Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye |

Fairy Glen: The Isle of Skye’s Most Enchanting Spot

NURAN HIKING, SCOTLAND

Share this Post

This article may contain affiliate links. For full information, please see our disclosure here.

The Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye in Scotland is a truly enchanting destination that is well worth a visit. Nestled on the scenic Trotternish Peninsula, this captivating glen can be fully explored in just one hour, making it an ideal stop on your itinerary.

Discover the natural beauty of the Fairy Glen as you leisurely stroll through its picturesque rolling hills, lush greenery, and meandering streams. Kids will adore this charming place, and adults will find themselves equally smitten by its irresistible allure.

Our comprehensive guide includes a picture guide along with instructions on how to get to the Fairy Glen and what to expect during your visit.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. About the Isle of Skye
2. About the Fairy Glen
3. Hiking Stats for the Fairy Glen
4. Getting to the Start of the Fairy Glen
5. The Fairy Glen Walk
6. Camping on the Isle of Skye
7. Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
8. Resources
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Final Words

1. About the Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is an island located off the North-West coast of Scotland. It is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and towering peaks.

Skye is also rich in history and culture, with ancient ruins, castles, and museums dotting the landscape. The island is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including rare birds, seals, and otters, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

The Isle of Skye has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the World with its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage. Despite its growing popularity, the island has managed to maintain its rugged and remote character, offering visitors a true taste of the Scottish wilderness.

2. About the Fairy Glen

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye |

The Fairy Glen is a stunning natural landscape located on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The unique geological formations in the glen, including cone-shaped hills and basalt columns, were formed over thousands of years by natural erosion and landslips. The glen’s beauty is enhanced by the tranquil ponds and meandering streams that wind their way through the lush green grassland.

In addition to its geological significance, the Fairy Glen is also a place of local legend and folklore. According to tradition, the glen is believed to be the home of fairies and other mystical creatures.

3. HIKING STATS FOR THE FAIRY GLEN

Starting Point: Fairy Glen Parking, Pier, Uig, Portree IV51 9XX | Grid Ref: NG 410 632 | 
Open in Google Maps
Distance: 1-4 km
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Fairy Glen Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 408

4. Getting to the Fairy Glen

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye |

The Fairy Glen is situated just off the A87 in Uig on the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye. To get to the Fairy Glen, park at the Fairy Glen Parking, Pier, Uig, Portree IV51 9XX |
Grid Ref: NG 410 632 | Open in Google Maps. There is a parking charge. Motorhomes and Campervans are instructed to park on the roadside as shown on the right in the above picture.

5. The Fairy Glen Walk

As you leave the car park, you’ll find the Fairy Glen straight ahead with a path leading up to it. The glen’s otherworldly appearance is reminiscent of the miniature version of the nearby Quiraing, further reinforcing the legends of fairies calling this place home.

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye |

The Fairy Glen is a small and charming place where you can freely wander as you please. Instead of specific paths, you’ll find yourself in an expanse of lush grass, occasionally accompanied by grazing sheep. Enjoy the freedom to explore this delightful area at your own pace.

The standout feature of the Fairy Glen is Castle Ewen, a prominent hill that offers a stunning vantage point to admire the entire glen. Be prepared for muddy and slippery paths when ascending the slopes, especially during wet conditions.

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye | Castle Ewen
Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye | On top of Castle Ewen

The views from atop Castle Ewen reveal the size and shape of the Fairy Glen and how it is nestled within its surroundings.

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye | View from Castle Ewen
Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye | View from atop Castle Ewen
Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye |

The image below captures Castle Ewen as seen from its slopes.

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye |

Note: The stone spirals scattered across the grass in the Fairy Glen may not be a natural wonder or the handiwork of fairies. Instead, they are created by tourists as a tradition or to honor the mythical inhabitants of the area. However, it’s important to note that constructing these stone spirals can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Therefore, locals diligently remove them after each tourist season. Let’s show respect for nature and refrain from building stone spirals in the Fairy Glen.

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye | Stone circle

In the Fairy Glen, you can also find an enchanting waterfall and stream, which is fun for kids to explore.

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye | Stream & waterfall

From the small waterfall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Fairy Glen. Its distinct appearance gives the impression of being transported from another world, standing in stark contrast to the otherwise ordinary surroundings.

Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye |

6. CAMPING ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

When it comes to Isle of Skye campsites, there are several options to consider. In our case, we opted for the Uig Bay Campsite due to its convenient location, making it an ideal base for exploring the scenic Trotternish Peninsula in the north-east of the island.

While it may be a basic campsite, Uig Bay Campsite is well-suited for motorhomes or campervans. We specifically sought an electric hook-up as our rented campervan had electrical issues, and we hoped they could be resolved. It serves as a practical choice; however, I wouldn’t recommend it for tent camping as it may not be an ideal spot for that purpose.

READ MORE: Camping Essentials: Complete Checklist for Camping with Kids

7. THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

  • Hike the Old Man of Storr
  • Hike the Quiraing
  • Visit the Fairy Pools
  • Visit the Staffin Dinosaur Museum
  • Visit the Skye Museum of Island Life
  • Walk along Coral Beach
  • Take a boat to Loch Coruisk
  • Visit Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
  • Visit Lealt Falls
  • Walk to Brother’s Point
  • Visit Neist Point Lighthouse
  • Visit Dunvegan Castle
  • Climb in the Cuillin Mountains

8. RESOURCES

When planning our 4-week road trip through Scotland, I drew inspiration from several travel guides to help me plan our itinerary and choose the best hikes and activities. These guides included Scotland The Best, Rough Guide, Cicerone, Bradt, and Wild guide books. I particularly like the structure and information provided in these guides, and they were instrumental in helping me plan our trip.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland and want to explore the beautiful countryside and hike the stunning mountains, check out these guide books. They are a great resource and will help you plan the perfect itinerary for your trip.

TRAVEL & WALKING GUIDES AND MAP FOR THE FAIRY GLEN

9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take visit the Fairy Glen?

The time required to visit the Fairy Glen purely depends on how long you’d like to spend in this place. We spent about 1.5 hours walking around in the glen, but 1 hour is plenty of time to visit the Fairy Glen. And if you only have half an hour, it’s still worth a visit.

What’s the elevation gain for the Fairy Glen?

The elevation gain for the Fairy Glen is negligible. We amassed about 98 metres in elevation gain by strolling around for 1.5 hours.

Parking for the Fairy Glen?

There is now dedicated parking available for the Fairy Glen. Simply park at Fairy Glen Parking, Pier, Uig, Portree IV51 9XX | Grid Ref: NG 410 632 | Open in Google Maps

What is the best time of year to visit the Fairy Glen?

In general, the hiking season in Scotland runs from April to October, and the driest and warmest weather typically occurs in the summer months of June to August; this is also true for the Isle of Skye. Hence, if you’re looking for the best weather and longest days, then visiting the Fairy Glen in the summer might be the best option for you.

However, keep in mind that the weather in Scotland, and especially on the Isle of Skye, can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all conditions and plan accordingly.

Weather for the Fairy Glen?

You can visit the Fairy Glen in almost any weather condition since it’s a very short walk with minimal elevation gain. Therefore, it is a very safe walk. You can check the most up-to-date and accurate weather information by using the Mountain Weather Forecast on the MetOffice website or app.

During our visit to the Fairy Glen, it was raining, and the glen was extremely muddy and slippery. Although it is an easy and low-level walk, it is still advisable to wear walking shoes/boots and rain gear to prevent accidents and stay dry.

Is the Fairy Glen walk dangerous?

No, visiting the Fairy Glen is not dangerous. In fact, it is one of the easiest and safest walks you can enjoy on the Isle of Skye. It is also a safe place for kids, allowing them ample freedom to explore the slopes of the little hills.

Would I recommend visiting the Fairy Glen with kids in tow?

Yes, I would highly recommend visiting the Fairy Glen with kids. It offers a very easy and safe walk suitable for the entire family, including the littlest ones. Indeed, it’s akin to an enchanting playground that brings delight to both kids and adults alike.

How to get to the Fairy Glen?

The Fairy Glen is located just off the A87 in Uig on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye.

To get to the Fairy Glen, park at the Fairy Glen Parking, Pier, Uig, Portree IV51 9XX |
Grid Ref: NG 410 632 | Open in Google Maps. There is a parking charge and the Fairy Glen is located directly ahead.

10. Final Words

Visiting the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye was a memorable experience. We had previously visited it five years ago and are happy to share that it hasn’t lost any of its charm.

This is also a great place to visit if you have to modify your more adventurous or demanding plans due to unfavourable weather conditions since it offers a straightforward and leisurely walk.

Allocating just one hour is sufficient to explore the Fairy Glen and immerse yourself in its enchanting natural surroundings.

Happy Hiking!

You Might Also Like

Share this Post