Nestled in the heart of Devon lies the eerie and mysterious landscape of Dartmoor National Park. The windswept moorland, foggy tors, and ancient woodlands have long been the inspiration for countless legends and folklore. One of the most chilling and infamous tales to emerge from Dartmoor’s misty expanses is that of the Hairy Hands. The legend tells of a malevolent pair of disembodied hands that force unsuspecting drivers off the road, causing accidents, and striking fear into the hearts of those who dare to venture along a particularly desolate stretch of road near Postbridge.
A History of Terror
The sinister story of the Hairy Hands dates back to the early 20th century. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of accidents and unnerving encounters along the B3212, a lonely road that winds its way through the heart of Dartmoor. Victims of these incidents often report a sudden, inexplicable loss of control over their vehicles, accompanied by the terrifying sensation of a pair of large, hairy hands gripping the steering wheel or handlebars, and forcefully steering them off the road.
One of the earliest recorded incidents took place in 1921 when a doctor was riding his motorcycle along the B3212. As he traversed the desolate road, he suddenly felt an unseen force take control of his handlebars, forcing him off the road and into a ditch. The doctor was fortunate to escape with his life, but the experience left him deeply shaken and bewildered.
In the years that followed, more and more stories of the Hairy Hands began to circulate. A young military officer experienced a similar ordeal, only to be found dead by the roadside, his motorbike twisted and mangled beside him. A terrified motorist claimed that the unseen hands had forced her car off the road, sending her careening into a hedge, narrowly avoiding a fatal accident.
The Phenomenon Explored
As the tales of the Hairy Hands grew more widespread, locals and visitors alike became increasingly fearful of traveling along the B3212. Some even resorted to carrying protective charms or praying for protection before embarking on their journeys. The unsettling occurrences piqued the interest of paranormal investigators and folklorists, who sought to uncover the truth behind the sinister phenomenon.
Various theories have been proposed to explain the Hairy Hands’ existence. Some believe that the hands belong to a restless spirit, bound to the area by some tragic or violent event from the past. Others speculate that the hands are the manifestation of a malevolent energy, fueled by the countless souls who have met their untimely demise on Dartmoor’s treacherous roads.
A Modern-Day Encounter
Despite the passage of time, the legend of the Hairy Hands remains very much alive. To this day, travelers along the B3212 continue to report unsettling experiences and near misses. One such encounter occurred in the late 1990s when a group of friends decided to explore the infamous road by night.
As they drove along the moonlit road, the driver suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of dread. The atmosphere inside the car became thick and oppressive, and the temperature seemed to plummet. Without warning, a pair of large, hairy hands appeared on the steering wheel, wrenching it violently to one side. The terrified driver fought desperately to regain control of the car, narrowly avoiding a collision with an ancient oak tree that loomed ominously by the roadside.
The group fled the scene, their hearts pounding, and their minds reeling from the terrifying encounter. They could not shake the feeling that they had come face to face with the legendary Hairy Hands and had
been fortunate to escape unscathed. Their harrowing experience only served to reinforce the chilling legend, adding yet another chapter to the dark and mysterious history of Dartmoor’s Hairy Hands.
A Warning to the Curious
The legend of the Hairy Hands has become an enduring part of Dartmoor’s folklore, captivating and terrifying in equal measure. Those who have encountered the hands firsthand speak of a primal fear that grips them, an inexplicable sense of malevolence that is impossible to shake. The desolate stretch of road near Postbridge has become synonymous with the sinister phenomenon, and many still approach the area with trepidation.
For those who dare to venture along the B3212, the story of the Hairy Hands serves as a chilling reminder of the unseen forces that may lurk in the shadows of Dartmoor’s ancient and mysterious landscape. Whether the hands are the manifestation of a restless spirit or malevolent energy, one thing is certain: the legend of the Hairy Hands continues to cast its eerie spell over the lonely moorland road, a haunting presence that lingers in the darkness, waiting for its next unsuspecting victim.
The tale of the Hairy Hands is a fascinating and chilling piece of Dartmoor folklore that has captured the imaginations of locals and visitors alike for generations. The seemingly inexplicable phenomenon has defied explanation, leaving those who have encountered it searching for answers and meaning. As with many legends, the truth behind the Hairy Hands may never be fully understood, but the enduring power of the story serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of history, myth, and mystery that shrouds the windswept moors of Dartmoor.
For those who choose to explore the enigmatic landscape of Dartmoor National Park, a healthy respect for its legends and lore is advised. After all, the Hairy Hands may still be lurking, waiting for their next opportunity to strike, and leaving those who encounter them with an indelible memory of the darker side of Dartmoor’s enchanting and mysterious past.
