellers, sending them fleeing in terror up the highest crag in the area. But Dewer's intentions are far from benign. He delights in chasing his victims to the edge of the precipice, where a fatal fall awaits. And if the drop doesn't claim their life, the unfortunate souls are said to be consumed by hell hounds lurking at the bottom, waiting to drag them down to a fiery abyss.
Battle of Cadover Bridge
Cadover Bridge, Dartmoor
Cadover Bridge, a tranquil spot in the heart of Dartmoor, is suddenly transformed into a scene of chaos and bloodshed. The sound of battle echoes through the air, a cacophony of screams, clashing steel, and the cries of the dying and injured. It's as if the very fabric of time has torn apart, allowing the echoes of a long-forgotten conflict to seep into the present. The bridge, a picturesque spot by day, becomes a hotbed of paranormal activity at night, when the sounds of war are said to reverberate through the valley.
Flickering Light of Coffin Wood
Coffin Wood, Dartmoor
Coffin Wood, a place where the past lingers, is home to a strange and intriguing phenomenon. A glowing ball, which flickers around the trees, has been observed in this wooded area. This eerie light is said to appear in a spot where, historically, bodies were transported from horseback into their coffins, a morbid yet fascinating piece of Dartmoor's history. The flickering light, an unexplained visual manifestation, draws those interested in the paranormal to this remote and atmospheric location.
Phantom Funeral Processions
Lych Way, Dartmoor
Lych Way, a historic route that winds its way through the rugged Dartmoor landscape, is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparitions of phantom monks and funeral processions. The eerie sightings have been reported by numerous individuals who have dared to venture along this ancient pathway, particularly at dusk or dawn when the misty moorland air seems to amplify the sense of unease. These ghostly processions are often accompanied by the spectral forms of tin miners, a reminder of Dartmoor's rich industrial heritage.
Dartmoor Treasure Guardian
Chaw Gully, Dartmoor
Deep within the rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park lies Chaw Gully, a place of eerie legend. They say a fearsome beast guards a hidden treasure, working in tandem with a cunning raven. As the story goes, if anyone ventures too close to the loot, the raven sounds the alarm, and the monster springs into action. It waits patiently until a would-be treasure hunter lowers a rope into the pit, then swiftly severs it, leaving the unfortunate soul to meet a fatal end. Each morning, the body is found outside the hole, a grim testament to the guardian's deadly efficiency.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near General area

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

The Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, Devon