GET ready to be spooked, for a well-known ghost walk has returned for this season.

The Dorchester Ghost Walk, now in its 21st year, intends to captivate and entertain people of all ages on a short trip around parts of historic Dorchester.

Stories of various characters that have lived and died in Dorchester are recalled by Alistair Chisholm and Chris Gallarus, who lead the ghost walks.

The walks take place every Thursday evening up until the end of October.

There is no need to book a place on any walk – people can just turn up at the historic Kings Arms Hotel in High East Street, which featured in Thomas Hardy’s Mayor of Casterbridge, where the walk begins at 8pm.

Walkers are taken along the River Frome and pass the place where Thomas Hardy witnessed the hanging of Elizabeth Martha Brown, the last woman to be hanged in public in Dorset.

It was from this gruesome event that the famous writer got the inspiration for his novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

Alistair Chisholm does not wish to give away too much about what is contained in the mysterious walk, but he has given a couple of other hints about it.

He said: “There is something that is Roman and something with associations to the Second World War."

He added that he believes the Dorchester Ghost Walk is the only ghost walk which includes two Thomas Hardy poems within it.

Those who come along to the walk are also taken to reported ghost sightings.

Alistair said that he himself is open-minded about the existence of ghosts and other such things.

He said: “I have met people who have recounted their experiences.”

He added: “There is stuff out there which no one can explain.”

The whole venture takes around 90 minutes to complete and ends back at the Kings Arms Hotel.

Each trip often attracts between 20 and 30 people and those with buggies, wheelchairs or well-behaved dogs are welcome to come along.

The walk is suitable for all ages, and during local school holidays and half-term breaks there are additional Tuesday evening tours available.

The walk is £6 for adults and £3 for children.

For further information, contact Alistair Chisholm on 07773 286 197 or email him via alistair@chiz.org.uk

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