KATE MARTIN: Hello and welcome to the National Trust podcast.

In this mini episode. We'll be hearing about the mysterious

mermaid pools of Kinder Scout.

Dipped in the coarse folds of Kinder Scout's heather mounds. A

cold deep pool glistens.

On clear days, It's a glassy mirror to the sky. But when the

clouds encroach, it gleams black. This water has been the

font of myth and legend for millennia. It is said that

Celtic water rituals are practiced here and I can imagine

the ancient chants of generations past calling on the

skies to rain.

The pool's waters are rumoured to heal those brave enough to

slip into its icy depths. And I can imagine those Celtic water

worshipers bathing their battle wounded bodies in the freezing

water.

If eternal life is what you're after. The myth recommends a

midnight dip beneath Easter's fat, full moon.

Under the pale light of night, a mermaid is said to emerge from

the pool.

Her face illuminated by stars and her voice sweet and syrupy.

Her song burbles across the water through the brooks of

Kinder inviting you closer. If the mermaid looks on you fondly,

she'll reward you with everlasting life.

Now, this isn't something I'd personally recommend the peak is

tricky enough to navigate in the light, let alone in the dark.

Even if the moon is full.

Those seeking eternal life might actually end up chilled to the

bone, lost, wandering the peak in their swimmers, not very

glamorous.

And anyway, that's the tame or more recent version of the

story.

The older version is a little bit more sinister.

It holds that the mermaids melodious voice actually lures

men to the pool.

Calling them beneath the surface into a watery grave.

The famous 18th century poet Henry Kirke White wrote a poem

based on the older version of this myth.

And one passage reads: "A maiden strangely fair but strangely

formed, rises from out the pool and by her lungs and heavenly

beauty lures to the shameful death, The luckless White who

hears her melodies"

So eternal life or shameful death. One thing's for sure, the

mermaids pool of Kinder Scout has fed generations of

imaginations and today it's eerie, beauty is still enjoyed

by poets, walkers and dreamers alike.

Thanks for listening to this week's National Trust mini

episode.

For the next full episode, I'll be in Beddgelert, Wales that

will be available in a week's time until then for me, Kate

Martin. Goodbye.