Walking Festival: The Ghost of Rufus: Murder, Magic & Mystery in the New Forest

In 1100AD, William II 'Rufus the Red' rode across the Forest on a Royal hunt. He never rode home, and within a matter of days a new King sat upon the English throne. Was Rufus's death a tragic hunting accident, or was the King deliberately murdered?

On this atmospheric guided walk we follow the trail of the legend through ancient woodland and hidden corners of the Forest, exploring the myth surrounding the mysterious Rufus stone, the story of the blood-red pond, the ghostly tales that grew around the King's death, and the unique traditions and heritage of this landscape where folklore and superstition thrive. Along the way, we'll look beyond the familiar stories to ask how folklore is created, how legends become attached to particular places, and how people made sense of their daily lives through superstition and storytelling.

We will return to the car park and then all are invited to join us at The Sir Walter Tyrell for an optional drink or lunch (not included in ticket price).

Meeting point: Rufus Stone Car Park, Grid reference: SU 270 125 - Just off the A31 near Brook/Ocknell

10:00AM 2½–3 hours, appx. 4.5 miles.

There is a clearly signed car park for the Rufus Stone.

Image: Grandes Chroniques de France, circa 1274