If you go down to the woods tonight…

We’re over the moon to be working with our friends at Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust on an eerie after-dark fundraiser! Leaving from Victory Park, Lochmaben on Saturday 19th September, a torchlit procession will venture into the woods. En route, guests can listen out for the distinctive rustle of after dark creatures and Project Manager, Darren Flint will be on hand to help identify them. Hopefully we’ll be lucky enough to spot some of the loch’s rich diversity of nocturnal wildlife as we wind our way along the atmospheric pathways.

Our spooky stroll continues towards the craggy ruins of Lochmaben Castle where we’ll gather in the woods and grounds that border this crumbling fortress. From there, your Mostly Ghostly guides will look forward to regaling you with a chilling collection of eerie stories spanning centuries of dramatic local history. Guests will discover the grim tale of a doomed miller, strange happenings in a haunted hotel and whisperings of a strange ‘creature’ believed to stalk the woods. There is also the rather fascinating story of a famous local son and his links with the Russian Royal Family!

Darren is looking forward to seeing this partnership event well supported and is hoping that visitors will come along and discover the mysteries of this magical site. Darren said “I was very pleased to be approached by Mostly Ghostly about organising a joint event and already looking forward to a dark and spooky evening in the woods!”

Our views very much mirror Darren’s; we feel thrilled at the prospect of working with the Trust in such a spectacular natural location. We’re delighted to be involved in this exciting partnership and feel passionate about promoting Lochmaben’s rich local history entwined with an array of spine-tingling tales! We invite you to spread the word; tell your friends, family and work colleagues, let’s do everything we can to make this a successful and unforgettable night!

We greatly appreciate all the support we’ve received from Castle Loch Trust since our Legends and Lore walks launched and hope that through this creative partnership we can raise some funds to help support the amazing community work the Trust is known for. In January 2014 the Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust secured the ownership of Castle Loch for Lochmaben, the Four Royal Towns and Templand. The loch covers 107 hectares with some 200 species of birdlife having been recorded on and around the Loch. These include pink-footed geese, goosanders, willow tits and occasional sightings of osprey. Otters are loch residents and red squirrel forage around in the loch side woods. Thirteen species of dragonfly can be seen darting around the reeds of the loch fringes.

In April this year, the brand new three mile footpath was opened which offers a flat, accessible and safe place to walk and experience the outdoors. John and Mary attended the official opening and had a wonderful time walking round this area of outstanding beauty.

Please be advised that children should be 12 years+, and to be aware that the walk element is about 35 minutes each way along woodland tracks in the dark. Bring along a torch and be sure to wear warm outdoor clothes and stout walking shoes – more info at Top Tour Tips.

There are only 50 places so don’t delay in booking, tickets are available from the Midsteeple Box Office, High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BH (www.dgboxoffice.co.uk, 01387 253383). Price: £7.50 adults, £5 concessions (children, students, OAPs). For all enquiries, please contact the team through our website or by phoning 07791 047835 or 07912 145865. You can also FOLLOW us on Twitter and LIKE us on Facebook.

Saturday 19th September at 7pm

ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL BE DONATED TO THE CHARITABLE WORK OF THE TRUST AT CASTLE LOCH