Top 10 most haunted walking trails in the UK for Halloween

From fog-laden moors and eerie coastal trails to villages drenched in ghostly folklore, Britain offers numerous atmospheric rambles with bone-chilling pasts, making autumn the ideal time to swap your comfy sofa for hair-raising escapades.

As Halloween draws near, FitFlop has researched and assembled a compilation of the 10 most haunted walking routes throughout the UK and created a truly spine-tingling selection.

Whether you're ascending Whitby's evocative stone stairs or tackling the wind-battered tracks of Dartmoor during your trek, there's abundant choice for anyone who enjoys the ghoulish this Halloween. Read on to arrange your Halloween itinerary.

Why it's spooky: Nestled in the Kent countryside, Pluckley possesses a Guinness World Record as Britain's most haunted village, featuring more than a dozen ghostly stories linked to its twisting pathways and ancient landmarks.

What to do: A straightforward self-guided stroll covers St Nicholas' Church, where folklore claims the "Red Lady" continues to roam; Fright Corner, allegedly visited by a spectral highwayman; and the historic Black Horse Inn, infamous for its otherworldly customers. It's a magnificently atmospheric trail that requires no payment to explore - though you'll likely need sturdy boots and a flashlight if you're courageous enough to venture forth once darkness falls.

Why it's spooky: Bram Stoker found inspiration in this location - the decaying abbey, clifftop burial grounds and stories of maritime disasters all add to the town's gothic allure. It's an ideal spot for atmospheric twilight explorations.

What to do: Climb the famous 199 steps to St Mary's churchyard and gaze at the ruined Whitby Abbey, which ignited Bram Stoker's Dracula. A harbour walk and cliff top stroll round off this bone-chilling route, where sea fog, tales of shipwrecks and windswept gravestones paint a truly gothic picture. With Google searches for Whitby Abbey hitting 49,500 last October, it's a popular destination for Halloween-inspired trips.

Why it's spooky: Pendle Hill's untamed moorland is steeped in the dark history of the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials that led to several women being hanged for witchcraft.

What to do: Nowadays, you can follow parts of the Pendle Witches Way, passing through villages where the accused once lived and the bleak hills that sealed their doom. It's a hauntingly beautiful walk where legend still haunts the landscape. Alternatively, you can meander up to Black Moss Reservoirs and Aitken Wood to see the wonderfully crafted sculpture trail. Interest in Pendle Hill has surged 22% in the past year, according to Google searches, making it a perfect visit for those fascinated by the occult.

Why it's spooky: Greyfriars and the Old Town's closes have long been linked with sinister stories, including reported 'assaults' by the Mackenzie Poltergeist, believed to lurk around the grave of George Mackenzie. The incidents seemingly escalated after a vagrant disturbed Mackenzie's resting place in 1998.

What to do: Wander from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile with a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard, notorious for ghostly happenings tied to the infamous "Mackenzie Poltergeist" - a spirit believed to haunt the final resting place of George Mackenzie. Throughout daylight hours, it's an atmospheric trek amongst tilted tombstones and Gothic burial sites, but when darkness falls, the kirkyard and neighbouring closes are said to come alive with otherworldly apparitions. Google searches for Greyfriars have actually soared 83% over the past year with paranormal enthusiasts flocking to the site hoping to glimpse a supernatural being.

Why it's spooky: Bodmin Moor is renowned for its untouched, mystical walking routes that are swept by the wind. The infamous Jamaica Inn, once a haven for smugglers and still associated with ghostly sightings, is located here. Much of the Inn's reputation stems from Daphne du Maurier's bestselling novel "Jamaica Inn", which tells the tale of a wicked landlord involved in shipwrecking and smuggling. In 1844, Charlotte Dymond, an 18-year-old housemaid, was brutally murdered on the moor, her body discovered in a gruesome state - her throat cut in what many believe was a crime of passion.

What to do: Start your adventure at the infamous Jamaica Inn, immersing yourself in tales of smuggling to set the mood. As you traverse the stunning moorland, the silence and sudden fog banks make it easy to imagine mysterious figures moving between the rocky outcrops. A word of warning though; keep a lookout for the mythical 'Beast of Bodmin Moor' - a large, dark, panther-like cat with glowing eyes. You can also visit the chilling memorial beneath Showery Tor and Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor, said to mark the spot where Charlotte Dymond was slain in 1844, reports the Mirror.

Why it's spooky: Glastonbury Tor, a dramatic hill towering over the Somerset Levels and crowned by the Grade I listed St Michael's Church, is steeped in legend and folklore. It's said that King Arthur once journeyed here and that the Holy Grail lies within its depths.

What to do: A short but steep climb from the town to the Tor rewards you with 360-degree views of the landscape and tales of fairy folk and sacred energies. If you're feeling adventurous, try finding the hidden cave that can transport you to Annwn, the realm of Gwyn ab Nudd, the lord of the Celtic underworld. The Tor is perfect for atmospheric sunset walks if you time it just right. Fairy enthusiasts should make a detour to the sacred Chalice Well Gardens for an even more mystical atmosphere.

Why it's spooky: Execution Dock was once the grim stage for hanging pirates. After execution, their bodies were tied to the riverbank and left to be washed by the tide three times before removal. The surrounding alleys are still steeped in dark maritime lore and tales of ghostly condemned souls.

What to do: A leisurely riverside walk east from Tower Bridge to Wapping will take you past Execution Dock, where a noose still hangs as a chilling reminder of its dark history. The Thames Path meanders through narrow alleyways, old warehouses, and historic pubs - including the nautical-themed Captain Kidd, named after the notorious pirate who was hanged there in 1701. Designed to mimic a ship's hulk, the pub boasts a terrace with views over the river - an ideal spot for keeping an eye out for any potential intruders approaching by water.

Why it's spooky: York is often referred to as the UK's most haunted city due to its "bloodstained history," which includes stories of violence, torture, and claims of over 500 hauntings within the ancient city walls.

What to do: This walk packs a lot into a small area. Meander through the Shambles and hidden narrow "snickelways" weaving between the buildings, making sure to pass Lund's Court, which according to local folklore, used to be known as 'Mad Alice Lane' after Alice Smith killed her husband there. Nearby, York Theatre Royal is said to be haunted by the spirit of the Grey Lady, while the Treasurer's House is reportedly visited by a legion of Roman soldiers. Finish your journey by walking the medieval city walls for truly atmospheric views.

Why it's spooky: The bleak yet stunning Dartmoor has long been associated with supernatural folklore and served as the muse for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', a story of a spectral hound haunting Dartmoor.

What to do: Opt for a public footpath or short circular route on Dartmoor to immerse yourself in the wild countryside. Buckfastleigh or Postbridge offer menacing bogs, ancient crosses and tales of phantom dogs, ghostly horsemen and cursed graves. The moorland walking trails vary from gentle to challenging, so make sure you check the route accessibility before setting off. A breathtaking walk on a misty day.

Why it's spooky: This iconic lighthouse is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a former keeper who met a tragic end under mysterious circumstances. His ghost is said to still wander the cliffs, occasionally appearing inside the lighthouse itself.

What to do: Take a leisurely walk along the South Downs Way, soaking in the dramatic cliffs and panoramic sea views of Beachy Head for a coastal stroll you won't soon forget (and might find a tad eerie). Despite the nippy coastal weather in October, Beachy Head is still Googled 33,100 times this month, but do pay attention to any strong wind warnings if you decide to visit. Alternatively, head inland to East Dean where The Headless Horseman is rumoured to roam, or to Friston, where The Phantom Coach of Friston, a ghostly horse-drawn carriage complete with a coachman, is said to race along the old roads before suddenly vanishing into thin air.