The Fairy Glen is a lesser-known attraction on the Isle of Skye. It’s also one of the cutest places on the island to explore.
The Fairy Glen was the first place we visited on the Isle of Skye. Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, it is easy to combine the Fairy Glen with a visit to The Quiraing, Kilt Rock, and the Old Man of Storr. Many people skip this place, but we loved it here.
We arrived at 9:30 in the morning, and for just a little bit, we had the lovely little Fairy Glen all to ourselves. Pure magic!
While Tim and Tyler fired up the drone for its first international flight, Kara and I went off exploring.
The Fairy Glen is small. It’s just a short walk along the path up the hill. Along the way, you will walk through the coolest grove of crooked, gnarly trees covered in moss. It looked just like a place you would expect to find fairies.
From the top of the hill, we had a great view over the area.
Kara and I climbed up the rocky prominence, named Castle Ewen. From this high spot we had an awesome view (and a chance to wave hello to our drone).
Why aren’t there more people here? This place is wonderful!!
As soon as I had that thought, a small tour bus pulled up. And then a car. And a bit later, a second car. Our solitude ended, but at least we had the chance to have this place to ourselves, just for a little bit.
The Fairy Glen by Drone:
Tyler gets the credit for this video. He is our drone pilot and video editor.
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 A87 north towards Uig. Just before the Uig Hotel, turn right onto the small single track road. There will be a road sign here to Sheader and Balnaknock.
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- Uig Hotel
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- Turnoff from A87 to the Fairy Glen
Follow this road for 1.5 miles (2.4 km). The Fairy Glen, with its odd, mystical peaks will come into view. There are a several small turnoffs here to park your car.
Helpful Tips on Visiting the Fairy Glen
Allow about one hour for your visit.
Get here early if you want the best chance to have the Fairy Glen all to yourself. We started here first and then went clockwise around the Trotternish Peninsula, heading next to the Quiraing.
Visiting the Fairy Glen is free.
This is a great place to visit for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a great place to let kids explore…hiking trails, sheep, the chance to see a fairy…what kid wouldn’t love this?
About Our Visit: We visited the Isle of Skye and Scotland in July 2016.
More Information about Scotland
PLACES TO GO IN SCOTLAND: Edinburgh and Glasgow are two wonderful cities to add to your Scotland itinerary. Spend a few days on the Isle of Skye, visit Glencoe, hike the Kintail Saddle, and visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
SCOTLAND WITH KIDS: If you have plans to visit Scotland with kids, don’t miss our article Best Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids. Kids will also love exploring the Isle of Skye, hiking to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, and exploring the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye.
SCOTLAND ITINERARY: With 10 days in Scotland, visit the highlights, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Isle of Skye, and Glencoe.
EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in Europe, check out our article 30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe. You can also get more travel ideas in our 10 Days in Europe itinerary guide, which has 10 great itineraries for your next trip to Europe.
Planning a trip to Scotland? Read all of our articles in our Scotland Travel Guide.
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Comments 25
Hi Julie, We’re planning trip to Scotland with my mom who is in her 80’s. I’m thinking that having a car will be best vs trains and buses with Mom. So many of the beautiful views seem to require hiking. If we go up to Inverness, what route is a good day scenic drive from there to see the beauty of northern Scotland. Thanks for your suggestions! By the way your photos are gorgeous!! Lisa
Author
Hello Lisa. We have not been farther north than Inverness in Scotland, so I am not familiar with any driving routes north of here but I imagine that driving A9 to Wick and John O Groats and then coming down the west side of the peninsula would be a scenic drive, but you will have to look into this more. The area around Fort William, Glencoe, and Glennfinnan is all very scenic and great to do by car. If you haven’t seen it yet, we also have 2 driving routes between Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye. Have a great time in Scotland! Cheers, Julie
Hi Julie, I am planning a trip to Scotland and hopefully the Isle of Skye next year in April 2024 for our 30th wedding anniversary. Just wondering if the hikes on the Fairy Glen are super steep as I have a bad back and hip issues so don’t want to regret it with pain the next day. We walked up small hills and to low waterfalls last year in Tasmania ( we are from Australia) and it was fine.
Kind regards
Narelle
Author
Hello Narelle. What a wonderful place to celebrate your anniversary! The hikes are hilly on the Isle of Skye but I wouldn’t call them super steep, with 2 exceptions. Bla Bheinn can be steep at the top (but we never made it that far due to the weather so I’m not totally sure) and getting up onto the rocky outcropping in the Fairy Glen is a bit on the steeper side. However, you can walk the loop around the glen and that isn’t too bad. Cheers, Julie