There was once a ghostly figure seen on Dartmoor. It was said to be the spirit of an old miner. People claimed to see him at midnight near an abandoned mine shaft. He was all in ragged clothes, his face pale as the moon. Legend has it that he died in a mining accident long ago and his soul couldn't rest.
Isolated locations are often included. Since Dartmoor is a large and desolate area, places like abandoned mines, old cottages, and remote moorland paths are common settings in these stories. The element of mist is also prevalent as it adds to the spooky atmosphere.
The ghost of a headless horseman is also part of Dartmoor's spooky tales. It is believed that this spectral rider gallops across the moor at night, especially near areas where battles were fought long ago. Some locals claim to have heard the thunder of hooves and seen a shadowy figure without a head. There are also stories of strange lights that float above the moor, which some think could be related to the ghosts of long - dead miners who perished in the mines on Dartmoor.
Some of the Dartmoor ghost stories might have a kernel of truth. For example, the stories about the Hairy Hands could potentially be related to accidents that happened on a particularly dangerous stretch of road. Over time, as people tried to explain these strange occurrences, the legend of the Hairy Hands grew. But there's no conclusive evidence that it's an actual ghost.
The historical aspect plays a big role. Many of the ghost stories are tied to events from the past, like tragedies or old superstitions. For example, the idea of a wronged spirit lingering in a place where something bad happened centuries ago gives a sense of timeless horror. Also, the old buildings and ruins on Dartmoor seem like perfect settings for ghosts to haunt, as if they hold the memories and spirits of those who once lived or died there.
The Dartmoor ghost of the Lady in White is also well - known. She is often seen gliding across moorlands near old ruins. Legend has it that she was a young woman who was jilted by her lover and died of a broken heart. People who have seen her say she has a sad and otherworldly look about her.
The story of the Hairy Hands is quite famous. These are said to be invisible hands that appear on the steering wheels of cars driving along certain roads in Dartmoor. Drivers have reported feeling a strange grip on their hands as if something is trying to take control of the vehicle. It's a really creepy story that has made many people avoid those roads at night.
There is also the story of the Lady in White. She is often seen near old ruins or by certain streams in Dartmoor. Some believe she was a young woman who died in a tragic accident long ago. People who have claimed to see her say she has a sad expression on her face and just glides across the landscape as if she's still searching for something, perhaps her lost love or a way to move on from her untimely death.