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Fairy Glen Skye Walk

3.4 miles (5.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Visit this enchanting glen near Uig on this easy walk on Skye. Fairy Glen is a real highlight of Skye and a must see when visiting the Uig area.
The walk starts from the Uig Hotel and follows a winding country lane to the beautiful glen. It's about a 1.5 mile walk from the hotel to the prettiest areas of the glen.
In the glen you will find waterfalls and pretty pools surrounded by little hills. There's also a small loch in the shape of Lochan Mor. You can climb the hills and Castle Ewen (a tall rocky outcrop) for a lovely view over the area. It's a great place for photography and, if the weather is good, a picnic. Geologists will also love the interesting rock formations.
There are lots of little walking trails to try and interesting flora and fauna to look out for. For example you may see buzzards as you climb the hills.
If you enjoy this walk then head to the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle. Here you'll find a bubbling stream with a series of lovely pools and waterfalls.

Postcode

IV51 9YG - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Fairy Glen Skye OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Fairy Glen Skye Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Back in Uig you could enjoy some post walk refreshment at the Ferry Inn. The 19th century Inn is in a lovely spot on the southwest-facing Uig Bay, with a glorious view towards the Waternish peninsula from the garden area. The inn includes a vibrant bar and a restaurant selling high quality dishes. You can find them at postcode IV51 9XP. The inn is dog friendly in the bar.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the north of the Uig Hotel you can pick up the Uig Woodland Walk. This peaceful trail takes you through the Glen Conon Nature Reserve with views of the River Connon, the River Rha and Uig Bay. Near here there's also the scenic Falls Of Rha which are impressive are rainfall.
For a challenging climb on the island head to the Quiraing, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish. The hike is a favourite for many with some spectacular views to enjoy. The Old Man of Storr is another good option with some wonderful rock formations and views to enjoy.
Just to the east is Kilt Rock And Mealt Falls where there's a pretty loch, some wonderful rock formations and a coastal waterfall to see.
Head south east and you can visit the Island's capital at Portree. Here you can pick up the circular Portree Scorrybreac Walk and enjoy views of the picturesque harbour, the colourful buildings of Portree town and out to the Island of Raasay.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Isle of Skye Walks page.

Photos

Morning in the Fairy Glen - geograph.org.uk - 596965

Morning in the Fairy Glen. The shadow falling across the road is cast by Castle Ewen in the square to the south. The glen has a total of 365 conical mounds, each one created by the fairies who live here.

Castle Ewen - geograph.org.uk - 596950

Castle Ewen Castle Ewen is a fairy castle, in the magical fairy glen near Uig. The outcrop is seemingly un-scalable when seen from the nearby road, but is an easy stroll to a surprisingly large and flat summit. The path climbs up through the cleft visible in this picture.

Fairy Glen - geograph.org.uk - 749969

Fairy Glen. The prominent rock is Castle Ewen. Ben Edra is in the distance.

Lochan Mor Rhugh - geograph.org.uk - 1150753

Lochan Mor Rhugh. The large rock above the lochan is Castle Ewen.

Croft near Fairy Glen - geograph.org.uk - 1235255

Croft near Fairy Glen. Looking over Glen Uig from Gleann Conain.

Reflections on Lochan Mor Rhugh - geograph.org.uk - 2695752

Reflections on Lochan Mor Rhugh

Terraces, Fairy Glen - geograph.org.uk - 830671

Striking Terraces in the glen. This view taken from the top of Castle Ewen.

Ruin and stream above Glen Uig - geograph.org.uk - 4191584

Ruin and stream above Glen Uig

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Fairy Glen Skye.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Fairy Glen Skye.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)