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.