The Fairy Glen

The paid parking area is located in the Fairy Glen car park on the left-hand side of the road. To get there, take the side road that leaves the A87 near the Uig Hotel, towards Sheader and Balnaknock.

(S/E) Leave the car park heading south-east. Cross the road and take the path that starts on the right and overlooks the road for about 150 metres. The path then turns right and climbs up a grassy area to pass behind a small hill before continuing almost flat. The path then crosses a small stream. Continue straight ahead before turning left to stay on the left side of a grassy hollow below the ridge. Descend towards several path crossings, admire a set of stone circles, and pass to the right of them.

(1) For good walkers, turn left onto the path that climbs towards the promontory of the castle (Castle Ewen). The climb continues via a series of steps carved into the rocks, and the final section consists of a narrow rock passage leading to the castle platform, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding grassy hills and the countryside beyond.

(2) Descend with caution.

(1) Head left onto a good path. After about 150 metres, take the gently sloping path on the left, which passes below Castle Ewen. Continue to the next crossroads.

(3) Turn right onto the road leading to a small lochan bordered by the road on the north side. After the lochan, the path runs alongside the road on the right.

(4) Cross the road called Sheader Road with caution and continue along the path opposite. After about fifty metres, turn left onto a good path that climbs slightly, bypassing a marshy area on the left, before descending towards the car park that marks the end of this circuit (S/E).

The route is on good paths or grass. The climb to Castle Ewen is tricky, very stony and ends in a narrow gap between two rocks. Avoid if you are afraid of heights or have difficulty on difficult terrain.

This circuit is easy to follow and the paths are good, except for the climb to the old castle. However, you should wear suitable footwear.

In addition, it is advisable to follow the directions in this description and on the map provided by Visorando, while also taking note of the landscape you are passing through. The distance indications from the starting point, or even the GPS coordinates of the waypoints (including the starting point), can also help hikers find their way.

Hike completed by the author on 16 May 2024.

Fairy Glen

Fairy Glen was formed by the disruption of the terrain caused by a series of landslides. These landslides are a more modest reminder of the huge landslides that formed the Storr and Quiraing. The results were then smoothed out by subsequent glaciation.

At the point (1) there is a set of stone circles. It is forbidden to move them or add to them. Recent work has removed cairns that detracted from the value of the site.