The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tour Guides have a long list of topics that they are able to discuss and present when they visit organisations such as Women’s Institutes, Garden Clubs, Tour groups, and others. They are able to talk about coal mining, iron mining, castles, churches, industrial history, monarchs, trees — just to name a few. However when it comes to October — near Halloween — many organisations opt for the topic “The Mysterious Forest — Spooky Stories from the Dean and Wye”.
Coming out of two years of of uncertainty, lockdown, fear and trepidation, a good many organisations have opted for this very same topic. Has Covid-19 made them think of ghosts? Or do they just want a topic that is not too serious, but provides a certain frisson!
From Devauden in Wales, to Ruspidge in the Forest, to Upton St. Leonard’s near Stroud, audiences have been enjoying stories about the ghosts in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Will they be prepared to visit the much-haunted St. Briavel’s Castle? Will they be too frightened to walk or even drive down Naas Lane in Lydney? Will they drink in the Fountain Inn in Parkend, or the Angel in Coleford? Let’s not even mention Clearwell Caves!
A number of people in the audiences were prepared to mention ghosts that they had experienced in the Forest, giving the presenter a fright as well.
A list of many of the talks are available on the Home Page of this website.
