There’s aways been gossip in the West Ilsley about this, always told in hushed tones about the stories of the missing ones. They recount terrible things that happened over the decades: ‘new age’ types with their magic mushrooms taking things too far.
The secret is hidden in plain sight: the ‘footpath to heaven’ is literally that – a celestial right of way, properly signed and maintained by the Council at taxpayers’ expense. Should you wish this type of adventure, stand by the way marker during the first full moon after lammas day.
Locals, who couldn’t sleep, have witnessed the blinding lights from the skies and people levitating into the clouds. But some get dropped: falling to their deaths and marking the golden fields below with red star shapes. The bodies are removed: no inquests, no fuss, and those asking too many questions are shunned – yet the villagers know!