Stradey Woods, located in Cwmbach, Wales, has a rich history dating back centuries. Originally part of the Stradey Estate, the woods were owned by the Mansel Lewis family from the 16th century until the mid-20th century. The area was primarily used for timber production and hunting by the estate owners.

The woods have been the subject of numerous ghostly tales over the years. One of the most prominent stories involves the ghost of a young woman in a white dress, believed to be the spirit of a maid who worked at Stradey Castle. According to local legend, she was murdered by a jealous lover and her body hidden in the woods. Witnesses have reported seeing her apparition wandering among the trees, particularly on moonlit nights.

Another frequently reported phenomenon is the sound of phantom horses and carriages traveling along the old forest paths. These spectral sounds are thought to be echoes of the estate’s past, when horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation for the Mansel Lewis family and their guests.

Some visitors to Stradey Woods have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of dread or unease in certain areas, particularly near an old stone bridge that crosses a small stream. Local folklore suggests that this bridge was the site of a tragic accident involving a horse-drawn carriage, resulting in multiple fatalities.

There have also been accounts of mysterious lights seen floating through the woods at night, often described as glowing orbs that move erratically between the trees. Some believe these lights to be the spirits of lost travelers or forest workers from centuries past.