The Ford & Etal Scarycrow Trail

Returns October half term 2027 | Ford & Etal villages, North Northumberland

The famous Scarycrow Trail returns to Ford & Etal for October half term 2027. It's a much-loved local tradition, and it has been running for over 19 years.

Local people and businesses create a cast of spooky scarycrows, displayed around the villages and country lanes of Ford & Etal Estates. Pick up a trail map and score sheet from one of the village shops, or download it from the Ford & Etal website, then score each scarycrow as you go. Hand your sheet in when you finish, and the scores are added up at the end of the week to crown the winner, so the decision is yours.

There's no set route, and most of the trail can be explored on foot, with the map to help you find them all. The scarycrows are on display all week but are best seen in daylight. Dogs are welcome, and the trail is accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. Please look but don't touch.

The trail is free, with donations for the map and score sheet going to a local charity. Make a day of it at Ford & Etal, with Halloween happenings around the estate during half term, and visit the working Heatherslaw Corn Mill and Lady Waterford Hall while you're here.

The 2027 dates will be announced nearer the time. Keep an eye on the Ford & Etal website for updates and the downloadable trail map.

Looking for more spooky family days out? See our Halloween in Northumberland page.