Skip to main content

Winged Horse of Hillaroo

Mound of Hillaroo, Rothiesholm, Stronsay, Islands Cryptozoology Unknown

Perched atop the Mound of Hillaroo, a legendary winged horse was said to roam the Orkney Islands, striking fear into the hearts of travellers, especially children. This mysterious creature would swoop down, its wings beating fiercely, and carry its unsuspecting victims off to an unknown fate. The very thought of encountering this winged beast would have been enough to send shivers down the spines of even the bravest islanders.

The story of the Horse o' Hillaroo has been passed down through the generations, a testament to the rich folklore of the Orkney Islands. Although the exact date of the sightings is unknown, the tale has become an integral part of the region's cryptozoological heritage. The winged horse is often associated with myth and legend, leaving us to wonder if there was any truth behind the stories or if it was simply a product of the islanders' vivid imaginations.

Historical Context

The Orkney Islands have a rich history of folklore and myth, with the Horse o' Hillaroo being just one of many legendary creatures said to roam the islands.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Ancient Mound
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
KW17

Nearby Haunted Places

Cryptozoology 3.5 mi

Stronsa Mysterious Sea Creature

Beach, Stronsay

Stronsay, a small island in the Orkney archipelago, was once the scene of a bizarre and intriguing discovery. In 1808, a strange creature washed up on its beach, measuring an astonishing seventeen metres in length. The creature, which was initially thought to be a beast of some sort, had a grey colour, six legs, and a distinctive mane running along its back and tail. The sheer size and unusual features of the creature sparked widespread interest and speculation.

Beach Georgian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 4 mi

Stronsay Poltergeist Haunting

John Spence's house, Stronsay

In the remote Orkney Islands, a small family and their servant were subjected to a relentless barrage of unexplained hammering sounds at John Spence's house in Stronsay. The strange occurrences began in April 1791 and continued to escalate over several months, with the nocturnal disturbances growing louder and more intense. As if the hammering wasn't enough, the family was also tormented by distressed moans that seemed to emanate from nowhere. It was as if some mischievous entity had taken up residence in their home, determined to make its presence known.

Private Residence 18th Century
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 8.2 mi

Mysterious Scaly Horse Sighting

Off coast, Shapinsay

Off the rugged coast of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands, a bizarre creature was spotted by several fishermen back in 1902. This strange being had the body of a horse but was covered in scales like a fish, with a spotted effect over its body. The fishermen's accounts of this creature are quite remarkable, especially considering they were all experienced men who knew the local waters like the back of their hand. It's not hard to imagine the shock and confusion they must have felt when they came across this unusual creature.

Coastal Area Victorian
Read Full Story