And ghosts aren't the only things lurking in the wells and streams - there's water-ogres, guardian dragons, giant serpents, the mischievous fairy folk, and even a tenuous link with Tolkien and Bilbo Baggins.

Explore the watery lore of these curious tales with author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he investigates the weird and wonderful on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare!

The "Ghosts and Folklore of Wales" podcast explores Welsh ghost stories, lore, myths and legends.

Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects by combining decades of research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.

Ranging from "real life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical tales from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded on Thursdays (weekly most of the time, biweekly when book and media deadlines are looming) and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons.

Along with the regular stories you can also expect the odd special guest, an occasional "live" ghost hunt, and all sorts of crazy ideas. Seasonal specials include the dark and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions of old, to everyone's favourite skulled-skulled Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd herself.

Dare you explore haunted Wales? Think of it as opening the Welsh The X-Files, along with some tenuous Ghostbusters links!

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:

• Mark Rees homepage

It's spooky time!