11 Whimsical fairy walks to explore in Scotland

Experience stunning Highland scenery with interactive storytelling at the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail. Here children are invited to become “Faerie Detectives,” following clues and solving a light-hearted mystery as they happen upon fairy houses, secret messages and more; all set against a mystical backdrop of sweeping mountains and loch views. The trail includes a small fee for activity packs that enhance the experience.  

Tucked away near Loch Fyne, the fairy trail at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden offers a whimsical woodland adventure year-round. Meander through an atmospheric woodland shaded by a cathedral-like canopy of soaring trees, and enter a world of fairy doors, red squirrels and other tiny delights – there’s even a wishing well! The garden also has a Gruffalo Trail inspired by the classic children’s books. Designed for families, adults are sure to find the serenity and beauty of the gardens equally spellbinding.  

Famed for its colourful Graffiti Castle, Kelburn’s Secret Forest is a fittingly surreal network of trails hidden within the estate’s woodlands, complete with fairy-tale installations, a gingerbread house, and tree-top walkways. Uncover fairy dwellings, mythical creatures, quirky artwork and storytelling. Beautiful and fantastical in equal measure, Kelburn takes a page out of Alice in Wonderland, appealing to adults and parents alike.  

Let your imagination take flight at historic woodland of Cambo Gardens near St Andrews. Find evidence of fairy activity tucked among the trees and foliage, as well as an array of ever-changing seasonal displays. It’s part of a larger estate that includes a walled garden, café, and regular children’s activities. With flat, buggy-friendly paths, it offers an easy and sensory-rich escape for families blending nature, discovery and play.  

Bellahouston Park is proof that woodland magic can thrive in an urban setting. Nestled behind the ski centre near the Sunken Garden, this colourful woodland path is dotted with miniature doors, painted stones, and handcrafted fairy scenes made by the local community. It’s a charming, urban trail where kids can wander safely and let their imaginations run wild - all just minutes from central Glasgow.

Don’t believe in fairies? You might change your mind on a visit to the Clava Cairns. While not a purpose-built fairy trail, Clava Cairns is steeped in the kind of arcane mystery that inspires legends. This prehistoric burial site features standing stones, ring cairns, and a wooded setting that feels otherworldly, especially for fans of Outlander. Ancient folklore describes Clava as a gateway to other realms, and when the Highland mist drapes the stones, it’s hard not to wonder if that might just be true. 

There are no fairy doors here but you can’t deny the magical energy of the Angus Glens, an ancient landscape steeped in Scotland’s fairy lore. The name Glen Shee even means ‘Fairy Glen’ in Gaelic, while Glen Esk reverberates with legends, including the tale of a piper spirited away by the fae (fairies). At the head of Glen Clova lies Corrie Fee, a vast natural amphitheatre carved by glaciers with tumbling waterfalls, delicate alpine flowers, and a gentle calm which evokes Tolkien’s Middle-earth. 

Short in distance but rich in atmosphere, River Affric and Am Meallan in Glen Affric boasts scenery which might well belong to a fairy realm. Ideal for families with older kids, make your way along the banks of the River Affric framed by tall Scots pine, where the peaty waters flow between Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’ Meadhain. A brisk climb up through bracken and birch reveals a magnificent viewpoint of Glen Affric, often considered one of the most beautiful in Scotland. It’s easy to see why.

This gentle circuit route through the valleys and peaks of Glen Torridon in Wester Ross wouldn’t look out of place in Game of Thrones. Measuring just 9 km, the Loch Coulin and Loch Clair route is almost all flat terrain yet takes in the looming peaks of Beinn Eighe and Liathach which is a rarity for lower-level trails. Tranquil and majestic in equal measure. 

The Saddle is another route that will make you feel you’ve stepped into a fantasy epic. Located in Kintail near Shiel Bridge, just a short drive from Skye, it's described as one of the most magnificent mountains in the Highlands. Expect dramatic scenery, rock scrambling, and sections challenging enough to keep it interesting. Extending 13 km with 1300 m of ascent, this day-walk includes summiting two Munros. 

The Bubbling Toad brings fairy magic indoors at Vogrie House, just outside Edinburgh. This handcrafted space features a Fairy Hollow filled with scrolls, hanging charms and hidden details, alongside areas for potion-making, storytelling, and creative play. While not a trail in the traditional sense, it's an imaginative and detailed interactive experience designed for young children that adults will appreciate too.