Exploring the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye

The Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye is one of the coolest places on the island to explore, particularly with kids. A bizarre and delightful miniature landscape of grassy, cone-shaped hills, created by a landslip, a fascinating and otherworldly place to visit. Located on the Trotternish Peninsula in the north of Skye, it is easy to combine the Fairy Glen with a visit to The Quiraing, Kilt Rock, and the Old Man of Storr.

Skye has a long history involving fairies, most of which is related to Dunvegan Castle and their ‘Fairy Flag’. The Fairy Glen (much like the Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle) has no real legends or stories involving fairies that can be traced. It is simply the fact that the location is so unusual, hence the name Fairy Glen.

The Fairy Glen was our first stop on a day exploring the Trotternish Peninsula. We arrived at about 10am and at this time there were few people here.

We set off exploring. The Fairy Glen is small, perfect for little legs. It is just a short walk up one of several paths, up the hill. Along the way, you will walk through a grove of crooked, gnarly trees, covered in moss. We loved these cool trees – a perfect place to find a fairy!

Climb right to the top of the hill, for a great view over the area.

The boys and I climbed up the rocky projection, named Castle Ewen. From this high spot we had a fantastic view across this bumpy landscape.

You get a fantastic view of all the rock towers and circles people have built down below.

We obviously then had to build our own rock tower.

Many people don’t make it to the Fairy Glen on Skye, partly as the road is inaccessible to buses, but it is definitely worth a visit if you’re travelling in your own car. It was one of the the boys favourite places on the Isle of Skye as they got to explore by themselves clambering up and down these strange hills.

GETTING TO THE FAIRY GLEN

The Fairy Glen is located on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye. The closest town is Uig, a tiny coastal town on the western coast of the peninsula. From Portree, take the A87 north towards Uig. Just before the Uig Hotel, turn right onto a small single track road. There is a sign to Sheader and Balnaknock, small villages in the hills. There is also a sign warning that buses, camper vans and caravans are not to take this road – with good reason.