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Discover some of the darker tales of Welsh folklore this autumn with a family-friendly Calan Gaeaf adventure at Powis Castle and Garden. Calan Gaeaf is an ancient Welsh tradition marking the arrival of winter at the beginning of November.

The preceding evening, known as Nos Galan Gaeaf, was traditionally associated with mystery and superstition. Folklore told of the boundary between the everyday world and the supernatural becoming weaker, allowing strange beings and spirits to wander more freely. One particularly memorable character from these old tales is the Hwch Ddu Gwta, a mysterious black sow without a tail.

According to tradition, as community gatherings around seasonal fires came to an end, children would hurry home for fear that the Hwch Ddu Gwta might catch whoever was left behind. At Powis Castle, this intriguing story has inspired a special trail through the garden.

Follow the pumpkins as you explore and keep your eyes peeled for 10 Hwch Ddu Gwta lurking along the route. Your journey will eventually lead towards the creature's den – and you may even hear some suspicious snuffling and squealing as you get closer! Along the way, families can learn more about the traditions surrounding Calan Gaeaf and the legends that have been passed down through generations in Wales.

Combining an autumn garden adventure with storytelling and folklore, it's a fun way for children to discover a fascinating part of Welsh cultural heritage.