By Barsha Bhattacharya
Fairy Glen, the most magical place in Scotland, is creating a buzz with ongoing improvement projects.
The West Lancashire Borough Council has allocated £95,000 from its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to improve Fairy Glen’s environmental condition.
Also, Fairy Glen, a geological wonder of Scotland, is in the news for the growing concern about overtourism. Once a hidden gem, it is now facing a strain on local resources, traffic congestions, increasing pollution rates, and other threats to maintain sustainability.
Having said that, Fairy Glen also became a part of our pop culture many years back. The 2007 film Stardust had Fairy Glen as its backdrop. Further, movies such as Macbeth and Snow White & the Huntsman were shot at Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye.
So, for many of us, it’s a long-cherished dream to explore this village in the hills. It’s time to seize the moment.
Where Is Fairy Glen?
Just south of Uig, The Fairy Glen is located on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, between the villages of Balnacnoc and Sheader.
It is also above the Glen Conon sides and has a unique geology. You will also find rowan trees here.
In the Gaelic language, Fairy Glen is known as “Bail nan cnoc,” meaning the village in the hills.
How To Reach Fairy Glen?
You can reach Fairy Glen from Uig by car. It will take you 5 minutes. Further, you can also take a 25 minutes drive from Portree town.
Fairy Glen has a small car park just 5 minutes away. However, if the parking lot is full, you can park you car in Uig and take a 30-minutes walk from there.
Enjoy The Famous Fairy Glen Walk From The Car Park
The 1.5km walk to Fairy Glen from the car park is beautiful. Further, it is a is dog-friendly route. However, cattle roam frequently in this area. So, you have to be careful.
Also, make sure that you carry any waste or rubbish caused by your pets back home to keep Fairy Glen beautiful.
Nevertheless, this 1.5 km walk consists of several stages.
Fairy Glen Walk: Stage 1
The road to Fairy Glen from the car park leads you to Sheader. Further, as you take a turn at the bottom, you will find a beautiful lochan and reach a small spot with the Glen Conon looking over you.
Now, continue walking to meet the bigger hills of Fairy Glen and take the turning area at the bottom to indulge in the wonderful vistas of Glen Conon.
Here, you will also see some beautiful waterfalls and the other side of Fairy Glen.
Fairy Glen Walk: Stage 2
Continue walking as the mound gets steeper. Now, reach the ancient and ruined stone foundation clad with moss and dotted with rowan trees.
Further, Castle Ewen, a natural wonder of Fairy Glen, awaits you at the end of this steep route. This is a natural basalt formation that looks like a medieval fortress.
Keep climbing up from here and follow the gravel path to enjoy more stunning views of Fairy Glen from the top.
Fairy Glen Walk: Stage 3
It’s time to leave with Ewen Castle standing proud on your right. As you walk back to the car park, you will meet many grassy hillocks.
Why Is It Called Fairy Glen?
According to local beliefs, fairies formed this land. Further, many believe that fairies still live in the crevices of Fairy Glen.
Further, an ancient custom in this region makes the stories about fairies more fascinating here. In ancient times, children used to offer flower petals to the fairies in this stream water.
Also, the cone-shaped hillocks, lochans, and boulders here are formed by post-glacial landslides. The unique geological formations here create an otherworldly vibe.
So, many people associate Fairy Glen with fairies and their magical charms.
Fairy Glen: Stories You Cannot Miss
Fairies or the little people have always been a part of local beliefs since ancient times. People used to consider them evil, and they called the heather of Fairy Glen their home.
There is also a saying that if you meet a fairy, you must behave well. These supernatural beings are harsh on ill-mannered people.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Fairy Glen?
Summer is the busiest season for Fairy Glen for tourists flocking in great numbers. The long days and few hours of night make it the ideal season for explorers.
The average temperature in the summer months of June to August hovers around 15-20 degrees Celsius. Temperature may go down to 5-7 degrees Celsius after the Sunset.
However, if you want to cherish the changing foliage, pleasant weather conditions and even lesser crowd, spring or autumn will be the best time to plan a trip.
Moreover, the autumn and winter seasons, spanning from September to March, are the ideal seasons if you want to experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Fairy Glen.
| Did You Know? Vikings believed the Aurora Borealis to be Bivröst, or the bridge between men and gods. For them, it was the magical road through which Valkyries take the souls of the slain warriors to heaven or Valhalla. |
How Old Is Fairy Glen?
The geological origin of the glen takes us 60 million years back. It was related to volcanic activities in Northern Skye.
Further, Fairy Glen was formed around 100,000 years ago by following geological and weathering factors.
- Post-glacial landslides
- Erosions
- Torridonian sandstone weathering
What To Do In Fairy Glen?
Fairy Glen is one of those places that will allow you to feel the magic of nature, introspect and even live the favorite moments from your childhood stories.
So, as you take a walk from the car park, the beautiful hillocks and boulders with their unique formations will make you believe in the existence of fairies here.
Also, you can enjoy the most amazing views of the surroundings and take breathtaking photographs once you reach Castle Ewen.
Further, you can visit nearby attractions such as Inverness, Loch Ness, The Black Isle, etc.
Keep These Tips In Mind Before Planning A Trip To Fairy Glen: An Online News Buzz Special
The weather of Fairy Glen or the entire Isle of Skye is unpredictable. So, carry waterproofs and suitable warm clothing in your rucksack.
Also, be careful about your shoes as the route is sometimes ruggy and sometimes there will be wet boggylands under your feet.
Further, midges are frequent throughout the route. So, you must apply Smidge cream before you start the walk.
Also, wear covered clothes and face masks if you are taking a walk during dawn or dusk.
So, Is Fairy Glen Worth It?
Fairy Glen is the crown jewel of the Isle of Skye or the entire Scotland. It is also the epicenter of many prominent attractions in the Isle, such as Quiraing and the township of Duntulm.
Further, it is just 20 minutes away from The Skye Museum of Island Life. It has a gold mine if you want to learn about ancient human lives in the Isle of Skye.
Also, the rowan trees and grazing sheep against the beautiful backdrop of Fairy Glen make a perfect frame.
Moreover, once you are done hiking and exploring Fairy Glen, you can cherish your day and relax while trying local cuisines at the best ales at Ferry Inn.
So, Fairy Glen is worth it if you are looking for a wholesome experience and enjoy the simple pleasures of life!
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