Trail Off Tuesdays: The Devil's Footprints

Send us a textSomething walked across Devon, England on a snowy February night in 1855, leaving behind a mystery that has endured for over 165 years. The Devil's Footprints, as they came to be known, weren't ordinary animal tracks – they followed perfectly straight lines for reportedly 100 miles, crossing rooftops, scaling walls, and even appearing to pass through solid structures.Victorian-era locals immediately suspected supernatural forces, with many believing Satan himself had wandered the countryside that night. Others proposed escaped exotic animals, hopping mice, or even objects carried by strong winds. The London Illustrated News published reports describing "marks in the snow such as no animal could have left," while letters from residents offered conflicting details that only deepened the mystery. The Devil's Footprints remain a fascinating window into how communities interpret the unexplained, especially during times of hardship. Was it mass hysteria, misidentified natural phenomena, or something genuinely inexplicable? Listen as we follow these mysterious tracks through the snowy fields of Victorian England and explore a puzzle that continues to defy explanation. Share your thoughts or similar mysteries you've encountered – we'd love to hear what you think left those strange prints in the snow.Support the show