Dartmoor's Mysterious Wish Hounds
Deep within the rugged landscape of Dartmoor, Wistman's Wood stands as a hauntingly beautiful destination. It's here that locals whisper about the presence of large black dogs, known as the Wish Hounds. These ghostly canines are said to roam the moors, their origins shrouded in tragedy. Legend has it that they once killed the son of a farmer, leaving behind a legacy of fear and unease. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the wood, the atmosphere becomes increasingly charged with an otherworldly energy.
Historical records indicate that this area was once a well-used funeral route, with a procession of white-clad figures reportedly seen walking through the wood. The connection between the Wish Hounds and these ghostly processions remains unclear, but it's clear that Wistman's Wood is a place of deep sorrow and loss. The black dogs are classified as a type of Shuck, a creature from English folklore often associated with ghostly or supernatural occurrences. While the exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, the impact on local folklore is undeniable.
The area has a long history of funeral processions and is steeped in local legend.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Petrified Hounds of Dartmoor
Great Hound Tor, Dartmoor
Perched atop Great Hound Tor in the rugged Dartmoor landscape, a strange rock formation has been petrified in time, telling the tale of a long-forgotten encounter. This eerie monument to a farmer and his hounds has been turned to stone, forever chasing after a witch who cast a spell of transformation upon them. The story goes that the farmer and his loyal hounds were hot on the trail of the witch, determined to rid their farmland of her malevolent presence. But little did they know, she had a few tricks up her sleeve.
Skeletal Rider of Dartmoor
Crockern Tor, Dartmoor
Crockern Tor, a rugged rocky outcrop on the windswept moors of Dartmoor, is home to a most unsettling spectre. They say that Crockern, a skeletal figure, rides forth on the back of a skeletal horse, brandishing a sword in his dead hand. This ghostly procession makes its way down a specific path, a haunting sight to behold. The origins of this phantom are shrouded in mystery, but its presence is a stark reminder of the rich history and folklore that permeates this wild and beautiful landscape.
Dartmoor Pixie Sighting
Shaugh Bridge area, Dartmoor
Deep in the heart of Dartmoor, near Shaugh Bridge, a rather unusual encounter took place in 1897. A wee fellow, no more than forty-five centimetres tall, was spotted wearing a vibrant outfit of blue and red clothing. He quickly vanished into thin air once he realised he had been seen. This tiny creature, often referred to as a pixie, was said to inhabit an area also rumoured to be a hunting ground for the Devil and his hellhounds. The notion of such a mystical being existing in these rugged moors adds to the allure and mystique of Dartmoor's rich history.
The Drunken Dog Haunting
Area outside the East Dart Hotel, Postbridge
Outside the East Dart Hotel in Postbridge, Devon, a rather unusual ghostly phenomenon has been observed. A dog, seemingly after enjoying leftover beer left outside the pub, would swagger up the nearby hill and let out a howl at the moon. It's said that the creature enjoyed this sensation so much that it has continued to do so, becoming a local legend of sorts. The haunting manifestation is a curious sight, with the dog's antics captivating those who have been lucky enough to witness it.
Dartmoor Prison Ghost
Prison, Dartmoor
Dartmoor Prison, a foreboding structure nestled in the heart of Devon, is home to a multitude of paranormal activity. One of the most fascinating ghosts said to roam the prison grounds is that of David Davies, a former prison employee who tended to the prison sheep between 1869 and 1929. Davies' ghost is believed to appear on misty nights, walking the same grounds he once knew so well. His spirit is thought to be a manifestation of his dedication and connection to the prison, even in death.
Slender White Hound of Cator Common
Cator Common, Postbridge
Deep in the heart of Cator Common, a mystifying apparition has been terrorising locals for decades. This ghostly hound, described as an albino wolfhound, has been spotted roaming the woods and heathlands since the 1940s. Some claim it's a phantom deer, but one thing's for certain - this spectral creature has earned a reputation as a harbinger of unease. Its ethereal presence seems to leave witnesses with more questions than answers, fuelling speculation about its origins and purpose.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Wistman's Wood

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon

The Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, Devon