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The Fairy Glen (Isle of Skye) – Access + Walk Tips + Photos

Last updated on November 24, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

Looking for a place off the beaten path on the Isle of Skye?
Go look for fairies in the pyramid hills and mini summits of Fairy Glen Skye! 
Below is my guide to plan your visit to this surprising and peaceful small area and let your imagination go wild.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William

My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

My favorite places to stay:

  • Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
  • Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
  • Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
  • Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel
the Fairy Glen Isle of Skye Scotland
Content
Why visit Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye?
PLANNING TIPS & Map – Fairy Glen Skye
Road from Uig to Fairy Glen
The mini cone mountains
The mini loch
The mini summits, the Fairy Glen Walk & Castle Ewan
The view

Why visit Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye?

If you are looking for something different and a little further from the main touristic crowds of the Isle of Skye, head to Fairy Glen.
Out of nowhere, a small area is covered with small pyramidal hills, lochs and mini mountain ridges.
It became a point of interest as it looks like Scotland in miniature!

The environment is peaceful, green and feels magical. Even though I did not see any fairies.

View at Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye
View at Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye

Virtual Tour

Below is a short video to give you a feel for the place and help you decide if you want to get off the beaten path – get a virtual tour!

About Fairy Glen History and Geology – how was Fairy Glen formed

  • A geological theory is that it was formed by a landslide that was remodeled during the ice age… or it is just fairies doing some home improvements…
  • In terms of history, there is no real fairy legend associated with the location (as opposed to the Fairy flag in the Dunvegan castle). It is just that it looks like fairies could live there because of all the strange shapes.

Fairy Glens mix-up

Many locations in the United Kingdom refer to a place as “Fairy Glen”.
The other famous one is the Fairy Glen Walk with a waterfall. it is located in the Manchester region. It is not this one.
Here we are talking about the one on the Isle of Skye. There are no waterfalls.

And do not mix this location up with the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. It is another location. (see my other article).

More photos after the planning tips.

PLANNING TIPS & Map – Fairy Glen Skye

Where is Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye? How to get there – Map

  • North of the Isle of Skye, just East of Uig
  • There are no public transports going there (nearest bus stop in Uig and the 30min walk)
  • Single lane road after the turn in Uig
  • Portree to Fairy Glen = 25min drive
  • Uig to Fairy Glen = 5min drive
  • Below is a map to help you locate Fairy Glen:
Map - Fairy Glen Location on Isle of Skye
Map – Fairy Glen Location on Isle of Skye

This location, with its GPS coordinates is included on both my Travel Guide eBooks that help you plan your Scotland road trip:

Plan your dream trip to Scotland with my guides!
  • 15 easy-to-plan maps
  • 170+ pre-selected locations
  • GPS coordinates 
  • Useful planning tips
  • 170+ large photos 
Discover it
  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 60+ pre-selected locations
  • Useful planning tips
  • 115+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates 
Discover it

Visit Tips

  • There are not many parking places. So, in summer in the middle of the day, it is recommended to Park in Uig and walk 30min along the road. It is a pleasant walk.
  • It is also written The Faerie Glen with the Gaelic style
  • Plan at least 1 hour to explore the area
  • Access is free
  • Walk is on grassy land – it can be slippery if wet – I recommend wearing proper walking shoes
  • No facilities
  • Light might be better in the morning. After walking up hill at the end of the afternoon I had the sun facing me for pictures (as you will see below)
  • Make sure not to park on the entrances of private lands!
  • Kids love the area!

Where to stay on the Isle of Skye?

  • Portree is the main town and the most practical place to explore the island – Check out the best rated accommodations in Portree
  • However the closest town to Fairy Glen is Uig – Check out the best rated accommodations in Uig
  • Find out more tips on my Isle of Skye article
Need to rent a car in Scotland?

My tips:

  • Compare prices on my favorite platform:  Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
  • Prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads
  • Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
  • Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

See available cars

Road from Uig to Fairy Glen

The turn from A87 in Uig is very discreet. You have to engage in a small dead-end road.
While driving on A87 from Portree, just before the Uig Hotel, there is a road doing a Y. It is indicating Balnaknock (and if you come from the North, drive past Uig).

Road turn to Fairy Glen
Road turn to Fairy Glen

Then drive on the single-track road for 2.2 km (1.4 mi).
As you arrive in the Glen’s area, you will see a couple of areas where it is safe to park.
Don’t forget to leave space for crossing of other vehicles.
Do not park on private land entrances.
If you are visiting in Summer in the middle of the day, don’t even try to get there by car. Park in Uig and walk 30min to the area.

How to get to Fairy Glen Skye 2 Location Fairy Glen Skye

You can also drive further where you can park after the lake, not so much where the car is on the photo below but after the curve to the left.

How to get to Fairy Glen Skye 3 Location Fairy Glen Skye
I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Claire, I pay you a coffee!

The mini cone mountains

I recommend exploring both sides of Fairy Glen: left and right from the road.
On the left side you discover perfect cones where sheep like wandering.
Walking in this section is easy, although it can get muddy after the rain.

Fairy Glen Skye - pyramide mountains 1
Fairy Glen Skye - pyramide mountains 2
Fairy Glen Skye - pyramide mountains 4
Fairy Glen Skye - pyramide mountains 5

The mini loch

If you are short on time, I recommend only exploring the lake and the right side.
The lake is really peaceful and gives you great views of the highest point and more cones.
It really looks like Scotland in miniature (see all the best lochs in Scotland)

If you have more time, this is a great place to settle down and relax after a long day exploring the many things to do on Skye island.

Fairy Glen Skye - mini loch 1
Fairy Glen Skye - mini loch 2

The mini summits, the Fairy Glen Walk & Castle Ewan

A track goes through the trees and leads you to the top of small hills.

You can also climb to the top of the highest point. I did not, it looked narrow in the middle and I suffer from vertigo.
But, as you can see in the pictures below, several people were there.

One of the hills still has its basalt topping intact. From a distance it looks like the ruins of a mini castle, so typical of Scotland lol.  It has been called Castle Ewan (Faerie Castle).

I am wondering if maybe the fairies were hiding in this ‘castle’ for the day…

Fairy Glen Skye - mini summit 1
Fairy Glen Skye - mini summit 2
Fairy Glen Skye - mini summit 3
Fairy Glen Skye - mini summit 4

Please respect the local’s rules

Many visitors have been creating stone circles and spirals in the area. The locals are removing them to leave the area in its natural state.
Please respect the local’s wish and don’t participate. 

The view

So, I picked another summit and was once again rewarded with beautiful views over the lake and conical hills. What a peaceful moment!

Fairy Glen Skye - the view 1
Fairy Glen Skye - the view 3

Want to see more? Here are other amazing things to do on the Isle of Skye:

  • The Old Man of Storr icon – read article
  • Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls – read article
  • The Quiraing viewpoint – read article
  • The sparkling Fairy Pools hike – read article
  • The Elgol Boat tour to Loch Coruisk – read article
  • Or enjoy my complete article about the best things to do on the Isle of Skye
Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide
eBook Travel Guide Mallorca
  • 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 170+ pre-selected locations
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
  • Tips to make the most of your time
  • 170+ original photos to help you choose
Discover it!

And keep track of your own trip!

Scotland road trip Journal

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DUNTULM CASTLE AND NORTH SKYE

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FAIRY POOLS SKYE

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

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