Skip to main content

Loch Maree Wish Tree Haunting

Oak tree on St Maol Rubha, Loch Maree, Highland Legend Victorian

Perched on the shores of Loch Maree, the Wish Tree, also known as St Maree, stands as a testament to the power of folk tradition. This ancient oak tree, famously visited by Queen Victoria in 1877, is covered in coins and other pieces of metal hammered into its bark by countless visitors seeking good fortune. The tree's once-majestic form now lies bare, its life force apparently drained by the copper poisoning caused by the very offerings that brought it fame.

The history of the Wish Tree dates back to the Victorian era, a time when superstition and folklore were woven into everyday life. Queen Victoria's visit in 1877 undoubtedly contributed to the tree's popularity, and over the years, devotees have nailed coins, keys, and other trinkets to its bark in the hope of securing a wish. Locals believed that removing any of the metal would invite misfortune, and so the tree became a repository for the hopes and dreams of countless pilgrims. Today, the tree stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of folk tradition.

Historical Context

The tree was visited by Queen Victoria in 1877

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Sacred Tree
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
IV52

Nearby Haunted Places

Cryptozoology 0 mi

Loch Anlaimh Water Horse

General area, Loch Anlaimh, Coll

Loch Anlaimh on the island of Coll is a place shrouded in mystery and home to a bizarre legend. Strange sounds have been heard coming from the loch's depths and locals have blamed the water horse, a mythical creature said to inhabit Scotland's lochs. One shepherd claimed to have encountered a stranger by the loch who had water weed on his head, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The stranger's decision to walk into the loch led people to believe the water horse had taken human form, a notion that has sparked curiosity and fear in equal measure.

Loch Unknown
Read Full Story
Unknown 0 mi

Baritone

, Loch Avon

Loch Avon, a serene and picturesque destination in the Scottish Highlands, is home to a rather unusual and unexplained phenomenon. A lone artist, visiting the area to sketch the breathtaking scenery, was startled by the clear and melodious notes of a baritone voice. The voice was loud and clear, seemingly no more than ten feet away, yet the artist could never find the source. This enigmatic event occurred several times, leaving the artist perplexed and intrigued by the mysterious voice that seemed to emanate from nowhere.

Natural Location Victorian
Read Full Story
Unknown 0 mi

Horse Man

, Loch Chuaich

Loch Chuaich, a remote and mysterious body of water in the Scottish Highlands, is said to be home to a legendary creature known as the Horse Man. This strange being was reportedly seen floating on its side in the loch, and on one remarkable occasion, it took on the form of a man and attempted to enter the home of a former soldier. The creature seemed impervious to bullets, but a silver coin fired from a gun proved effective in driving it away. The image of this bizarre and elusive creature has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, leaving many to wonder about the truth behind the legend.

Loch Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0 mi

The Strangler of Loch Etive

Highland Hotel, Loch Etive

Imagine checking into a hotel room, only to be confronted by a malevolent entity that tries to strangle you. This terrifying experience happened at the Highland Hotel in Loch Etive, back in the 1950s. Two women, who were sharing a room, reported being visited by a ghostly figure that seemed determined to harm them. The incident left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it, and it remains one of the most chilling paranormal encounters in the hotel's history.

Hotel Post-War
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 0 mi

Loch Garve Water Horse

Underwater, Loch Garve

Deep in the heart of Loch Garve, a mysterious phenomenon has been reported. This freshwater monster, often referred to as the Water Horse, is said to have had a house built for it and its mortal bride. The general area of the property is known for its unusual characteristic - the water never freezes, allegedly due to the home's open fire. While details are scarce, this enigmatic event has piqued the interest of cryptozoology enthusiasts and paranormal researchers alike.

Underwater Location Ancient
Read Full Story
Unknown 0 mi

Kelpie

, Loch Glass

Loch Glass, a serene and picturesque destination in the Scottish Highlands, has a dark and mysterious reputation. Locals whisper about the Kelpie, a mischievous water horse said to roam the loch's depths. This legendary creature has been a part of Scottish folklore for centuries, often depicted as a shape-shifter with a fondness for luring unsuspecting travellers to their doom. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the Kelpie's existence, the loch's eerie atmosphere and rich history have captivated paranormal enthusiasts and curiosity seekers alike.

Loch Georgian
Read Full Story