Fairy Glen Falls Rosemarkie

The Fairy Glen Falls is a short walk (1.5 miles) near the village of Rosemarkie that passes through magical broadleaf woodland with a babbling brook following the main path to not one but two beautiful waterfalls.

My family and I were on our way to Grannies Heilan Hame. We couldn't check in until 4 pm, so we decided to take a detour and spend the afternoon at the Fairy Glen Falls; this was an excellent way to kill some time.

Travelling up the A9, we took a right on the Tore roundabout along the A832. We noted Wildwoodz Adventure Park and the Clootie Well for a future visit to the Black Isle. Travelling through Avoch and Fortrose, we finally came to Rosemarkie and, a short distance further, the Fairy Glen Falls car park.

Fairy Glen Falls trail head car park

We pulled into the fairly busy car park, it has space for about 20 cars, but we were lucky to grab a space as someone was pulling out. There was no charge for the car park; there were signs up saying no overnight parking. There is a stand to leave your bicycles safely.

Signposts mark the way to the Fairy Glen.

RSPB Fairy Glen

The walk initially takes you down a path alongside the Rosemarkie Burn. We saw local kids having great fun playing on a rope swing on the other side.

Crossing under the road bridge, the track actually goes up into a proper cement path before you reach the start of the Fairy Glen walk.

 

 

The Fairy Glen Walk

It's easy to see why this is called the Fairy Glen Walk; there is definitely magic in the air as you walk through this hidden glen. The smell of fresh air and the sound of water gently flowing by as you walk is very relaxing.

There was a lot of diversity in the walk; sometimes, wooden bridges will take you to the next section, fallen trees over the glittering stream provided interest, and the steep-sided reserve make you feel like you have been transported to another realm.

 

 

We came upon an information board with interesting facts about RSPB Fairy Glen. A lady making her way back said she had given up on the walk as it was too long! That didn't fill us with confidence, but we soldiered on.

 

The Mill Pond

The first major area of interest is the Mill Pond, just under halfway along the walk. This was a pleasant area of still water, with a viewing platform built over the water. We saw ducks here and a grey heron stalking fish over the still waters.

We also saw buzzards circling overhead, or I presumed they were buzzards as mentioned on the information board.

Continuing our walk followed the winding footpath along the sides of the valley; the path crosses bridges in multiple areas, a charming trek through the magical broadleaf woodland.

 

 

 

 

The Lower Falls

Arriving at the first waterfall, the magic seemed to increase; this grotto looked like the perfect place for fairies. The waterfall cascades down rocks to the left, but a stronger stream falls to the right. The pool below the falls is cool and shallow and almost glows under the dappled light below the leafy canopy. I regretted not taking my tripod and ND filter for some long-exposure photos!

It reminded me of a fairy fountain from the Legend of Zelda series for all you gamers out there.

Skipping over the information board mentioned earlier, I didn't realise there were two waterfalls here at the Fairy Glen... a steep stairway beckons you higher to the left of the lower falls.

 

 

 

The Upper Falls

To my surprise, there was an even more impressive waterfall just a short distance past the first. This waterfall is in a more open area and has a wooden bridge which gives an excellent vantage point.

I noted the bridge led to the road above; perhaps this would be a good shortcut if you just wanted to see the falls and not do the entire walk, but I did not investigate this path.

We went down to the side of the falls for some closer photos and selfies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heading home

After spending some time at the second waterfall, we backtracked along the same path to the car park. I had a feeling the kids would sleep well tonight after their adventure to the falls.

 

Fairy Glen Falls videos

Here are a few videos from our visit to the Fairy Glen Falls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What wildlife can be seen at RSPB Fairy Glen?

As the reserve is for birds, the four main species to look out for are:

• Song thrush

• Bullfinch

• Spotted flycatcher

• Long-tailed tit

• Dipper

• Buzzard

Wildflowers can also be seen at different times of the year:

• Lesser celandine

• Primrose

• Wood sorrel

• Wood anemone

• Bluebell

• Water avens

• Sweet cicely

• Meadowsweet

Roe deer can be seen in the winter months and are easier to spot amongst the bare beech, ash, rowan and oak trees.

Why is it called the Fairy Glen Falls?

It's said that long ago, children would decorate the spring near the falls with wildflowers as a tribute to the fairies to keep the waters clean for drinking and washing. Even if there's no truth to that story, you can see why it would be named after fairies; the glen is so magical.

How difficult is the Fairy Glen Falls walk?

If you are a person of low to moderate fitness, you will find this to be an easy walk. It doesn't feel like 1.5 miles; there is so much beauty to keep your mind off sore legs.

Is Fairy Glen Falls suitable for disabled visitors?

Unfortunately not, the path is not suitable for wheelchairs. The path can be muddy and has steep sections and stairs. If you can only walk short distances, you access the walk via the north side, you will start right at the best waterfall, but you will need to descend some steps and there is no easy parking at the top.

Are there public toilets at Fairy Glen Falls?

No, but Rosemarkie has public toilets a short distance away.

What is there to see near Fairy Glen Falls?

• There is a beautiful beach at Rosemarkie with a great cafe.

• Chanonry Point is 2 miles to the south of the falls; this is one of the best places to see dolphins in Scotland.

• Wildwoodz Adventure Park

• Redcastle

• Macfarquhar's Bed

• Clootie Well

• Fortrose Cathedral

Where are the nearest toilets to Fairy Glen Falls?

The centre of Rosemarkie has public toilets, a short distance from the Fairy Glen Falls car park.

Key information on Fairy Glen Falls

• Located near Rosemarkie.

• There is a dedicated car park for Fairy Glen Falls.

• The walk through the glen is 1.5 miles long.

• There are two waterfalls, don't turn back at the first falls.

• A large variety of flora and fauna can be seen in the glen.

Conclusion

We loved our visit to Fairy Glen Falls, it was a little out of the way for us on our journey north, but it was well worth the detour. This would make a fantastic place to visit all year round on your trip along the NC500.