Elterwater is known for its beautiful walks, cosy pubs and spectacular views, but according to local folklore, it was once home to something a little more unusual.

A Boggle.

If you’ve never heard the term before, a Boggle is a creature from northern folklore, often described as a mischievous spirit or ghost. Stories vary from place to place, but they’re usually said to appear unexpectedly, cause trouble, or give travellers a fright.

According to local legend, Elterwater Common was once haunted by a Boggle that would appear to people crossing the common. Exactly what it looked like seems to depend on who was telling the story, but one thing remained consistent — nobody was particularly keen on meeting it.

Like many Lake District tales, it’s difficult to separate fact from folklore. Was there really something lurking on the common, or was it simply a story passed down through generations to explain strange sights, sounds and shadows in the dark?

We’ll probably never know.

Thankfully, the only thing you’re likely to encounter on Elterwater Common today is a fellow walker or a particularly confident Herdwick sheep. But next time you’re crossing the common, it might be worth keeping an eye on the shadows… just in case.