The Fairy Glen of Skye, Isle of Skye

Natural Phenomenon and Walk near Isle of Skye

isle of skye The Fairy Glen
isle of skye The Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is one of Skye's most enchanting and unusual landscapes, tucked into the western side of the Trotternish Peninsula above Uig. Time and geology have sculpted a miniature world of cone-shaped hills, tiny lochans, terraced slopes, and strange formations that feel almost handcrafted. Its Gaelic location name, Balnacnoc, means village in the hills, and the setting really does resemble a small, mystical land hidden away in the Highlands. Although the glen has no genuine fairy legends linked to it, its uncanny shapes have long inspired imagination, making it one of the top sights in the Isle of Skye.

The road winds through knobbly hills and grassy humps with ponds shimmering below them, contributing to the glen's otherworldly atmosphere. One hill still bears a natural basalt cap known as Castle Ewan, resembling a ruined fortress from afar. Visitors can scramble to the top for rewarding views, and the tiny cave behind it has its own good-luck tradition involving pressed coins. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Isle of Skye for anyone drawn to whimsical landscapes and quiet moments in nature.

History and Significance of the Fairy Glen

Despite its name, the Fairy Glen has no deep-rooted fairy folklore of its own. Instead, the nickname arose because the landscape looks like something straight from a tale of the supernatural. The grassy cones, natural terraces, and lochan-dotted hillsides were formed by geological processes, likely linked to ancient landslip activity on the Trotternish Peninsula.

Castle Ewan is the best-known feature, a basalt-capped formation that resembles the remains of a hilltop keep. It is entirely natural but appears man-made due to its angular edges and the way the rock sits atop the grassy mound. The cave behind Castle Ewan contains cracks where visitors have long pressed coins for luck, though this practice has no historical magical basis.

In recent years, visitors began rearranging stones into spirals or patterns, encouraged at times by myths spread on tours. Local residents have repeatedly removed these stone circles in an effort to preserve the glen’s natural state. As such, the Fairy Glen holds a unique place in Skye’s cultural landscape: a place shaped by nature but continually adopted into the folklore of modern visitors.

Things to See and Do in the Fairy Glen

Wandering through the glen is the best way to experience its unusual shapes and soothing beauty. The grassy mounds, tiny plateaus, and rippling slopes create endless opportunities for exploration. Look for the lochans nestled between the hills, which reflect the sky on calm days and enhance the magical feel.

Climbing Castle Ewan is a highlight. The ascent is short but steep, and the summit area is small, offering sweeping views of the glen and out toward Uig. Behind it, the small cave is easy to miss but adds a touch of curiosity, especially with the tradition of pressing coins into the rock’s cracks for good luck.

Take time to appreciate the glen's natural features without rearranging stones. The shapes of the hills and terraces are what make this area one of the must-see places in the Isle of Skye, and leaving them undisturbed helps preserve its beauty for everyone.

How to Get to the Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen sits above the village of Uig on the western side of the Trotternish Peninsula. The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport, which provides access to the Highlands before continuing onward to Skye. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Isle of Skye on Booking.com.

Travellers can reach Kyle of Lochalsh by train, then continue across the Skye Bridge by bus or car to Uig. From there, the Fairy Glen is within walking distance. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving directly into the Fairy Glen is possible but not recommended due to extremely limited parking. It is strongly advised to park in Uig and walk the 30 minutes up to the glen along quiet roads and footpaths.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Fairy Glen

  • Suggested tips: Wear sturdy footwear; grassy slopes can be slippery after rain.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and quieter paths.
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Always accessible.
  • Official website: Local tourism pages provide updates and guidance.
  • How long to spend: 1 to 2 hours exploring the hills and viewpoints.
  • Accessibility: Uneven ground, slopes, and narrow paths make access challenging for limited mobility.
  • Facilities: None on-site; amenities available in Uig.
  • Photography tip: Castle Ewan is especially photogenic from below with the grassy mounds in the foreground.
  • Guided tours: Some tours include the Fairy Glen as part of northern Skye itineraries.
  • Nearby food options: Cafes and eateries located in Uig.

Where to Stay close to the Fairy Glen

Uig is the closest village and a convenient base for exploring the northern Trotternish Peninsula. A charming option is Uig Hotel, perched above the bay with great views. For dramatic landscapes just a short drive away, stay at Flodigarry Hotel. Another good option is Staffin House, ideal for combining the Fairy Glen with other nearby attractions.

Is the Fairy Glen Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Fairy Glen is absolutely worth visiting. Its surreal landscape, natural terraces, cone-shaped hills, and calm lochans create a whimsical world unlike anywhere else on Skye. Whether you're photographing the scenery, exploring Castle Ewan, or simply enjoying the tranquillity, the glen is one of the things to do in the Isle of Skye for anyone seeking a peaceful and magical escape.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (4,529)

The Fairy Glen in Uig, Skye, is a small, otherworldly hillside formed by an old landslide with grassy mounds, stone circles and a tower‑like rock called “Castle” Ewen; visitors describe easy, short walks from the main car park (roughly 5–15 minutes), some steeper sections that are manageable in sneakers but not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, and viewpoints and natural platforms offering sweeping, magical scenery—many recommend allowing a couple of hours to explore, note limited passing places on the single access road, and mention paid parking.

Ha a Jun
a month ago
"We took epic photos of my husband and me, thanks to the incredible wind on top of the Fairy Glen! I’ve never experienced gusts like that before haha.It was an easy walk with a unique landscape. Such a beautiful place!..."
Bia Pires
a month ago
"A beautiful and magical place. A must stop. The road to get there is both ways but only one straight road. There’s some passing places. We went withour motorhome, and it was no problem. The parking has a fixed hour/pay, it was 3£ for 4h...."
Alex Haas
3 months ago
"The Fairy Glen became quite popular the past few years. Social Media playing a part....but without I might have not know about it as well. Weactually didn't expect much, but were surprised by this small, but oh so charming area. All the famous spots are only about a 10-15min walk away from the main parking lot. Even some visitors seemed out of breath and calling it a hike (!), it's actually just a short walk with a quick steep section that doesn't take a trained person to climb. It's really easy. Even though I would at least recommend sneakers, not sandals or so. And of course it's a near impossible task for strollers, wheelchairs and visitors with walking disabilities. The "Castle" Ewen is visible from far away. But it's not an actual castle, but a rock formation. Named for its looks, because it really resembles some tower ruins. Arriving on top you will meet the first stone circle and then a large natural platform with wonderful views of the Glen Conon. It was a foggy and cloudy day. But that in my opinion just added to the magical atmosphere. Even though there aren't Fairy at work here. The stones in the circles are place by visitors and this isn't appreciated for many (good) reasons by the locals. And they do remove them from time to time...but they get being put back all the time. If you go back the way you came up (the first path up) you will miss the second and bigger circle. Take the further path down to come across it. There were visitors, but not as many as we thought. And the green glen, the views and all the little sights (including a good number of sheep) were far more impressive than we hoped for. It is indeed an amazing, pretty and magical spot here on Skye. It's a nice little walk. Even our English Bulldog managed fine - walking both ways - up and back down...."

FAQs for Visiting the Fairy Glen

Because the unusual landscape looks magical, though no traditional fairy legends are associated with it.
Yes, the climb is short but steep, with rewarding views from the top.
Very limited; it is strongly recommended to park in Uig and walk up.
No, they are created by visitors and often removed by locals to preserve the landscape.

Nearby Attractions to the Fairy Glen

  • The Quiraing - A dramatic landslip landscape perfect for walking.
  • Uig - A coastal village with ferry links and scenic views.
  • Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls - Iconic cliffs and waterfall lookout point.
  • Duntulm Castle - Ruins perched above the sea.
  • Staffin Beach - Home to dinosaur footprints and sweeping coastal scenery.

 

The The Fairy Glen of Skye appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Isle of Skye!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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