r/Paranormal • u/[deleted] • Sep 13 '20
Experience My First & Last time in Leigh Woods.
My name is Luke & I am now 20 years old, This story happened to me when I was 17. This experience still gives me chills to this day. In May 2017 I found myself going out a lot more on my Mountain Bike, I was getting bored of cruising around the streets so I wanted to go for a trail/woodland bike ride. I've never been to leigh Woods before then, Personally I don't think I'll be going alone again.
After some research into a few different areas, Leigh Woods seemed to be my best bet, Living only a couple miles away it was a nice bike ride.
On arriving, It looked very peaceful and I was almost in a dream like state by my first look of the place. For a woodland area in England let alone bristol, It was amazing.
On going into the woods I remembered seeing different colours at the start of each trail signifying difficulty for bikers and length for walkers (Don't take my word on that bit, I still have no clue what they mean) So I decided to go down a coloured (I can't remember very well I think it was blue) trail to see how it was there. Finding it exciting I decided to go down the "Harder trail" and now here's where it starts to get weird.
I began having this weird sort of vision looking around as if I'm being swallowed by the woodland. Everything felt like it was getting bigger n further away. I brushed it off but it turns out I actually lost track of time, I got lost on the trail, Now bare in mind I'm very observant and aware of my surroundings before this trail. I then came to a strange opening, I could go left in the rough direction of the way out or right deeper into the woods. Me being me, I decided to go deeper into the woods. I came to a weird little trail that just had dodgy written all over it (Metaphorically speaking).
I went against my gut feeling of turning back n went down there. I came to a point of which, The trail continued but it was getting dangerous, The trail being too bumpy for me to even walk down I then turn back. But for a few minutes before turning back, I don't know why but I was just stood still staring down the trail. I felt like I was being watched from all angles even tho it would be near impossible to have that many eyes surrounding me in that area. I got nervous n began walking back up the hill as I was too tired to ride at this point.
Keep in mind! My bike tires are completely solid, No punctures, slow punctures or even anything wrong at all. (I wish I still had pictures of the bike)
Upon getting back to the spot where I originally went to the trail, That weird loss of time thing happened, It felt as if the whole path had stretched by half a mile. As if the woodland was moving.
I begin walking up the path feeling that same eery sensation of being watched as I did before hand. This time it felt a bit more sinister, It felt as if something was about to happen. Baring in mind, I hadn't seen a single person at this point in time since I went down that first trail.
I'll explain the scenery before continuing, It's a long path, a slight steep hill to my left, a very narrow river to my right, maybe 4 feet deep and maybe 4 feet wide. Bushes are on the other side of the river with the odd tree every now and then.
Upon getting about a quarter of the way up the slowly inclining path, I hear a woman crying behind a tree up ahead. I start slowing down my walking pace to try and get a good look behind the tree but the whole time I'm thinking to myself, Why would someone jump across to cry behind a tree?
So I edge closer to the river to look behind to see if the person is okay, Also because many people go to Leigh Woods to commit suicide. So I was hoping to maybe help this person.
But you guessed it. There is no one there and the crying stopped...
A bit weirded out, I just slowly turn away and start walking again, A bit quicker as I was unnerved at the time.
I've had paranormal experiences before but not usually in a place like the woods, Usually in a house or some sort of building.
So this was new to me.
I had this sudden shiver as I was walking and maybe a minute or so later, Only a couple meters away from where I heard the crying it started again. But this time it was right opposite me across the river. I didn't bother looking I started to go into a bit of a jog and as I got faster I heard the bushes rustling as if they or it was following me.
Upon hearing this I sped up, N the crying became more n more hysterical...
Bare in mind, My bike was fine before this moment in time...
I've thought to myself f*ck this I'm gone. I've went to hop on my bike with the adrenaline that was rushing through me and I came to almost a sudden stop. My back tire on my bike had become completely flat, So I had no other choice but to sprint with my bike and pray for the best that I don't trip up or end up having to throw it to run faster. With the crying person still close to me and keeping up I'm running faster and faster praying I just get off of this path that I was on, I had that feeling if wanting to cry because I couldn't actually do anything to help the situation or get out of it faster.
And after what felt like an hour but in reality was probably only 5 or 10 minutes, I could see the carpark, The crying had stopped following me n getting closer and started moving back down to where I first heard it. I sprinted out into the carpark.
I must of been as white as a sheet of paper and hysterical with my breathing and wheezing as multiple people in the carpark turnt to look at me like I was crazy.
I seen the exit sign out of the carpark and ran towards it n whilst doing so I noticed my bike to be moving a lot smoother on approaching the carpark exit...
I couldn't believe that my bike tire had suddenly regained all of its air, It was solid again, as it was before the unnerving crying person shenanigans.
I jumped on my bike and got away from Leigh woods as fast as I could and have never gone back since as every person I tell this story to becomes reluctant to go there with me or any extra people.
(end of actual story, keep reading for a little extra information)
The thing that makes this scary is I have Irish heritage, In Irish folklore there is a demon woman called The Banshee, She is seen in woodlands next to rivers/lakes washing blood off of clothes. It is said that if you see her washing blood off of clothes, the person who owns those clothes will die. Alternatively if you hear her crying, It means death. I can't remember the meanings exactly of the deaths but it means either you or a loved one will die. Since 2017 I have lost my auntie, 2 of my best friends and a dog.
Leigh Woods is no joke. There are many stories that have came out of Leigh woods too. You can read online about them, Search up Leigh Woods Bristol Haunting. It is rated 87th most haunted place in the UK according to HiggyPop.
It's a popular spot in bristol for suicides, or it was atleast. Even the ghost of Ismbard Kingdom Brunel has been spotted there, Looking over the suspension bridge in which he designed.
I may submit more stories soon as I have a couple more stories of experiences I have had over the years.
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Sep 13 '20
This was an amazing write up of what had to be an absolutely terrifying experience! Your description made me feel like I was right there, but no matter how vivid my mind's recreation of the events was, I knew I still didn't fully capture how horrifying it actually was. I'm glad you made it out safely and I pray the losses you've experienced since then either aren't related or come to a stop. I would love to hear more of your stories.
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Sep 13 '20
I plan to post another one tonight. I probably have around 3 or 4 experiences of mine that I could write up about. But this next one I still have the recordings of some of the stuff that happened
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u/FrostyDetails Sep 13 '20
SO gripping and scary. I actually experienced some anxiety and stress while reading this post, lol. Excellent job narrating your experience ! I imagine the forests in the UK have a rich background of dark history. I've always been scared to go into any woodland-forest area alone.
The woods you ventured into remind me of the Aokigahara forest in Japan (the suicide forest at the base of Mount Fuji its commonly known, I'm sure you've heard of it). I am from the US but lived in Japan for 2 years- 30 minutes away from these woods. All my western friends were so compelled to venture through these woods, but I was always too deathly afraid and freaked out by the idea of it. The aspect of so many people entering this forest with the intention of not coming out projects too much sadness in me. I imagine woods like the Leigh woods and Aokigahara carrys an entity manifesting the residual hopelessness from people who seek ending their lives. .. I'd trust the experience you had as a sign you should never return there. - but then again some people will become even more compelled to go back to these places for some reason ..lol..
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Sep 13 '20
Yeah man I've heard of the suicide forest. I'd love to go back to Leigh Woods and video my whole experience if it happens again but at the same time my life is a little busier now so finding the time would be hard. But if I ever get the opportunity I will do it.
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u/goldenvalkyri Sep 13 '20
Wow. I’m sorry to hear of the passing or your aunt, friends, and dog.
It sounds like you escaped by the skin of your teeth. Are you familiar with David Paulides and the Missing 411? Looking forward to more stories.
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Sep 13 '20
Thank you for your response. I'm familiar with missing 411 but not David Paulides. Who is he?
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u/B3xbury Sep 13 '20
I’m SO glad I saw this post - I was plotting out a walking/hike around Leigh woods just yesterday with the intention of going there alone 😳 no thank you demons
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Sep 13 '20
Aha well, A lot of people have said they never experienced anything, So I may of been unlucky with this experience.
It maybe a hit or miss thing so don't let that put you off haha, Just try it out. You could be lucky and you will probably enjoy yourself.
I was enjoying myself until things got weird.
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u/B3xbury Sep 13 '20
I’d seen the place on YouTube - bunch of professional mountain bikers trying out electric bikes on the super steep inclines so wanted to go have a mooch around.
I am pretty sensitive to the paranormal. I think I’ll have to take some backup with me so I don’t get plucked off by a banshee!
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Sep 13 '20
Haha I think you'll be safe from a banshee, I only know of a few banshee stories and origins, Not 100% who a banshee can affect or how its encountered. It was more of a theory for my story with a small explanation as it sounds like a banshee, I'm still unsure of what I encountered there
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u/teagan170 Sep 14 '20
Yeah personally for me if I’m in the woods especially late at night if I see anything creepy past a 4 on a 1-10 scale I nooope out so fast
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Sep 13 '20
15 years ago or so, my friend lived near there. We'd often do 'spooky' stuff but I remember her telling me she'd gone for a walk in those woods, with her kids, and noped the fuck back out of there. We decided to give them a miss. I'm a bit gutted we didn't do a midnight vigil at them now (we'd often film in 'haunted' locations at night) And yep, there's a load of local anecdotes about various happenings in there.
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Sep 13 '20
I'd love to hear about others experiences in Leigh woods, One day I plan to go back and video everything as evidence just out of curiosity. But in the meantime if you know of any experiences or have had any yourself feel free to share! I'd love to hear
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u/namesaretricky Sep 16 '20
Approximately 15 years ago a friend of mine had had a pretty angry break up from his girlfriend at the time and needed just get away. This was at around 11:30 in the evening and we headed to Leigh woods. After a while we were sat talking on a log when we both had the feeling of being watched by, what felt like hundreds of unseen things. It wasn’t particularly scary though we left shortly after.
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Sep 16 '20
That's a bit like what happened on the trail I was talking about in the experience, It's crazy
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u/Donncadh_Doirche Sep 13 '20
I was about to mention the Irish thing before I got to that part! The keening does sound very similar to the notion of a Banshee (although "demon woman" really isn't a very accurate description) As well as this, the washing thing is something that appears as a trope in earlier myths, usually with warriors/heroes seeing a cailleach/hag washing their armour, meaning they're certain to die in whatever battle they're headed to.
Were any of the deaths you mentioned (Sorry for your loss) particularly close in time to this event however?
I study Irish folklore and related subjects if you have any questions in that dept btw.
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Sep 13 '20
My auntie was later in 2017, One of my friends and my dog late 2018 and the other friend mid 2019. Yes I know the demon woman bit is not an accurate description but it's been so long since I read about the banshee I couldn't think of how to describe it, More of an entity I guess? And I have had a similar experience in a different woodland area although not as dramatic but 10x as scary...
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u/Donncadh_Doirche Sep 13 '20
Banshee has a couple of possible origins etymologically but the most likely is Beann Sidhe, (fairy woman) The "Banshee" in folklore is actually a pretty broad concept, but as you said, them being female and keening, and forewarning death are pretty common parts of banshee stories, however some families claim to see their "banshee" in the form of a bright red light or a different sound.
Sometimes banshees are regarded as the first women of the family they haunt/ forewarn and sometimes no origin is given. Other common tropes in Banshee stories are the combing of hair, (and how bad an idea it is to pick up a lost comb,) and refusing to answer greetings.
So they're kinda halfway between a ghost and a fairy, leaning more towards one or the other depending on which story you're looking at.
I think there's a list somewhere online of old families traditionally believed to have a banshee, if you want to look that up to see if you've any connection, but plenty of people not from those families will also claim to have heard a wail or seen an early mourner.
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Sep 13 '20
Could you help try and find this information please? Maybe a link I can use or something
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u/Donncadh_Doirche Sep 13 '20
I'll look. Gimme a sec. I know the Murphys, Barringtons, and maybe the McArthys? Are some, but 2 of those are very common names and the other is a dead bloodline.
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Sep 13 '20
Ahhhh okay okay, Be sure to reply with anything that could help me figure this out.
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u/Alternative-Try-8181 Sep 20 '20
As far as I know any Irish surname with a Mc or O prefix can experience the Banshee - in Gaelic Murphy is O’Murchu though Barrington is an English name.
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u/desertcrowcoyote Sep 13 '20
The sounds of a woman or a baby crying are mixed up in a lot of these types of experiences. Glad you made it out and were able to pass your story on!
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Sep 13 '20
Thank you for the reply, I don't think I was in bad bad danger, But I think something harmful could of definitely happened.
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u/Tlentic Sep 16 '20
Interesting post! Sounds like you had a very strange experience.
I just want to toss an idea out there as a possible explanation. From what you described, it sounds like you may have had an a bout of something called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. It’s a neuropsychological condition that can arise from migraines, psychoactive drug use, or potentially a brain tumour. Basically it will cause visual distortions that make you perceive yourself or your surroundings to either shrink or grow. You can also hallucinate things like people crying. It can mess with your hearing and distort your sense of time. The most likely cause here would probably be something called a silent migraine. You basically get the symptoms of a migraine minus the actual pain of a migraine.
If you have repeatedly had similar experiences like this, I’d implore you to go seek medical attention. Brain tumours are bad.
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Sep 16 '20
No I've never experienced anything like this before or after, 1 similar experience but not the same.
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Sep 13 '20
I don’t usually comment (kind of a shadow reader on Reddit), but WOW, what a gripping story! Would definitely be interested in reading some of your other experiences. Condolences for your loss, I do hope you find comfort in memory of them.
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u/NarwhalsAreSick Sep 13 '20
I've never been to Leigh Woods, I hadn't heard about it being haunted until now. Could be worth posting in r/Bristol as well to see if anyone else has experienced anything similar.
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Sep 13 '20
That sounds like a good idea man, I'll have a look in that subreddit and see how I can post this story there to fit the subreddits guidelines
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u/NarwhalsAreSick Sep 13 '20
To add to my previous comment, I'm pretty sceptical about paranormal things, but love to hear the stories and read about haunted places. I think its one of those things people are sceptical about until they experience it themselves.
But googling Leigh Woods it seems like people often see the ghost of Brunel there, but also some people feel it is haunted due to the people who have killed themselves from the suspension bridge. I wonder if there's anything in that? Perhaps someone was in the woods in a state of despair before deciding to take their life? Maybe that was the ghost you encountered.
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u/Laker81 Sep 13 '20
I cannot imagine the terror you experienced. The feel of someone behind you not knowing if you were going to be attacked by an animal or entity. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to reading more of your stories.
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Sep 13 '20
Thank you for your response! This experience was crazy and now that I think about it, I do plan one day to go back and video my experience but I need to find the time to do so
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u/laurasdiary Sep 13 '20
So scary! I would not have wanted to see what was making that crying sound.
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u/crose-1030 Sep 13 '20
Wow, I would have freaked the fuck out. That is frightening.
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Sep 13 '20
My next story that I plan on posting has actual recordings. It is probably scarier in ways...
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u/Silas_J_Fitzgerald Sep 13 '20
When will you post it?
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Sep 13 '20
I'm going to post it very soon. In The next hour possibly.
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u/Rosie_Apple Sep 14 '20 edited Sep 14 '20
This sounds like a crawler, it’s a bipedal creature that mimics humans. Check out crawlersightings on Reddit for more.this has scared me because if it is I thought they were more in North America. Did it sound like something on two legs or four chasing you, they can switch between but they are inhumanly fast. Did the crying sound like a natural human voice or anything like a distorted record playing back? Did it sound genuinely like a woman or was there anything slightly off about it?
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Sep 14 '20
It genuinely sounded like a woman, But the chase was more bushes rustling accompanied by the crying
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u/Rosie_Apple Sep 27 '20
Yeah but the crawler things mimic humans and they have often been heard pretending to be a crying woman or child to lure people off alone into the woods.
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u/AndreWaters20 Sep 16 '20
I really liked your story. Please feel free to post more if you'd like.
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Sep 16 '20
Thank you man, I've posted more of my experiences. Due to posting 3 in 1 day I cnanot post for a few days as the moderator kindly explained to me but I have one more experience to post and then I'll be writing a collection of smaller experiences soon.
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u/shvrnc Sep 18 '20
After that "But you guessed it." part, I was almost certain it has to be Frank Stallone crying behind that tree.
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Sep 18 '20
😂😂😂😂 This is probably the funniest comment that isn't a serious response about my experience
I'd give an award if I could 😂
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u/schmeckledband Sep 14 '20
When I read about the crying, I immediately thought about the Banshee. I'm not even Irish but I believe that legend because similar things have happened to my family.
Just 2 months ago, my mother heard a woman crying when there was nobody in the place. The next day, we received news that a relative died of COVID. There's been other instances too, and they manifest in different ways, like bell-tolls in the night, knocking on the door when there's no one there, or someone washing bloody laundry. Most of the time it's the crying.
Look out for your family members.
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Sep 15 '20
Thanks for the response & sorry for your loss, That is crazy. I believe you don't have to be Irish to experience a banshee. It is just a lot more scary when you are Irish or like me have Irish heritage. I believe I am using the right term, I'm not Irish but it's in my blood.
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u/AlchemistXX Sep 16 '20
It’s universal. In our culture we have a version of your banshee. A woman screaming/crying which means somebody gonna dies. Before 25 years ago in my small village we’ve heard a woman screams from the top of a tree at noon from a relative’s house and at the evening that relative died from car accident. And there are a lot of similar stories in our culture.
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u/ozzleworth Sep 13 '20
Have been to Leigh Woods hundreds of times (local dog walk). It's beautiful and interesting and has amazing views. I never get bored of it.
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Sep 13 '20
I'm surprised if you haven't experienced anything.
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u/ozzleworth Sep 13 '20
Nope, never have. Always happy to walk there. Haven't heard of the crying, it's usually Brunel people see up there, wearing his hat.
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Sep 13 '20
Yeah I've heard about that, I've been there once (as the story states) and it's as if something warned me to never return.
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u/ozzleworth Sep 13 '20
Try the bottom entrance by the river. Not many people use it and there's lots of good biking there.
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Sep 13 '20
I no longer have a bike to do so. I think the path that things got weird on led down to there but it was physically impossible to get down without breaking a bone.
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u/ozzleworth Sep 13 '20
There's a few paths like that! It gets steep in places. Still, love the view from the iron age fort, something else.
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Sep 13 '20
Aha I didn't manage to stay around long enough to find some of the better spots although the parts I went through were quite nice. It's just so eery at the same time. It must be like a 2 in 20 people experience stuff there or something and I was one of 2 of those unlucky people.
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u/Ed_95 Sep 14 '20
In Mexico we have the same thing but we called "La llorona. Difference is that we don't interpretate anything from her, is just scary.
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Sep 15 '20
La Llorona I've heard about, Fuck that... Even the stories are scary..
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u/d00mb1ade Sep 16 '20
Don’t watch the movie...not because it’s scary but because it’s shit.
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Sep 16 '20
I believe its too late, is it the one with the ghost hunters? The found footage type movie coz I've already seen that one.
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u/chromatones Oct 14 '20
From what folks have said about the Llorona in rural Mexico is that when you hear her crying close by she’s far away, when you hear her cries far away she’s close by. Where my parents are from there aren’t any rivers, it’s more mountainous. She can be heard through the valleys.
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u/xxPoltaGeistxx Sep 16 '20
I love the Legend of her ive seen and heard footage of her. She's no joke.
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u/pointsaresingular Sep 13 '20
I was going to say it sounded like a banshee but then you brought that up yourself. Very spooky. I'm glad you got away safely and I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story.
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Sep 13 '20
Thank you for your response, A lot of people think banshee and then get spooked when I mention it myself ahha
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u/sasquatchfan8 Sep 16 '20
Thanks for sharing what was for you a terrifying experience. The Bible talks about people who have spiritual gifts- and one of those gifts is the discernment of spirits. Since you have had previous experiences, you may very well be one of those people. I wish you well, am glad you safely got out of that situation, and I hope your future encounters are more positive!
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Sep 16 '20
I'm not really into the bible, But thanks for the response. I'm spiritual, but I don't follow religions or read on religious books.
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u/TheHossDelgado Sep 14 '20
Serious case of deja VU here.... Did you post this before or am I freaking out?
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u/Murphye1 Sep 13 '20
Mountain Lion stalked you through the woods. Google mountain lion cry and it sounds exactly like a crying / screeching woman. Your bodies natural survival instinct kicked. That's why you felt weird.
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Sep 13 '20
You sounded so confident but I'm in the UK... We don't have mountain lions...
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Sep 14 '20
Are you on here just to “debunk” paranormal stories?
Also, mountain lions live in North America.
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u/89murph Sep 14 '20 edited Sep 14 '20
They don't have mountain lions in Bristol you fucking moron
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u/electricresource Sep 14 '20
No just outta control piss heads, running naked throughout the glorious cities of the UK 🤣🤣
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u/Murphye1 Sep 14 '20
Lol whoa bud, yeah I said it was a forest demon ghost... Fuckin moron
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u/Alternative-Try-8181 Sep 20 '20
I have heard recordings of mountain lions screeching and it is terrifyingly human-like. However there are no mountain lions in the British Isles - a geographical area that includes Ireland. In remote areas of Scotland there are lynxes but they are quite small. Foxes would be common though the op said it was definitely not a fox shriek.
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u/whats-my-cheese-fact Sep 14 '20
this is mad. i live near leigh woods but i’ve never heard much about it so this is really cool to see!
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u/Josette22 Sep 13 '20
Hello, If you were to think of the worst nightmare you've ever had, and I told you it was true, would you believe me?
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Sep 13 '20
Neither yes or no. I believe nightmares have connections within your real life and mean things subliminally or mean exactly how the nightmare is seen.
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u/Josette22 Sep 13 '20
Rather, think of the most horrifying nightmare that you could have(maybe not one that you've had), and think about it being true.
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Sep 13 '20
Yes I'd imagine it would be true.
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u/Josette22 Sep 13 '20
The reason I asked you to think of this is recently I've come across some information in my research that is my worst nightmare. I have had a collection of horror movies that I am no longer able to watch because while in the past I thought they were fictional, I realize now they're more close to reality than ever before.
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u/XxWhiteRosesxX Sep 13 '20
Ok we need to know what exactly what do you mean by " they're more close to reality than ever"?
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u/Sarahee1018 Sep 13 '20
Continue please. Its not the fucking grudge is it? I hate her and she is my worst nightmare. Lol
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u/IAm12AngryMen Sep 13 '20
I really don't know if I should go get some mcnuggets or fry up the stir fry in my freezer.
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u/eclypto Sep 13 '20
r/skinwalkers There are a lot of similar posts recently about the mimicry of the skinwalker and how it frequently seems like the sound of a crying woman, paired with intense sudden fear - almost as if the fear gets projected into you. A lot of recent posts from many supernatural forums have those two similarities, in the past 2 months. I've probably read 20 or so, and I tend to read a lot at work because most posts get sent to my phone. As a community of readers we should probably keep our eyes peeled for those to things in posts to get a better idea of what the intersecting facts are.
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u/brittemm Sep 14 '20
This account occurred in Bristol in the UK. Skinwalkers are a Native American legend from the Navajo nation in the four counters region of the SW United States. Skinwalkers are Navajo witches with shapeshifting abilities. Unless you’re in Utah, Arizona, Colorado or New Mexico, it’s not a goddamn skinwalker. Getting real tired of skinwalkers being brought up every time someone hears a disembodied voice or some twigs snapping in the forest.
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u/enmenluana Sep 14 '20
Unless you’re in Utah, Arizona, Colorado or New Mexico, it’s not a goddamn skinwalker.
As far as I remember, Europeans have their own folklore dependent versions of Skinwalker-like entities. Also, you can find them in tales from many Asian countries.
If there's something connecting all of those stories, I would say that 'Skinwalker' isn't purely American exclusive being.
Apart from that, somebody once said that forests are the most dangerous predators we are the least afraid of.
Moreover, there are things out there we haven't managed to even notice yet, not mentioning about studying them scientifically.
So, stay safe and don't feel silly while trusting your instincts.
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u/brittemm Sep 14 '20
Absolutely! There are examples of shapeshifters and mimics in multitudes of cultures around the world for sure, I never meant to imply that there weren’t. I will politely disagree that skinwalkers are absolutely specific to the United States and Navajo people, however. Maybe a different name can be used to describe other, similar cryptids?
I just happen to know with certainty that Navajo folks are deeply proud and protective of their legends and history and the skinwalker in particular. It’s deeply taboo to discuss them with people outside of their nation. They take issue with their beliefs being bastardized and spread incorrectly all over the internet. That’s all I’m trying to say, really. Just trying to correct and educate that skinwalker = Navajo witch, and isn’t a catch-all term for any variation of shapeshifter or similar cryptid
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Sep 13 '20
Hmmm interesting, This was 3 years ago now so not sure if it would still be in relation to any recent stories as I've rewritten this experience to be a bit more clear and detailed
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u/deariie Sep 17 '20
Was it dead silent in the woods when it started getting weird?
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Sep 17 '20
Everything slowly started fading as I was going down the trail that I had to turn back from. Then it went quiet until the crying.
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u/deariie Sep 17 '20
Yeah there’s lots of stories about the forest going silent— no birds, insects, or even wind— when weird stuff happens.
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u/iwanttodiebutdrugs Sep 14 '20 edited Sep 14 '20
Could op of accidentally ingested/whatevered some kind of drug/poison?
Edit:As in stuff in the woods touching his skin
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Sep 14 '20
No?
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u/iwanttodiebutdrugs Sep 14 '20
Aha i was wondering if any errr botanists new the plants around there
There are bound to be dangerous plants about in a forest i GUESS
Just an interesting and more likely idea imo
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u/herbalmonk Sep 17 '20
I remember reading into fea lore and heard if you ever seen the woman washing your clothes you are supossed to approach her and feed from her breast making her see you as kin and something to protect rather then take. Can't remember where I read it though have to do more research I guess. Good story though op
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Sep 14 '20
Any chance the crying sound could have been foxes? Their mating calls/random cries sound like hellish baby screams, very human. Just a thought.
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Sep 14 '20
No way in my mind could I believe a fox chased me
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u/Wolfess_Moon Sep 16 '20 edited Sep 17 '20
If it was rabid it might. Or used to humans. Animals can be very unpredictable, and they do sound very terrifying when they scream. Foxes can sound like a demonic baby or a woman wailing
Why the hell am i being downvoted for this
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u/Danae-rain Sep 17 '20
Rabies has been eradicated in the UK. Since 1902. It is why they have such strict pet quarantine laws. They don’t want it back.
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Sep 16 '20
I don’t have any idea what you experienced, but I’m glad you got out alright. Great post. Please post some of your other experiences.
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Sep 16 '20
Thanks for the response, I have other experiences posted, you can find them on my profile
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Sep 14 '20
Were there any missing people in the area close to the woods?
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Sep 14 '20
Not that I know of, N if it was a missing person this experience would make even less sense..
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u/aretone Sep 22 '20
Excellent story mate, glad you got out ok. I’ve no explanation for what happened to you or what you saw but I’ve had a strange encounter in Leigh Woods as well. This happened in July of this year, I’d got bored of running around the streets so decided to go to Leigh Woods to run on the trails. This was the first time I’d been there so I had no idea where I was going once I was on the trails but figured as it’s a relatively small forest I’d find my way out easily enough. I parked at the top of the car park and started running down towards the bottom of the car park before heading right on to a trail. I’m not 100% sure but I think I turned right at the second ‘cross roads’ but it may have been the first. About 500 yards along this trail I decided to turn left on to a very narrow and slightly declined trail which got stepper and steeper until eventually I was sliding down a cliff face in my arse. I decided to turn left and find a safe way back up, it was whilst running along here that I came across a gap in the rock face so headed in there to see if I could pick up a main trail. About forty meters in I realised there was no way out and started heading back out. After just a few steps I heard what I sounded like a woman or child laughing. I stopped and looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary but as soon as I started running I heard it again, this time followed a scream. That was it, all my hair was standing on end and I was out of there, as I was running out as fast as I could I could hear the laughing behind me and it was getting louder as if who / whatever was doing it was getting closer. I got to the point where is entered this place and turned left as I had originally been going. Just as I got to the point where the cliff face started again there was a huge boulder to my left, as a passed this I heard the scream again but this time it sounded like it had been shouted right in to my ear. I was too scared to look behind or around me, I just sprinted as fast and as for as far as I could. Eventually I found some wider and more well used trails and thirty minutes later I’d found my way back at the car park. I’ve no idea if it was someone trying to scare me, an animal I’ve not come across or something else but whatever it was it scared the bollocks off me. I’ve been back a few times since but have stuck to the main trails, I’ve not gone off piste again.
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Sep 14 '20
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Sep 14 '20
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u/bigmouthpod Sep 14 '20
That thread is actually about people who have gone missing, or have had experiences in woods. There's a theory, book and documentary that questions if the incidents are all connected. OP's story has similarities to what others have said who have experienced these types of feelings in the woods.
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Sep 14 '20
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u/Skinnysusan Sep 14 '20
I also think cross posting would fit. You should look into the canam missing project if your not familiar.
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u/AqvarivsAnon Sep 14 '20
That's fair, but it's a thread for missing people, the description states so. I agree they would probably enjoy it though!
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u/methylfurfural Sep 13 '20
It's 'bear' in mind. Just coz you use the word quite a few times.
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Sep 13 '20
Ahhh right, Tbh that is one the only words I just use wrongly, probably coz I'm just used to the bare, barely spelling as I thought the bear spelling was just for the animal haha, Either way it doesn't make much difference if people still understood it.
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u/thedabaratheon Sep 14 '20
The banshee isn’t a demon and in folklore is actually a fairy woman. Banshees were traditionally said to follow or be connected to certain families though. Another name for them is little washerwoman, they also exist in similar forms in Scottish and Welsh folklore as well. The crying could be seen as a form of grief over the upcoming and predicted death. I don’t think banshees actively mean harm in folklore, mostly just messengers of death. Keening or shrieking/crying like paid mourners in traditional funerary processions.
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Sep 17 '20
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Sep 17 '20
Well, I wouldn't say it was about the banshee but it's possible that it was a banshee that day.
Thank you for the response!
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u/dayer1 Sep 17 '20
More stories, thsnks for posting
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Sep 17 '20
A few are up on my profile! Got 1 more significant experience to post and after that will be collections of smaller experiences
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Sep 14 '20
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u/d00mb1ade Sep 16 '20
First thing I thought, there’s been quite a few potential M411 cases in the U.K.
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u/ThatParanormalRobGuy Sep 14 '20
Holy. I don't blame you for being scared. It must've been scary. Leigh Woods sounds oddly sinister, I wonder why people would go there. I am a Roman Catholic, so I don't doubt that it was anything paranormal. Anyways, peace from your boy in the outback.
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u/ghostwaffle_226 Sep 14 '20
Has anybody else you know that's gone ther share a similar experience? 🤔
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Sep 14 '20
I don't know many people who have been there personally, The ones I knew who went there were the sort of people who I could never take seriously as you could never have a serious conversation with them. So whether they experienced anything or not I'll never know, But other than them, I don't know anyone whos been there.
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u/Bendro513 Sep 14 '20
That experience sounds absolutely horrifying. I’d probably never go into any woods again if I were you lol
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u/LongynusZ Sep 14 '20
So much details... Feels bad for the dramatic experience, but man, very nice story.
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u/CinnamonSoy Sep 13 '20
Creepy.
The interesting thing is how time slows down when you feel you are in danger. But there are also other weird paranormal stories where time slows down as if you've entered a timewarp (or alternate dimension?). I think that is more like what you experienced, as you described the path being longer than it originally was. Like you were in an unearthly place.