Halloween Walk

Please note: This is an evening walk.

I like night walks. I like to see the eyes of small creatures shining in the undergrowth and hear the hoot of owls and the screech of foxes. I love seeing my moon shadow on the few nights that it’s clear enough so I suggested a night walk at the walk leaders meeting. The idea wasn’t too well received but we did agree to give it a try to see if there was any interest from members. I suggested the first Thursday after the clocks went back – which turned out to be Halloween. So here we are.

It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain. It is also believed that the festival may have had Pagan routes and that Samhain was then, as all the ancient festivals were, adopted by the Church as All Saints’ Eve.

It has now evolved into a Trick-or-Treating, guising, pumpkin lighting, bonfire burning, apple bobbing, prank playing, scary story-telling, costume wearing party… and just don’t get me started on what the Americans get up to!

Well we are having a walk in the dark on tracks around the Rother Valley Country Park (RVCP). If you want to do any of the above then please do. (but I say Bah Humbug!).

The walk is about 5 miles, it’s flat, no styles and is on grassy tracks, surfaced paths and a short section along the main access road into the RVCP. Areas may be slippery depending on the weather. The gates to the RVCP will be locked so there will be no traffic unless the duty ranger decides to take a look at the group of idiots who are disturbing his evening. There may be some joggers and cyclists but they are mostly harmless!

Please note: Dogs are not allowed on this walk.