“Double double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn and caldron bubble.”
The famous words from the witches in Shakespeare’s “Scottish” play are ringing in my ears as I make my way to the start of the Halloween walk. The walk is being run by the Met Walkers – a Ramblers group aimed primarily at those in their twenties and thirties who are based around the London area (though the upper age limit is in no way strictly enforced).
This walk is being led by the chair of the group – Mark “Sillyhats” – who true to his name is wearing a bat on his head. At least it means he’s easily identifiable!
On the way, I reflect on Halloween and how it has changed in the past few years. I grew up in Glasgow, and spent many a happy 31st October “guising”. This entailed learning a “piece” - a poem, song or a joke - and going round in a “disguise” (or costume!) to neighbours’ houses. In return for our show, we received sweets, tangerines or even money. It was quite lucrative as an eight year old! Apparently guising far predates trick or treating, going back to the nineteenth century, whereas trick or treating became popular in America in the 1950s. It seems to me a real pity that we have taken up with the less kind American tradition, rather than the older Scottish and Irish one. At least we had to do something for our bounty!
Anyway, back to the walk... It begins conventionally enough; outside Guildford railway station, with thirty-two other intrepid souls. However, that’s when the fun begins, when Mark checks to see if the spirits are around, with the help of an exploding coke bottle. Apparently, this proves that our walk will be haunted.
The walk continues along the canal path and up one or two amusingly steep hills, pausing for sandwiches before a mid walk pub stop. At this point, Mark disappears - to be replaced by a ghoul accompanied by three witches.
After the pub stop, we carry on whilst darkness descends. The high point of the walk is in St Martha’s churchyard, a church on the Pilgrim’s Way and accessible only by foot at the top of the hill. The ghoul stops, and tells us a ghostly story in the graveyard. Finally we descend to Guildford and to the (fortunately) ghost-free pub, where we all laugh at the events of the evening.
So, next Halloween, I recommend that you look out for any ghoulish sounding walks! It’s a bit different from the ordinary and a great excuse to be out when the trick or treaters call at your house!
Lucy Rigg
Lucy is a member of the Metropolitan Walkers: www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk
Read more articles by the Met Walkers:
Maps, more maps and walk leading skills
Footloose and fancy free
