ON All Hallows’ Eve, it is said that the souls of the dead, unable to rest, walk the earth.

To celebrate, Cadw is hosting a full programme of events to help visitors discover the terrifying tales behind some of Wales’ most hauntingly beautiful sites.

Ahead of the Cilgerran Castle’s upcoming Halloween events (October 26-31), Catherine Collins, custodian at the 13th century ruin, shares details of reported sightings and ghostly goings on from her stint as key keeper.

Catherine began working as a custodian at Cilgerran Castle early in 2009. In June that year, the first re-enactment was held in the castle grounds. For a number of weeks following the event, Catherine received reports from female visitors of a male presence in the West Tower.

She said: “Between June and October 2009, there were several sightings of a dark bearded man wearing a white tunic, and a number of female visitors sensed a man watching them around the grounds. I also felt it myself, on more than one occasion.

“In autumn 2009, a spiritualist visited the castle and after walking the grounds, told me that she had been contacted by a deceased soldier who was angry with the number of people visiting Cilgerran. Whether or not he thought the castle was under attack, we will never know, but she assured him that the visitors intended no harm. He has never been spotted at Cilgerran Castle since.”

Visitors can discover more tales of strange happenings at historical sites by joining the fun at one of Cadw’s Halloween events.

For more information, and for full Halloween event listings, visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/events, find Cadw on Facebook or follow @CadwWales on Twitter.