THE age old question of ‘who killed the bears?’ and the mystery of a bleeding stone will be among ancient stories signposted along a trail of legends when visitors step back through the mists of time.

The myths of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean form the subject of a new trail as part of Visit Wales’s 2017 Year of Legends.

A new website has been launched to encourage visitors to step out and delve into the fables and folklore of the area, which includes Roman curses, witch trials and King Arthur.

Legends along the way recall the tale of a mob’s deadly attack on two performing bears near Ruardean in the 1800s; Staunton’s longstone which ‘bleeds if pricked at midnight’; haunted Littledean Hall, scene of a gruesome murder; the last witch of Gloucestershire in Cinderford; the Beast of Dean in Parkend; and Lydney Park’s Roman temple curse, which may have inspired JR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Other places to visit include the site of Caractacus’ last stand at Dean’s Hill; Dick Whittington’s childhood home Pauntley; the Devil’s Pulpit above Tintern Abbey; the ghost of Swan Pool carrying a child near Newland; King Arthur’s Cave on the Doward, where legend has it a giant human skeleton was found; St Tewdric’s Spring at Mathern, which magically appeared after he died from battle wounds; and the Virtuous Healing Well in Trellech.

Stunning landscapes, ancient monuments, and unique geological formations have inspired storytellers for thousands of years, steeping the area in tales of fantastic figures and mythical creatures, and firing the imaginations of the likes of poet William Wordsworth, JR Tolkien and Harry Potter creator JK Rowling.

Using information on the website and downloadable maps, visitors can plan their own paths and discover the woodlands, historic sites, caves and glades that inspired this rich mythic tradition and modern legends, such as locations for key scenes for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Maureen McAllister, executive director of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association, which has put together the trail, said: “The Year of Legends allows us to spread the word about all the incredible stories and legendary figures that have their home here.”

They will also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in June as part of VisitEngland’s Year of Literary Heroes, in honour of its Tutshill-raised author JK Rowling.

“And we’ll also be adding to our popular film and TV trail, when the new King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table film – which had scenes filmed in the Wye Valley – is released,” she added.

“Millions of people discovered the destination last year, and we were proud to receive the Trip Advisor certificate of excellence as a result of their resounding praise for our attractions, accommodation and eateries.”

A record 6.7 million people visited the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean last year, say tourism chiefs, and they are hopeful the latest initiatives will top that in 2017.

Mari Stevens at Visit Wales, added: “Wales is an ancient landscape, with history and myth wherever you look. But it’s also a land of epic thinking and high adventure.

“The Wye Valley encapsulates this with its fascinating history, awe-inspiring views and legendary attractions.”

See www.deanwyelegends.co.uk for more information.